Government and Politics A Level

Queen Elizabeths Grammar School

Abbey Place, FAVERSHAM, ME13 7BQ

GCE A/AS Level or Equivalent

Level 3

Available start dates

Tuesday, 01 September 2026

Queen Elizabeths Grammar School

2 Year(s)

Full time

Daytime/working hours

<p>There will be a charge for trips and visits etc.</p>

Please contact the provider directly to apply for this course.

Application Instructions

APPLICATIONS ARE NOW CLOSED FOR SEPTEMBER 2026 ENTRY.

Entry Requirements - Please follow the link and download our Options Guide to view the entry requirements for Sixth Form and individual subjects https://www.queenelizabeths.kent.sch.uk/learning/sixth-form/thinking-about-joining-queen-elizabeths-grammar-school-for-sixth-form/

How to Apply -

Internals - Google Form - Speak to Mr Cowlam or Mrs Gossling

Externals - Through Kent Choices

https://www.queenelizabeths.kent.sch.uk/learning/sixth-form/applying-to-the-sixth-form/

You must select a minimum AND maximum of 5 subject choices:

Option A - 3 main subject choices* + an enhancement subject choice** + a reserve subject choice***

Option B - 4 main subject choices + a reserve subject choice

*a main subject choice is a full A Level subject e.g Mathematics/Geography/Physics/German etc
** an enhancement subject choice is either EPQ, Maths in Context or Trinity Acting Exams
***a reserve choice can be either a full A Level or another enhancement option

Course Summary

Government and Politics

A Level

EDEXCEL Level 3 Advanced GCE in Government and Politics

Course Details

Skills that will be developed

You will develop an understanding of how our country works, how decisions are made and of the behaviour of people in relation to elections, ideas and power. You will begin to examine philosophical concepts such as rationalism and liberty, ideologies such as Liberalism, Conservatism and Socialism. You will develop skills of research, written analysis and debate.

What will you learn?

The Year 12 course introduces concepts of democracy and participation by looking at elections, political parties and pressure groups. It also examines the major institutions of the British Government and how they operate (unit 1). The course examines the nature of political ideologies and concepts such as freedom, authority and justice (unit 2). In the final unit, we study Global Politics. This introduces you to International Relations, topics such as War and Conflict, the role of the United Nations, NATO,, and other major international institutions such as the IMF, World Bank and G7/8 and G20. We will examine power politics at the international level, and also issues such as Human Rights and the Environment.

Unit 1 - British Politics

Unit 2 - Political Ideologies

Unit 3 - Politics of the USA

Enrichment

You will have opportunities to look at current affairs through television, newspapers and the internet. You will have a chance to learn through discussion, debate and research. You will gain a perspective on how our society works with an understanding of the nature of power. You will have opportunities to question fundamentals of society, develop your own views and to justify them with hard evidence.

How will it be delivered and assessed?

All exam based assessment

Entry requirements

You must achieve a minimum of a grade 6 at GCSE in a humanities or social sciences subject and an average of a grade 6 from GCSE English Language and English Literature.

Your next steps...

What happens when you have finished?

Government and Politics could lead to a wide range of careers. You could go into a job related to Government and Politics such as working for the Civil Service within areas such as diplomacy, defence, justice, housing, tax, education and other areas of government. You could also become a member of parliament, or work for one as a political advisor. Careers in lobbying or pressure groups are also a good option. The course will also help you develop the skills, understanding and knowledge that many employers across lots of industries are looking for, especially in the government related sectors. This is a good A level to get you into the legal profession or into journalism.

Degrees are available in International Politics, Politics, PPE (Philosophy, Politics and Economics), HSPS (Human, Social & Political Sciences), Strategic Studies, War and Peace Studies and Government. Politics related degrees can lead to careers in business, politics, the law, teaching and journalism as well as a range of managerial and professional careers.

Additional information

http://developments.edexcel.org.uk/gce2008/subjects/politics/

For more courses like this, check our courses page.