Politics

Applications Open: 5th December 2025

Applications Close: 31st January 2026

Entry Requirements: 5 GCSE grades of 4 or above of which must include English & Maths. Then individual subject criteria

Science and Maths - require level 7 in subject to study (plus 6 in maths for science subjects)

Most other courses require level 6 to study

Politics has a significant impact on our everyday lives. There has never been a better time to further your understanding of the subject because of events happening in the country and world now. From the war in Ukraine, Brexit or the political infighting in the UK, all major events are analysed and debated in full allowing you to form an opinion and critically analyse current events as they happen.

You will take from this course the ability to consider a variety of complex arguments, and an in-depth knowledge of the UK and Global political systems.

Component 1: UK Politics

Political Participation: This covers democracy and participation, political parties, electoral systems, voting behaviour and the media

Core Political Ideas: This covers Conservatism, Liberalism and Socialism

Written Paper: 2 hours – three essays to be written

Component 2: UK Government

UK Government: This covers the Constitution, Prime Minister and Executive, Parliament, relationships internal and external.

Political ideas: Nationalism

Written Paper: 2 hours - three essays to be written

Component 3: Comparative Politics

Global Politics

The State and Globalisation, Political and economic institutions, Human rights and environmental institutions, Power and development, Regionalism and the EU and comparative theories of Realism and Liberalism.

Written Paper: 2 hours - two short answer questions and two essays to be written

Component 1: UK Politics

Written Paper: 2 hours – three essays to be written

Component 2: UK Government

Written Paper: 2 hours - three essays to be written

Component 3: Comparative Politics

Written Paper: 2 hours - two short answer questions and two essays to be written

Students will need to have a grade 6 or above in GCSE English Literature or Language and a grade 5 or above in Mathematics. Students will also need a grade 5 or above in a Humanities subject.

Students can go on to study the subject at most leading universities or take up employment. Politics can be a useful choice for a wide range of careers as students develop a variety of transferable skills as they study the different political ideas and systems. The subject develops proficiency in written communication, analysis and evaluation; these skills are in great demand, and are recognised by employers, universities and colleges as being of great value.