AS/A Level Politics
Start Date
Mon Sep 09 2024
Day / Time
Weekdays
Duration
1 year
Campus
Baltic Campus
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 government and politics of the UK (AS)
- The government and politics of the USA, and comparative politics (A2)
- Political ideas (A2)
The specification requires an in-depth study of UK and US government and politics.
Some of the indicative content is:
- Government of the UK/USA
- Structure of Parliament and Congress
- Powers of the Prime Minister/President, the nature of the Constitution
- Role and functions of political parties and nature of elections and electoral systems
- Forms of direct democracy and the role of Pressure Groups.
Your knowledge and skills will be assessed in a variety of ways including:
- Frequent topic tests
- Mock assessments
- Practical assessments
- Exams; you'll sit one written exam at the end of year 1 and three exams at the end of year 2
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!
You will need to achieve 6 grade 6 GCSEs to study A Levels at Gateshead College.
If you do not meet this profile please still come to an enrolment event to discuss all your options with a member of the A Level Team.
An interview is also required.
This course is free to those aged under 19 years old.
Most people aged 19 years and over can qualify for free 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.
For one to one advice, contact our friendly team who will assess your individual circumstances and give you the right information. You can contact them on 0191 490 2246, [email protected] or via Live Chat or pop along to one of our Enrolment Events.
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.
Our specialist teams can help with:
- Learning difficulties
- Physical and sensory disabilities
- Dyslexia, dyspraxia, neurodiversity or other specific learning difficulties
- Mental health and well being
- Exam access arrangements
- Money, finance and bursary advice
- Careers advice, job and university applications
See here for more information, pop into one of ourenrolment events, call us on 0191 490 4627.
