Course overview
Politics A Level City of Bristol CollegeLively, relevant, controversial – however you would describe A Level Government and Politics, there’s no denying that it’s one of the most interesting and engaging qualifications you can choose.
Political decisions affect people’s lives in two very important ways. They decide how much money the state will take from people in the form of taxes to spend on public projects such as healthcare, education or defence, and also make the laws that govern how we live.
Government and Politics enables you to develop a wide range of skills including: the ability to comprehend, synthesise and interpret political information, analyse and evaluate political knowledge and be able to identify connections, assess similarities and differences between the areas studied.
This course is an option within our business and law, social science and humanities A Level pathways.
- Business and Law Pathway course code: ALBUS&LAW
- Social Science Pathway course code: ALSOCIALSCI
- Humanities Pathway course code: ALHUM
Additional information
Who is this course for?
This A Level is ideal if you’re considering studying politics, sociology, ethics, advertising or journalism at university and is highly regarded by employers in industries including politics, international organisations, the media, government and the civil service.
What you'll learn
You will learn all about the government and politics of the UK, including the workings of parliament, referendums, voting behaviour and pressure groups. You will also explore the government and politics of the US including Congress, the President, Supreme Court and comparisons with the UK political system. Finally, you will learn about political ideas including the three traditional ideologies of liberalism, conservatism and socialism, plus one other option.
Course entry requirements
A minimum of 5 GCSEs at Grade 4 or above including both Maths & English language.
You will provide a copy of your last school report and/or a reference from an employer or relevant professional, this will include attendance. This is to ensure that we can support you to be able to achieve well on the course.
Applicants with 85% or below attendance will have been deemed not to have met this criteria.
All applicants are given an opportunity to discuss any evidence-based mitigating circumstances that may have affected the reference/school report.
How is the course delivered and assessed?
You will be assessed through exams.
Future career and study opportunities
Many students go onto study Politics, International Relations, History and many other subjects at university. Opportunities for political researchers are available as well as direct involvement in politics. In addition, many public services and businesses deal with government and are in need of expertise in how such institutions operate.
Additional costs
This course is free to anyone aged 16-18. There is no formal list of additional costs. However, if you are on a limited income, you may be eligible to receive help with these costs from our Learner Support Funding Bursary.
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