Why study Politics?

This course will give you valuable insights into the world of political ideas, processes and key institutions.

There can be no better time to study Politics due to the rapidity of change in the world. The loss of confidence in governments in the West and the rise of populist political movements, the breakdown of governments in the Middle East, and Brexit, are all events which point to a crisis in domestic and international politics and have and will continue to touch our lives.

A successful student of Politics will leave the course with a developing knowledge of both domestic and international Issues and will have the skills necessary to make effective contributions to future political debates.

What does the course involve?

There are three broad areas of study:

• The government and politics of the UK

• The government and politics of the USA

• Political ideas

The course asks you to 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 political ideas to be studied have relevance to both of the systems of government and politics in both the UK and the USA. There are set authors whose texts will provide a variety of theoretical perspectives which will further enhance your knowledge and understanding of politics as a whole.

The study of political ideas is an integral part of the course, teaching you to analyse, interpret and evaluate political information to form rounded arguments and make mature judgements about all aspects of political life.

You will be expected to keep up to date by watching current events on TV and reading quality newspapers. You are encouraged to incorporate internet research into working habits.

Course content is delivered via a range of teaching and learning activities which include, lectures, small group presentations, discussions and debates. Past questions are set for homework every two to three weeks for each teacher.

How will I be assessed?

There are three exams at the end of two years. 100% examination.

Leading to a career in?

This is an excellent A Level for many career pathways and university degrees, in fields such as politics, international relations, law, history, sociology, economics, business…all these will benefit from this course.