Politics A Level 3

Applications Open – 21st November 2025

Applications Close – 30th April 2026

Entry Requirements – At least 5 GCSE passes at grades 9-5 in the new qualifications (or A*- B grade in the old GCSEs) including English (either Literature or Language if both were taken) and mathematics.

Preference on Advanced Level courses will be given to those students securing at least a grade 6 (or grade B in the old GCSE assessment system) in the subject they wish to study.

How to Apply – Please apply via KentChoices

COURSE DETAILS – There is no formal coursework requirement. However, we do have internal patterns of assessment that include close monitoring of notes, set written work assignments on a regular basis, periodic tests and general monitoring of progress. We expect students to follow current affairs closely and to report to the class in groups on Politics in the News.

Year 12

Year 13

Component 1: UK Politics
This unit introduces students to the key channels of communication between government and the people. It encourages students to question the adequacy of existing arrangements for representation in the UK.

Component 3 – Comparative Politics

This unit will involve a study of global political theories including sovereignty and globalization. Global governance both politically and economically. Human rights and environmental issues, regionalism and the European Union.

Component 2: UK Government
This unit introduces students to the major government processes within the UK. It encourages students to develop a critical understanding of the role and effectiveness of key institutions.

Extra Component – Political Ideas

In addition to component one students will explore the traditional political ideas of conservatism, liberalism and socialism. Furthermore in addition to component two the ideas of anarchism, ecologism, feminism, multiculturalism and nationalism.

ASSESSMENT - You will learn using active and collaborative learning approaches, as well as individual reading and written assignments. You will be expected to keep up with current affairs by reading newspapers, watching and listening to the news and you will also be given access to a rich array of visual and auditory resources to help you through the course website.

ADMISSIONS - This is an opportunity to study a new subject, which you will not have taken at GCSE. This course allows students to develop a good understanding of British, European and international politics in the twenty-first century. At a time of enormous political tension and change in the world, students will find the debates which are central to this subject fascinating. This subject is highly prized by Universities and links well with History, English and Business courses.

CAREERS - Politics at this level can lead to many opportunities and is accepted by all universities. In the past we have noticed that students with ambitions to go into the Legal profession, Business, Journalism and the Civil Service have found the course particularly useful.