Government and Politics

Applications Open: - Now

Applications Close: - Friday 13th February 2026 (This is the official deadline, when planning for the new timetable will begin; however, applications may still be accepted after this date.)

Entry Requirements: - 6 GCSE passes at Grade 5+, including a minimum of Grade 5 in Mathematics and English.

How to Apply: - Apply via KentChoices

Why study this subject?

The course is designed to promote interest in the discipline of politics and offers an insight into political participation, competing beliefs and governmental institutions in the United Kingdom and the United States. Students will also be given grounding in political ideologies. There is a good deal of focus on contemporary political debate and students are encouraged to engage with the news and current affairs.

Students with A Level politics have access to a wide range of possible higher education opportunities. The evaluative and essay writing skills are well recognised by and in great demand from universities. Politics combines well with a range of social science and humanities subjects and may lead to university courses in such areas as: law, business, accounting, economics, history and sociology.

The study of politics opens up a broad range of career opportunities. These include directly related careers which include: civil Service, public relations and lobbying, social and political research for a think tank, politician’s researcher. Careers where the study of politics is also very useful include: law, local government, journalism, human resources, charity officer and market research.

Component 1: UK politics

Political participation

• Democracy and participation, political parties, electoral systems, voting behaviour and the media.

Core political ideas

• Conservatism, liberalism and socialism.

Component 2: UK Government

UK Government

• The constitution, parliament, Prime Minister and executive, relationships between the branches.

Non-core political ideas:

• One idea from the following: anarchism, ecologism, feminism, multiculturalism and nationalism.

Component 3: Comparative politics

• The US Constitution and federalism, US Congress, US presidency, US Supreme Court and civil rights, democracy and participation and comparative theories.

Component 1: UK Politics

2 hours; 33.3% of the A Level qualification

Political participation

One 30-mark question from a choice of two (each question uses a source), plus one 30-mark question from a choice of two – students must complete one of these. All questions assess AO1, AO2 and AO3.

Core political ideas

One 24-mark question from a choice of two, which assesses AO1, AO2 and AO3.

Component 2: UK Government

2 hours; 33.3% of the A Level qualification

UK Government

One 30-mark question from a choice of two (each question uses a source) plus one 30-mark question from a choice of two – students must complete one of these. All questions assess AO1, AO2 and AO3.

Non-core Political ideas

One 24-mark question from a choice of two, which assesses AO1, AO2 and AO3.

Component 3: Comparative politics (USA)

2 hours; 33⅓% of the A Level qualification

• One 12-mark question from a choice of two, which assesses AO1 and AO2.

• One compulsory 12-mark question focused on comparative theories, which assesses

• AO1 and AO2.

• Two 30-mark questions from a choice of three, which assess AO1, AO2 and AO3.

GCSE grade 5 in English Literature or Language or History

Please apply directly to our School or visit our website to download an application form.

admissions@srms.kent.sch.uk