This course is for high achieving GCSE leavers with a passion for and interest in Politics, and who wish to grow their written, critical thinking and evaluative judgement skills with a view to pursuing University education, degree apprenticeships or careers in Law, the Civil Service, Journalism etc. It often goes well with History, Law, Sociology or English courses, but many students study a broad range of additional subjects depending on their skillsets.
To study Politics is to study the pursuit of understanding power, people and ideas. Politics affects every aspect of our lives, and is constantly evolving. This course will give you the opportunity to develop your knowledge and understanding of the impact decisions of those in power have in relation to current local, national, and global issues – issues which impact all of us on an everyday basis.
In your first year you will study the UK political system, exploring assessing amongst other things the health of our democracy, whether our rights are protected, and how the identities of our political parties are changing. You will also seek to determine where political power really lies in the UK by exploring how the UK’s constitution & devolution conditions relationships between Parliament, Prime Minister & the Cabinet, and the Judiciary.
In your second year you will cover the US system, including the US Constitution, Congress, the role & powers of President, Presidential Election, Political Parties and the Supreme Court, as well as the study of ideologies such as Liberalism, Conservatism, Socialism & Feminism.
A mix of traditional and more interactive teaching methods are used, such as class discussions, debates, presentations, independent research and investigations, use of media, group work and trips.
Modules:
Year 1:
Component 1: UK Politics & Core Ideologies
Democracy and Participation (including Types of Democracy, Pressure Groups & Rights), Political Parties, Electoral Systems, and Voting Behaviour, Elections (1979, 1997 & 2024) and the Media.
Component 2: UK Government & Non-Core Ideology
The UK Constitution & Devolution, Parliament, Prime Minister & Cabinet, and the Location of Sovereignty (Relations between branches, the Supreme Court & Judiciary, and the impact of leaving the European Union)
Year 2:
Component 1: UK Politics & Core Ideologies
Core Ideologies: Liberalism, Conservatism & Socialism – Key Ideas and Beliefs, History & Key Thinkers
Component 2: UK Government & Non-Core Ideology
Non-Core Ideology: Feminism – Key Ideas and Beliefs, History & Key Thinkers
Component 3: Politics of the USA
- The US Constitution & Federalism, Congress, The Presidency & Presidential Power, Presidential & Congressional Elections, Party Politics, Interest Groups, the Supreme Court and Civil Rights
- Comparison of UK & US Concepts & Institutions, utilising Comparative Theories of Politics
