Why choose Politics?

EDEXCEL

There are 3 modules in A Level Politics;

1) UK Politics and Core-Ideas

This module looks at how we participate in Politics, including voting, political parties and joining pressure groups. It also looks at how factors like age, geography, gender, class and the influence of the media can influence how people vote. In the ‘CoreIdeas’ section, you will study political philosophy, looking at the 3 ideas that have had the most impact on Politics in the UK in the last 200 years: conservatism, liberalism and socialism.

2) UK Government and Non-Core Ideas

The second module looks at how the Government functions in the UK. You will study the UK Constitution, the role of Parliament and the role of the Prime Minister and Cabinet. They also look at how the judiciary functions and the Supreme Court. In the ‘Non-Core Ideas’ section, you will study a political idea that is important but hasn’t resulted in a government-forming party. We will choose as a group from a range of topics including nationalism and feminism.

3) US Government and Politics

The final module looks at the Politics and Government of the USA. This involves studying the Politics of the USA (elections, political parties, pressure groups, voter behaviour) and the Government of the USA (the US Constitution, Congress, President and Supreme Court). There is also a synoptic question where you will compare the two – for example, comparing the powers of a UK Prime Minister to a US President.

Grade 6 or above in any written subject at GCSE including English, History, Religious Studies and Geography.

Politics is very useful for a career in Law, as it teaches you about the UK constitution and the processes by which laws are made. Politics is also excellent for a career in journalism and broadcasting, as you will learn about the political structures that you might one day be writing about. Politics is also very useful for careers in the civil service and government, including the police and security services. Politics would also be useful for careers in the private sector, due to transferable skills of argument and analysis.

History, English and Classics.