Politics A Level
Qualification: GCE A Level in Politics
Exam Board & Specification Code: Pearson; 9PL0; Specification
Course Entry Requirements: 4 in English Language GCSE
Please make sure that you have understood the overall entry requirements to study at BHASVIC. These are available here and outline the GCSE grades you need to take up one of the Study Programmes at the college.
Length and size of qualification: 2 year single course
Timetable hours: 4.5 hours per week
Assessment method: 3 x 2 hour exams
BHASVIC Department: Philosophy, Politics and Law
What will I study?
Politics is a brilliant course for anyone with an interest what the world is like, how it works, and what it should be like. We have excellent relationships with local and national politicians, and frequently have prominent speakers in to discuss and debate their experience of politics as part of the course.
The first year of politics is focused on the issues facing Britain today. Put simply, this can be expressed through one broad question: how healthy is our democracy? We explore whether the public have become disillusioned with politics; whether our rights are under threat; and what can be done to improve democracy. The last election led to demands for a change to our election system. Why? We investigate these arguments and try to determine the reasons why elections are won or lost. Politics is also about power, who has it, and the limits placed on them. We also study political ideologies. These big ideas – ‘Conservatism’, ‘Socialism’, ‘Liberalism’ and ‘Feminism’ - offer contrasting visions of how to order the world. By digging into works by thinkers such as Marx or Hobbes, we are able to understand where we stand on the political spectrum. In Politics we face controversial and provocative topics; we debate and argue, but we do it objectively and respectfully. As the Greek philosopher Plato once wrote, “by refusing to participate in politics, you must accept being governed by your inferiors”.
We are also fortunate to be one of the only colleges in South East England whose size and expertise gives you a choice between studying the US political system or Global Politics in the second year of the course.
Global politics is an in-depth look at the state of the modern world: why countries go to war, how human rights are (or are not!) protected and whether there can be global agreement and progress on major issues like climate change. We debate whether the UN should be reformed, whether states have a duty to protect the citizens of other countries – at the point of a gun, if needed – and whether the world geopolitical system forces nations into conflict and violence, or if world peace is possible. As a result, an interest in current affairs and a willingness to discuss the major events of the day (Israel/Palestine, Ukraine/Russia etc) is helpful. If you are interested in the world, and curious about why countries behave the way they do and what can be done to change how they act, this will be the perfect course.
US Politics explores how the American political system works. We explore how healthy American democracy is and why money plays such a huge role in US politics. We ask why there are such differences, in terms of abortion rights, the death penalty and drugs laws, between the 50 states. We investigate why it has been so hard to change the US constitution, specifically looking at the right to bear arms. We compare the US political system with the UK’s, exploring if the President truly has more power within their political system than the UK Prime Minister.
Is this course right for me?
If you have a curiosity about why the UK and wider world is like it is, Politics is a smart choice. If you enjoy debating big questions, or listening to debates, then the subject offers lots of chances for discussion. It is important that you are keen to follow developments in the news, whether on TV, in a newspaper or on your phone, because Politics is constantly changing, and our course has to keep up to date with developments. Politics is assessed through essays, so you need to be prepared to work to develop your written style so you can argue convincingly. Politics links with a very wide range of subjects.
Where next?
Everything is political. Politics students are equipped to work in almost any industry or business, in the public or private sector, and anywhere in the world. This subject develops a range of analytical skills which are rated highly in many professions. To provide a full list here is not possible, but there are well-established links to the Civil Service, the organisation which works within government departments to deliver policy. Every bank and financial institution, including large businesses, employ political analysts to report and advise about issues affecting their operations. Other popular sectors include, journalism, law and legal services, the diplomatic core, international organisations such as the United Nations, and non-governmental organisations such as Amnesty International or Human Rights Watch. At university, Politics is a versatile degree which can either be studied alone or as Joint Honours alongside other subjects. Popular Joint Honours include Economics, History, International Relations, Philosophy, Human and Social science, and any language. Useful websites might include Targetjobs, Prospects and All About Careers.
ApplyLast year, 86 BHASVIC students went onto study Politics-related degrees at 32 different universities.
Politics remains year on year one of our top five subjects for University study. Popular subject choices include Politics, Philosophy and Economics (PPE). Human Sciences and International Development.
Popular university destinations include Bristol, Bristol UWE, Exeter, Liverpool and Manchester. Four students also went onto study Human, Social, and Political Sciences at Cambridge and one to History and Politics, also Human Sciences at Oxford and Politics at the London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE).
Should I study Politics at degree level?
Politics is the study of how governments work, how public policies are made, international relations and political ideas - from democracy to human rights. and law. Classes are very much discussion-based. Wider reading is required to really come to grips with the material. The course is very dynamic and covers a broad range of social sciences.
