What is needed to study Politics?

You do not need to have studied politics before in order to take the subject at A Level. However, it is important that you follow the news and have a genuine interest in contemporary political issues. You will need to have achieved at least a Grade 5 in English or English Literature, as well as a Grade 5 in a Humanities subject at GCSE.

What does the course involve?

This Edexcel course combines both UK and American politics. There are three components at A Level:

• Component one: UK politics and core political ideas
• Component two: UK government and non-core political roles
• Component three: comparative politics: Government & Politics of the USA

How is Government and Politics assessed?

A2 examination (in Year 13)

• Component one: Written paper two hours (33.3% of A level)
• Component two: Written paper two hours (33.3% of A level)
• Component three: Written paper two hours (33.3% of A level)

What will I be able to do with an A Level in Politics?

To employers and universities, politics is a serious academic subject which is highly respected. Politics students are valued because they have learned to think for themselves about important issues and developed skills in analytical essay writing. Politics combines well with a range of social science and humanities subjects, as well as language or science A Levels. Politics students often go on to complete degree courses in areas such as law, history, international relations, economics and of course politics.