Politics A Level

Applications Open: - 28th November 2025

Applications Close: - 30th January 2026

How to Apply: - via Kent Choices

Entry Requirements: - Students must meet the following academic criteria:

(a) Applicants must achieve at least an average GCSE grade of 5.7 from eight subjects (this must include at least one modern foreign language, at least one science and at least one humanity).

(b) Applicants must also have GCSE Mathematics and at least one English GCSE at a minimum of grade 5.

In addition to the above requirements, applicants wishing to be accepted on to a particular subject must achieve the requirements set down for that particular course in the Sixth Form Curriculum booklet

https://mgs.kent.sch.uk/admission/sixth-form-entry/

All students study 4 A Levels in Year 12 (Choose 5 subjects on the application form, with the 5th being a reserve). It is important that students refer to the 6th Form Curriculum booklet to ensure that they choose their courses appropriately. (There is the option to drop one of these subjects at the end of Year 12 and undertake an EPQ).

We do not require applicants to write a Personal Statement.

Extended Project Qualification (EPQ): Alongside our extensive A level offering, students are offered the opportunity to gain an Extended Project Qualification (Level 3). This research based qualification is an ideal way to prepare ahead of further academic studies and / or the working world. Students are able to research, plan and realise a 5000 word study on a topic of their choosing. Topics are wide ranging. Many students choose to explore topics that either complement their interests and academic studies or create a bridge to future career aspirations, for example in law or medicine. An EPQ provides ideal content for CVs, university applications and is worth up to 28 UCAS points. Importantly, many universities will lower their offer to students studying an EPQ because they recognise the skills and expertise students gain from studying an EPQ.

Government and Politics is one of the most intellectually stimulating, interesting and relevant subjects that one could possibly study. The study of Politics amounts, in many respects, to the study of power with all its associated issues: Who should have power? What are the different forms of power? Is democratic power the only legitimate form of power? Is legitimate power a contradiction in terms?

You will be taken through a challenging intellectual journey that explores the merits and drawbacks of British political institutions, the main ideological divisions in the modern world, the conflict ridden nature of global politics, all within the context of the intriguing overlaps between political debates and History, Philosophy and Sociology.

Whilst some debates will have a specific British context such as whether we should change our electoral system, or abolish the House of Lords, others will have a broader international context such as considering whether western capitalist nations unfairly exploit the resources of developing countries as part of a new form of colonisation. Whether you wish to indulge your intellectual curiosity, or simply become more aware of the world in which you live, the study of Politics will certainly provide ample opportunity to become a more intelligent and critical thinker. This is a skill that is greatly admired by universities and employers alike.

The 2018 Edexcel Government and Politics course is a linear course with a terminal set of exams at the end of the two year course. Further details about the specifics of the Edexcel Government and Politics specification can be found on the Edexcel website.

Politics is a highly respected subject by universities and many students who study Politics at A Level go on to pursue diverse careers such as Law, Journalism, Business and Project Management, Teaching and the Civil Service.

As above.

To study this course, a specific set of subjects at GCSE is not required, although a Grade 6 in GCSE English Language is desirable. Also, at least Grade 5 in GCSE Maths.

You could take this course to complement other Advanced Level courses, which could lead onto Higher Education in areas of Government and Politics, or more general Higher Education courses. With further training, you could go into a job related to Government and Politics such as working for the Local or National Government within areas of Housing, Tax, Education, Travel and other areas of Government. You could also train further to become a Member of Parliament!