Politics A-level
- Start:
- September
- Duration:
- 2 years
- Location:
- South Sefton Campus
- Level:
- 3
- Delivery:
- On-campus
Course Details
You will look in-depth at UK and US government and politics. Comparisons across the UK and US political systems are addressed in the comparative component. You will identify parallels, connections, similarities and differences between aspects of politics. This will ensure that you develop a critical awareness of the changing nature of politics and the relationships between political ideas, political institutions and political processes.
The study of the four ideologies (beliefs) will enhance your knowledge and understanding of politics, political debate and political issues in both the UK and the US.
Unit 1: Government and politics of the UK:
You will look at the UK Constitution, Government, the powers of the Prime Minister, UK Political Parties, Elections and Voting, Referendums and Pressure Groups.
Unit 2: Government and politics of the USA and comparative politics:
You will look at US Government and Politics. This includes looking at Presidential elections, Pressure Groups, the Constitution, Political Parties, Social Issues. You will also compare UK-US political culture, government and Politics.
Unit 3: Politics ideas:
You will study three core ideas: Socialism/Liberalism/Conservatism and also one or more of the following: Anarchism/Ecologism/Multiculturalism/Feminism/Nationalism.
If you intend to study a programme of three A-level subjects or two A-level subjects and one BTEC Extended Certificate subject:
- You will need a minimum of five GCSEs at grades 4 or above including English Language and Maths. If you haven’t achieved a grade 4 in GCSE Maths, there may be an opportunity to re-sit this alongside your other subjects.
The College will always treat each applicant as an individual. Should you not have or not expect to obtain the grades stated above, or not have relevant industry-related experience, the College would still welcome your application for this course as this will enable us to identify whether this course is, in fact, the right course for you or whether another course may be more appropriate.
All course offers will be subject to satisfactory interview and reference.
Unit 1: Government and politics of the UK:
- Percentage of total marks: 33.3%
- Method of assessment; exam: 2 hours
Unit 2: Government and politics of the USA and comparative politics:
- Percentage of total marks: 33.3%
- Method of assessment; exam: 2 hours
Unit 3: Politics ideas:
- Percentage of total marks: 33.3%
- Method of assessment; exam: 2 hours
- University
- Higher/Degree Apprenticeship
- Employment
Students go on to study Politics and a huge number of universities offer this as a single or joint honours degree programme. Many students go on to study related subjects at university such as American Studies, Social Science or Public Policy to name just a few.
Students can also go on to work in a huge range of industries, however Parliamentary Researchers in the House of Commons and assistant to MPs are often key areas for starting or furthering careers.
University Guarantee
Every Hugh Baird College student who successfuly achieves a Level 3 qualification and meets attendance and entry requirements, is guaranteed a place on a course at the Hugh Baird University Centre.
Frequently Asked Questions
Below are some frequently asked questions that we are often asked:
As an A-level student you will be based at our South Sefton Campus. This is a multi-million pound campus for dedicated to A-levels and was opened in 2009.
You will take three subjects over two years.
We offer a small number of BTEC courses at South Sefton Campus. You can study one BTEC course alongside your two A-levels.
It is not expected that a student would attend both sites, but the feasibility of this would be discussed on an individual basis. Potential timetable clashes and workload would need to be considered in detail for this to be a possibility.
