Course Overview
This qualification is part of a full-time programme, studying 3 or 4 A-Level subjects and/or AAQs.
This A-Level is awarded by AQA.
Year 1:
In the first year of the A-Level, you will study UK government and political participation in the UK. In order to understand the workings of UK government, your study will include the UK constitution, parliament and the role of the prime minister and cabinet. In the second half of the first year, you will analyse and evaluate the concept of democracy and participation in the UK through an investigation into pressure groups, electoral systems, voting behaviour and political parties.
Year 2:
In the second year, you will take a comparative approach, analysing the similarities and differences between the government and politics of the USA and the UK. You will also study four key political ideologies that have had a huge influence on both history and political systems around the world: liberalism, conservativism, socialism and anarchism.
The course employs a variety of learning approaches, these will include: lecturer led teaching; discussions and debates; activities and investigations; regular exam style writing practice; watching and listening to relevant programmes and news footage; reading articles and reports; and watching parliament live. There is a field trip each year year to either the Scottish Parliament or Westminster.
Entry Requirements
5 GCSEs at Grade 5 or above, which must include Maths, and English Language at Grade 6.
After Your Course
Politics will enable students to pursue many different courses at degree level, with Law and History being the most popular. Employment opportunities include work with members of parliament, journalism, local and central government, and Law, amongst others.
Fees
£1987.00
The fee displayed is the course fee. Course fees are per year for full-time courses and per course for part-time courses.
Other costs may be associated with this course, such as kits, equipment, books, and trips. Financial support may be available to support you with these. See the Student Money pages for more information.
Courses fees
The current full-time & degree-level fee information is related to the 2025/26 academic year.
Level 3-6 Courses
Advanced Learning Loans are available for students aged 19 or over who are studying eligible level 3, 4, 5, and 6 courses. If you are on an Access course, the loan will be written off if you complete a degree.
You may qualify for financial support to cover the cost of a Level 3 qualification if you do not already hold a Level 3 qualification (this will depend on the course and your age as of 31 August 2025).
Please speak to Student Services for more information on course fees.
A-Levels
The fees displayed are for the one-year AS-Level course. If you would like to progress to the full A-Level, please get in touch with us to inquire about the cost of the second year, as it will vary.
16-18 year olds
There are no course fees if you were aged 16-18 on 31/08/25 and are not studying at another institution.
