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Course overview
If you are interested and engaged in learning about political issues, the A Level Politics course will enable you to analyse and understand politics in depth. You don't need extensive knowledge of politics to study the subject, but a desire to keep informed about political issues is essential to your success on this course.Topics that will be covered include:
Unit 1 Politics and Political Ideas
Democracy and Participation, Political Parties, Electoral Systems, Voting Behaviour and the Media - understanding core ideology: Liberalism, Conservatism, Socialism
Unit 2 Government & Political Ideas
The Constitution, Parliament, the Prime Minster and the Government, Relations Between the Branches of Government - understanding fringe ideologies: Anarchism.
Unit 3 US Politics
Comparative Politics - UK vs US linkages, US Constitution and Federalism, Congress, The Presidency, Supreme Court and Civil Rights, Democracy and Participation, Comparative Theories
The course includes a variety of learning experiences such as lectures, videos, group work, presentations, discussions, quizzes, examination practice and personal research.
What else do I need to know?
Politics links very well with Law, History and Social Sciences. Politics students can partake in activities such as the Youth Parliament and visits including a trip to London to the Houses of Parliament and a visit to New York and Washington.What are the entry requirements?
A minimum of five GCSEs at grade 5 or above including maths and English Language, in subjects relevant to your A Level or A+ Programme subject choices.
How is it assessed?
Assessment takes the form of three written examinations at the end of two years of study. In all exams there will be a source based question and traditional essay style questions.
Progression to year 2 will be dependent on successful completion of the first year taking into account Internal Progression Examination results and the Key Assessment Profile throughout the first year.
Progression to year 2 will be dependent on successful completion of the first year taking into account Internal Progression Examination results and the Key Assessment Profile throughout the first year.
What financial support is on offer?
This course is free for anyone aged 16 – 18. If you are outside this age group please contact 01782 254188.
College Maintenance Allowance (CMA): Anyone with a household income under £23,000 can receive up to £20 per week financial support to help pay for travel and meals and meet the costs of essential trips, books, stationery and equipment. The payments will be subject to full attendance on your course. A range of other financial support is available, depending on your personal circumstances. For more details visit www.nscg.ac.uk/finance
College Maintenance Allowance (CMA): Anyone with a household income under £23,000 can receive up to £20 per week financial support to help pay for travel and meals and meet the costs of essential trips, books, stationery and equipment. The payments will be subject to full attendance on your course. A range of other financial support is available, depending on your personal circumstances. For more details visit www.nscg.ac.uk/finance
What can I do next?
The study of A Level Politics provides an excellent general qualification for many careers. Those wishing to progress to Higher Education will find that universities recognise the independence of thought and critical awareness that A Level Politics courses develop. In addition, many employers appreciate the skills and knowledge that Politics students will have gained.
How do I find out more?
If you wish to find out more you can contact Nathan Greenwood, Head of History & Politics by emailing: nathan.greenwood@nscg.ac.uk
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