A Level Government and Politics

Applications Open – Monday 3 November 2025

Applications Close – Friday 13 February 2026

Entry Requirements – Can be found on the course booklet on our website: https://4905753ff3cea231a868-376d75cd2890937de6f542499f88a819.ssl.cf3.rackcdn.com/bartoncourt/uploads/document/Sixth-Form-course-booklet-2026.pdf

How to Apply – Please apply via KentChoices

This subject links very well to a number of subjects and combinations of subjects. In particular there are obvious links with Economics, History, English and Languages. Many key skills can be developed and assessed through this subject including ICT, communication (discussion and presentation) and working with others on various group projects.

Component 1:

UK Politics

Topic 1: Political Participation - This section explores the nature of politics and how people engage in the political process in the UK.

Topic 2: Core Political Ideas - This section allows students to explore the three traditional political ideas of conservatism, liberalism and socialism.

Component 2: UK Government

Topic 1: UK Government – This section explores the UK constitution and enables students to understand where, how and by whom political decisions are made.

Topic 2: Optional Political Ideas – This section allows students to examine core ideas and principles, the effects of these ideas, the divisions within each idea and their key thinkers.

Component 3: Comparative Politics

In this unit students have an opportunity to develop an understanding of the local, national, international and global dimensions of political activity. It also gives them the opportunity to explore the political issues that affect all of us.

Each of the three components are given equal weighting (33â…“% of the qualification) and each of the three have 2 hour exams which are worth 84 marks each.

Sixth Form entry requirements, including GCSE English language grade 6 or a GCSE in a humanities subject at grade 6.

This course would be useful for a wide variety of careers. These include journalism, the law, business, civil service, local government and Parliament.