This course offers you a unique and wonderful opportunity to study the political culture, behaviour, processes and key institutions of both the UK and the USA. Lively, relevant, controversial… there are many ways to describe AS/A-level Politics.
There’s no denying that it’s one of the most interesting and engaging qualifications you can choose.
Covering news and current affairs from the UK and US, it helps you understand how the UK country is run and develops research, written communication and debate skills.
It also helps grow your confidence.
You will develop an in-depth understanding and broad and balanced knowledge base of the political systems and workings in both countries.
At AS Level, you will mainly focus upon the UK: this will be extremely comprehensive and detailed.
At A2, you will examine key components of the US system and take a synoptic approach by comparing and contrasting both countries.
You will also study key political concepts and ideologies that have influenced the 20th century and have helped shape and drive political interpretations and debates.
There are three broad areas of study in this AQA specification:
The specification requires an in-depth study of UK and US government and politics.
Some of the indicative content is:
Your knowledge and skills will be assessed in a variety of ways including:
In order to study A-levels with us, all students need to obtain a strong GCSE grade profile, averaging 6 x Grade 6s. You must also have passed maths at Grade 4, and English Language or other humanities subject at Grade 6.
You’ll spend a year at each level; a year at AS Level and a year at A Level.
Students who study the course have access to a wide range of careers and higher education opportunities.
By the end of the course you will have learnt to evaluate and analyse information, work independently and communicate complex ideas effectively.
All these skills are recognised and valued by employers and universities.
Politics provides a basis for a number of popular careers, including journalism, law and business.
You may even become the future Prime Minister!
This course is free to those aged under 19 years old.
Most people aged 19 years and over can qualify for free or reduced price course fees and there are grants and bursaries you can apply for to help cover the costs of coming to college, depending on your circumstances.
If you already have a full level 3 qualification and are aged 19 years over, you can apply for an Advanced Learning Loan or pay the fee upfront in full and qualify for a 10% discount.
You can get more information at our enrolment events, by calling 0191 490 0300 or email us at [email protected]
Whatever support you need, we’re here for you and will make sure you get the most out of your time at college. We have expert teams in place to look after every single one of our students.
To contact our dedicated Learning Support team email [email protected] or head to Live Chat
Knowledge
Mechanical: Knowledge of machines and tools, including their designs, uses, repair, and maintenance.
Customer and Personal Service: Knowledge of principles and processes for providing customer and personal services. This includes customer needs assessment, meeting quality standards for services, and evaluation of customer satisfaction.
Engineering and Technology: Knowledge of the practical application of engineering science and technology. This includes applying principles, techniques, procedures, and equipment to the design and production of various goods and services.
Administration and Management: Knowledge of business and management principles involved in strategic planning, resource allocation, human resources modelling, leadership technique, production methods, and coordination of people and resources.
Sales and Marketing: Knowledge of principles and methods for showing, promoting, and selling products or services. This includes marketing strategy and tactics, product demonstration, sales techniques, and sales control systems.
Median Salary
£36,248
Averge Qualifications
Computers and Electronics: Knowledge of circuit boards, processors, chips, electronic equipment, and computer hardware and software, including applications and programming.
Clerical: Knowledge of administrative and clerical procedures and systems such as word processing, managing files and records, stenography and transcription, designing forms, and other office procedures and terminology.
£59,700
Economics and Accounting: Knowledge of economic and accounting principles and practices, the financial markets, banking and the analysis and reporting of financial data.
English Language: Knowledge of the structure and content of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar.
£67,398
Geography: Knowledge of principles and methods for describing the features of land, sea, and air masses, including their physical characteristics, locations, interrelationships, and distribution of plant, animal, and human life.
Sociology and Anthropology: Knowledge of group behaviour and dynamics, societal trends and influences, human migrations, ethnicity, cultures and their history and origins.
History and Archaeology: Knowledge of historical events and their causes, indicators, and effects on civilizations and cultures.
Law and Government: Knowledge of laws, legal codes, court procedures, precedents, government regulations, executive orders, agency rules, and the democratic political process.
£30,104
Education and Training: Knowledge of principles and methods for curriculum and training design, teaching and instruction for individuals and groups, and the measurement of training effects.
Public Safety and Security: Knowledge of relevant equipment, policies, procedures, and strategies to promote effective local, state, or national security operations for the protection of people, data, property, and institutions.
Psychology: Knowledge of human behaviour and performance; individual differences in ability, personality, and interests; learning and motivation; psychological research methods; and the assessment and treatment of behavioural and affective disorders.
£21,718
Foreign Language: Knowledge of the structure and content of a foreign (non-English) language including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition and grammar, and pronunciation.
£37,121
Understanding the implications of new information for both current and future problem-solving and decision-making.
Using mathematics to solve problems.
Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.
Talking to others to convey information effectively.
Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.
Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work related documents.
Using scientific rules and methods to solve problems.
Communicating effectively in writing as appropriate for the needs of the audience.
Monitoring/Assessing performance of yourself, other individuals, or organizations to make improvements or take corrective action.
Selecting and using training/instructional methods and procedures appropriate for the situation when learning or teaching new things.
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View or download our course guide for 16-18 year olds.