Politics

Course title: AQA A-Level Politics (Specification Code: 7152)

Examining body: AQA

Course duration: 2 years 

Overview of the course

This course explores:

  • UK Politics and Government – democracy, elections, political parties, Parliament, Prime Minister, constitution.
  • US Politics and Comparative Politics – US political system, federalism, presidency, Supreme Court, civil rights, and comparisons with the UK.
  • Political Ideas – core ideologies: Liberalism, Conservatism, Socialism, plus one from: Feminism, Nationalism, Multiculturalism, Ecologism, or Anarchism.

It develops skills in critical analysis, debate, research, and essay writing, and encourages engagement with current affairs

How the course is examined.

Three written exams, each 2 hours, worth 77 marks and 33⅓% of A-Level: 

  1. Paper 1: Government and Politics of the UK 
    • Topics: Constitution, Parliament, Prime Minister, Judiciary, elections, political participation.
  2. Paper 2: Government and Politics of the USA & Comparative Politics 
    • Topics: US Constitution, Congress, Presidency, Supreme Court, civil rights, federalism, comparative analysis.
  3. Paper 3: Political Ideas 
    • Topics: Core ideologies (Liberalism, Conservatism, Socialism) + one additional ideology.

Questions include medium-length explain questions (9 marks) and essays (25 marks).

Any relevant further information such as unit titles, specialisms.

  • Government and Politics of the UK 
    • Nature and sources of the British constitution.
    • Role of Parliament, Prime Minister, Cabinet.
    • Electoral systems, referendums, political parties, pressure groups.
  • Government and Politics of the USA & Comparative Politics 
    • US Constitution, federalism, Congress, Presidency, Supreme Court.
    • Civil rights and democracy in the US.
    • Comparative analysis of UK and US systems.
  • Political Ideas 
  • Liberalism, Conservatism, Socialism.

Plus one: Feminism, Nationalism, Multiculturalism, Ecologism, or Anarchism

Where the qualification can lead to (i.e. next level, university, suggested careers)

  • University progression: Politics, International Relations, PPE (Politics, Philosophy & Economics), Law, History, Sociology, Journalism. 
  • Suggested careers: Civil Service & Public Administration, Policy Analyst / Think Tanks, Political Campaigning & Party Roles, Journalism & Media, Public Affairs & Lobbying, and Diplomacy & International Organisations
  • Skills gained are highly valued in law, business, public policy, and consultancy