Politics A Level Edexcel
Canterbury Academy, The
The Canterbury Academy, Knight Avenue, Canterbury, CT2 8QA
Available start dates
Available start dates
Application Instructions
Applications Open – 3rd November 2025
Applications Close – 31st July 2026
Entry Requirements –We do have entry recommendations for some courses, especially A-levels, as we would not want you to start a course that would not be suitable for you. We want to give you the best chance of future success.
The course programmes are flexible: students can mix Level 3 courses with Level 2 courses, or A-levels with BTECs. We provide impartial advice and guidance and seek to put you on the courses you want and are likely to be successful in.
Students are expected to study up to 3 A level equivalent subjects (this can be from either A levels and/or Level 3 BTEC subjects) building their own personalised combination of Level 3 subjects OR a full time Level 2 course.
The sixth form runs on a flexible timetable with some courses running until 6.00pm. This flexibility means we can offer as much as possible, to as many as possible, as often as possible.
How to Apply – Please apply via Kent Choices.
Course Summary
A Level government and politics is a very exciting and dynamic subject that should be attractive to any students interested in current affairs and the British political system. This is an ideal subject for students keen on the humanities as it fits very well with subjects such as sociology, economics and history.
It develops skills in communication both orally and written as well as giving students an insight into the concept of power and where it lies in the United Kingdom. Students who study sciences have found the subject very rewarding as it gives them a broad balance of topics in the sixth form.
This specification also includes:
- Strong debating, presentation and writing skills
- Self- critical skills
· Opportunities for independent and autonomous study as well as teacher-led support
Course Details
Using a range of engaging methods, we explore the following topics:
· UK politics
As part of political participation, students will study democracy and participation, political parties, electoral systems, voting behaviour and the media. As part of core political ideas, students will study conservatism, liberalism, socialism.
· UK government
As part of UK Government, students will study the constitution, parliament, Prime Minister and executive, relationships between the branches. In addition, students will study one idea from the following: anarchism, ecologism, feminism, multiculturalism, and nationalism.
· Global politics
In the second year we study theories of global politics including sovereignty, global economics, human rights, global environment, power and developments, regionalism and the European Union.
How will it be delivered and assessed?
Entry requirements
We would recommend a grade 6 at GCSE in English Language. It is helpful if history at GCSE level has been studied but not essential.
Your next steps...
Having A Level politics presents you as a person who can rationally debate a passionate subject, who understands the needs of the UK, who understands how the country is run and what affects it, who can look at arguments with an empathetic but level-headed view and with great social knowledge. You will be a strong candidate for jobs in politics, international organisations, the media, government and political parties or civil service.
Having A level politics can lead you to university degree courses in politics, sociology, ethics, philosophy, advertising, media studies, cinema studies and journalism amongst others, but you will need other complimentary A levels for your chosen education and career path.
For more courses like this, check our courses page.