Politics
A LEVEL
The French philosopher, Michele Foucault, wrote that ‘everything is political’. In many ways he was right, politics is really about the existence of power relations, which occur in every aspect of life. The questions we need to ask ourselves in politics are: who has power? Who gave them that power? Are they right in exercising that power? Perhaps most importantly, how can we remove people from power?
Key topics
political participation: democracy and participation, political parties, electoral systems, voting behaviour and the media
UK Government: the constitution, parliament, Prime Minister and executive, relationships between the branches
political ideas: liberalism and socialism
political ideas: conservatism and feminism
global politics: sovereignty and globalisation, global governance: political and economic, global governance: human rights and environmental, power and developments, regionalism and the European Union, comparative theories
You will
develop critical thinking skills
formulate arguments, both written and oral
develop reading and essay writing skills
become knowledgeable in current affairs and political news
+ Entry requirements
A minimum of 5 GCSEs (average score of 5)
These must include:
- English Language at grade 5
- Maths at grade 4
+ Assessment
Assessment methods include:
- Exams
+ What can I study with this course?
This course can be taken as part of an A Level programme.
We recommend that students choose three A Levels or a combination of Level 3 Extended Certificates and A Levels. Depending on your GCSE grades and long-term destination, some students may be able to take up to four A Levels.
If you are planning on progressing to university, the majority of university courses do not require specific subjects. Most universities prefer that you are able to demonstrate skills and competance via the successful completetion of related courses. Therefore we recommend that the most important thing when choosing course combinations is that you choose a range of subjects that your enjoy and excel in.
We do not recommend that your take two courses that are similar to each other in content.
Some courses and universities require that you take specific A Levels for entry onto their courses. Please visit: UCAS.com and explore individual university entry requirements for more information.
If you are planning on studying Medicine, Veterinary Science, Dentistry or other competitive science based courses, most universities require you to take Biology, Chemistry and either Maths, Statistics or Physics.
If you want more information on choosing your A Levels, please speak to your schools career advisor or chat to us at any of our careers or open day events.
+ Why study at NewVIc
You will develop a global view on the making of the modern world. Become an analytical thinker and develop a broad set of academic skills that will prepare you for a wide range of careers.
Unique partnerships
- Kings College Classics Programme
- Kings College Historical Memory and Identity Programme
- Wadham and Pembroke Humanities Programmes with Oxford University
- Links with Oxford and Cambridge Historians
- SOAS Holocaust Educational Trust
- EPQ with Greenwich University
- Cromwell Society
- Historical Association
- Geography Association
- French Cultural Institute
- Investec
- Bank of England
- Stephen Timms MP
- Friends of the Earth
- Parliament Education Services
Inspirational academics
You will learn from experts with academic qualifications including Masters degrees in a range of subjects including philosophy, linguistics, media and communications, enabling your lessons to be taught at a high level throughout your studies.
Outside of college, members of the Humanities team also perform as musicians, sportspersons and work as political campaigners. They are interested in a wide range of issues including environmental, sustainability and women's issues
+ How we support you
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, ADHD, Aspergers or other specific learning difficulties
- Mental health, counselling and wellbeing
- Exam access arrangements
- Money, finance and bursary advice
- Careers advice, job and university applications
+ Next steps
An A Level in Government and Politics provides an excellent background for careers in law, journalism, the caring professions, teaching, and a range of management and business areas.
+ Top universities for Politics
The Complete University Guide give university rankings each year. If you are planning on progressing to university, find out which universities are ranked most highly for Politics.