Politics - A Level

Applications Open: - 7th November 2025

Applications Close: - 13th February 2026

Entry Requirements: - Offers to join Mascalls Academy Sixth Form are conditional upon meeting specific entry requirements for your chosen subjects, and as a minimum, achieving at least 5 GCSE's at level 5 or above, including English and Maths.

How to Apply: -

Internal Students - Apply via Applicaa using this link https://mascalls.applicaa.com/sixthform

External Students - Apply via KentChoices using this link https://www.kentprospectus.co.uk/login. Please note - after sending your application, you'll receive a welcome email from Applicaa asking for further information.

There are three broad areas of study in this specification:

(1) The government and politics of the UK

(2) The government and politics of the USA, and comparative politics

(3) Political ideas

The specification requires in-depth study of UK and US government and politics. Comparisons across the two political systems are required in the topic entitled “Comparative Politics”. Students will be required to identify parallels, connections, similarities and differences between aspects of politics. This will ensure that students develop a critical awareness of the changing nature of politics and the relationships between political ideas, political institutions and political processes.

The political ideas to be studied have relevance to both of the systems of government and politics. The study of the four ideologies will enhance the students’ knowledge and understanding of politics, political debate and political issues in both the UK and the USA.

Paper 1 – UK: Written exam: 2 hours - 77 marks = 33⅓ % of A Level questions. A mixture of medium length ‘explain’ and essay style questions.

Paper 2 - The government and politics of the USA: Comparative politics. Written exam: 2 hours - 77 marks = 33⅓ %. A mixture of medium length ‘explain’ and essay style questions.

Paper 3 - Political ideas: Written exam: 2 hours - 77 marks = 33⅓ % of A Level questions. A mixture of medium length ‘explain’ and essay style questions.

Level 6 or above in English GCSE (Language or Literature).

Well regarded by all universities, A Level Politics can lead directly to single subject degrees in Politics or International Relations, and to a wide variety of combined courses.