Types of Politics degree
You can choose to study single honours Politics but many students choose a combined degree with:
- Languages
- History
- Philosophy
- International Relations
- Business
- Economics
- International History
Entry Requirements
A-levels (or equivalent) usually required
- No Specific Requirements
Useful to have
- English
- Mathematics
- Religious studies
- Classics
- Politics
- Religious Studies
Top Universities for Politics
Oxford, St Andrews, UCL, LSE, Cambridge
Warwick, Bristol, Loughborough, Aberystwyth – all very high student satisfaction scores
Durham, Exeter, Sheffield, Essex - all with top graduate prospects
Many of our students choose a combined degree - applications from our students have included:
- Human, Social, and Political Sciences
- Politics and International Relations
- Asia Pacific Studies and International Relations
- Politics with Chinese
- American Studies and Politics with a Year Abroad
Example entry requirements:
A-Level/BTEC equivalents (please check):
Liverpool Politics & Economics A,A,B
Lancaster Politics A,B,B
Plymouth Politics 104-112 tariff points from a minimum of 2 A Levels
Why not try a foundation degree or higher apprenticeship?
Wolverhampton Politics and Social Policy with Foundation Year (Foundation) D,D
Some examples of Politics-related degrees that our BHASVIC students have gone onto study in the past few years are:
- International Politics
- Economics and Politics with Year Abroad
- European Social and Political Studies (4 years)
- European Politics
- French and Politics
- History and Politics of the Americas with a Year Abroad
- International Relations and Politics
- Law with Politics
- Political Science and International Relations
- Political Science and Sociology
- Political Science with Year Abroad
- Politics, Philosophy and Law (PPL)
- Politics and American Studies
- Politics and Contemporary History
- Politics and Economics
- Politics and Modern History
- Politics and Modern Languages & Cultures
- Politics and Sociology
- Politics with Chinese
- Politics with Economics
- Modern History and Politics (Integrated)
- Politics and Social Policy with Year Abroad
- Politics with Study Abroad
- Politics, Philosophy and Law
- Politics, Sexuality and Gender
- Social Policy and Politics
How BHASVIC helps: We have a wide range of information and resources to support students applying for university including subject area guides, personal statement and UCAS resources, super-curricular activity guides, open day and bursary information. We also cover university research, careers, art foundation and all other destinations in depth in tutorial and students can choose an appropriate pathway for them in the second year from UCAS, Employability & Enterprise, Visual Arts, Oxbridge and Medics. Our Spring Futures Fair brings in a huge number of university visitors with workshops and information stands and departments will bring speakers in wherever possible.
From social & political research to journalism, marketing & HR, studying politics & international relations opens up many career opportunities:
- Business development manager
- Diplomatic Service
- Charity officer
- Government Advisor
- Local government officer
- Market researcher
- Marketing executive
- Civil Service
- Newspaper journalist
- Local Government
- Public relations officer
Career Prospects
Most politics or international relations students don't actually go into politics although many do, as activists, fundraisers and researchers. Other popular industries include marketing and PR, management consultancy, youth and community work, the finance industry and academic research (you usually need a postgraduate degree to get into research). Politics is a very popular subject at university, and so about one in six politics graduates go on to take another course to get a Masters after they finish their degrees.
Other useful pathways include the Civil Service and policy makers.
Local Market Information
Civil Service Fast Stream
If you enjoy a challenge, want to make a difference and are eager to take on responsibility, consider joining the Civil Service Fast Stream. The Civil Service Fast Stream is an accelerated leadership development programme that provides talented graduates from a range of backgrounds with the experience, skills and knowledge needed to become senior leaders within the Civil Service. You'll gain a variety of experience through different placements or postings in government departments and agencies. may work in roles involving direct contact with the public.
Examples of apprenticeships and opportunities include:
- Political Assistant
- Border Force Officer
- Civil Service (various roles)
How BHASVIC helps: We have an excellent Careers Hub and careers advisors who are available for appointments through student services. Local jobs are advertised and they will advise on skills and specialist areas such as degree apprenticeships. Students can choose an appropriate pathway for them in the second year from UCAS, Employability & Enterprise, Visual Arts, Oxbridge and Medics. Our Spring Futures Fair brings in a huge number of careers & apprenticeship visitors with workshops and information stands and departments will bring speakers in around the subject area.
You will gain many transferable skills studying Politics that will be valued in the workplace including:
Gathering / analysing information from different sources, exploring different perspectives, developing informed views, presentation skills, data handling, constructing arguments, meeting deadlines
Local Skills
The Local Skills agenda considers job prospects and employment in our local area of Sussex. Many of our students will contribute to the National Skills agenda and go onto find a career in a wide range of sectors. For students in Sussex our local skills are identified as the following sectors:
- Construction
- Creative & Cultural
- Digital (includes IT and Technology)
- Engineering & Manufacturing
- Healthcare (includes Bio Life Sciences and Pharmaceutical)
- Visitor & Hospitality
- Land-based (includes Agriculture and Viticulture)
- Green Skills
Degree choices that match the Local Skills agenda our BHASVIC students went onto study include:
- Philosophy and Politics
- Politics and Chinese
- Politics and Data Science
- Politics and Hispanic Studies
- Politics and Social Anthropology
Career choices that match the Local Skills agenda our BHASVIC students went onto work in include:
- Civil Service
- Political Consultant
- Government Advisor
- Politicians
- Diplomatic Service
How BHASVIC helps: Skills Week in A1 helps students build skills in the workplace and a focus on developing skills through tutorial in A1 and A2 supports students in writing outstanding Personal Statements and CVs. We know our students have already gained a wide variety of skills at home and with extra-curricular activities and will increasingly take up jobs. Our focus is on supporting them to evidence skills already gained, identify gaps and ensure that they transfer that to CVs and applications. This is in partnership with every curriculum area.