Why Government and Politics?
If you have an interest in news and current affairs and like to think that you could make a difference in the world, then this is probably the course for you. If you enjoy debate and have strong opinions about UK and world affairs, or want to understand how governments reach and implement decisions which shape the world for millions of people, then politics will be right up your Downing Street!

Are there any recommendations for entry to this course?
GCSE passes at grade 6 in English and a humanity would be preferred.

What will I study?
You will look very closely at all aspects of both British and American politics, both internally and the role they play in world politics. The course consists of extensive studies of British and American party politics; their histories, beliefs, successes and failures. You will also look at the political and legal environment that governments work within; how politics is influenced by the public, media and business.

There are in-depth studies of Britain’s vote to leave the EU, the importance of the Health and
Education systems etc.

Component 1 – UK Politics
Written examination: 2 hours = 331/3% of the qualification. 84 marks.
Content overview
1. Political Participation, students will study: democracy and participation, political parties, electoral systems, voting behaviour and the media.
2. Core Political Ideas, students will study: conservatism, liberalism, socialism.

Component 2 – UK Government
Written examination: 2 hours = 331/3% of the qualification. 84 marks.
Content overview
1. UK Government, students will study: the constitution, Parliament, Prime Minister and executive, relationships between the branches.
2. Optional Political Ideas, students will study feminism.

Component 3 – Comparative Politics
Written examination: 2 hours = 331/3% of the qualification. 84 marks.
Content overview
For the USA (3A) students will study: the US Constitution and federalism, US congress, US presidency, US Supreme Court, democracy and participation, civil rights.

How will I be assessed?
There is no externally assessed coursework for Government and Politics. There are three Examinations each accounting for 331/3% of the final mark.

What can study of this subject lead to?
Politics can lead on to a wide range of Higher Education courses and as well as taking both single and joint honours Politics degrees, you will also find students who have taken this A Level studying for more general degrees in, for example, Humanities or Social Sciences.

Political scientists often pursue careers in law, journalism, media, business, social work, teaching and even politics!