A-Level Politics involves four main components: [1] studying the ways in which politics works in the UK, including elections, the role of parties and the role of the media; [2] studying the development of the UK’s constitution, from its historical roots to present-day challenges it faces; [3] studying the traditions of political ideology, specifically the origins, history and key thinkers of Liberalism, Socialism, Conservatism and Nationalism; [4] studying globalisation’s political consequences and comparing regional and global forms of governance including the EU, IMF, African Union and UN.

There will be a strong focus on developing knowledge of the key concepts behind the study of Politics. This will come about through: [1] clear instruction from teachers, who will use their expert knowledge to communicate these concepts within lessons; [2] the constructive use of homework to build detailed, specific knowledge of both the underlying political principles of the course and up-to-date, relevant examples from contemporary politics; [3] debate and discussion of these principles and examples (along with wider issues of contemporary political discourse) in lessons. Assessment will be done through breaking down key disciplinary skills (like essay writing) into parts for practising and formative feedback, as well as exam-based assessments used to evaluate the development of key concepts.

It will be expected that students will supplement their formal study of Politics in some important ways: [1] by reading widely outside the classroom (books can be borrowed from the Library or the Department; the magazine Politics Review is of great use, and subscriptions can be taken out through the Department); [2] by keeping up to date with current developments in politics through reading quality newspapers and watching analytical news programmes.

Students will be examined by 3 final examination papers at the end of the course. There is no coursework.

Please refer to our entry requirements document.

A Level Politics is a well-regarded qualification for a wide variety of higher education and career opportunities. Many students, but by no means all, go onto to read the subject at well-regarded institutions including Oxbridge, LSE and Bristol. Graduates go into a diverse range of occupations, notably Law, the Civil Service and journalism, as well as teaching and academia.