A-level Politics
AQA A-level Politics develops your awareness of politics and the relationship between political ideas, institutions, and processes. Government and politics play a huge role in our lives. If you have ambitions of one day working politically in some capacity, or are interested in politics in general, this course will be ideal for you.
- Fast Track
- In a rush? You can complete this course under a year at no extra charge
- 98% Pass Rate
- Students have enjoyed a 98% pass rate
- Exam Pass Guarantee
- If you don't pass first time, we'll support you for free until your next exams
- Online Learning
- Study on your own terms with our learning platform, MyOxbridge™
- Unlimited Tutor Support™
- Get as much help as you want from your expert personal tutor
Course Introduction
A-level Politics online course
Whether we realise it or not, politics has a huge impact on our everyday lives: it’s in the decisions we make, the laws we follow and the way we’re governed. A-level Politics is one of several engaging courses we offer for you to study online with Oxbridge.
Not only is politics enduringly relevant, but studying it also helps develop key skills such as the ability to interpret and explain complex ideas and form sound arguments with critical judgement.In this AQA A-level Politics course, you’ll explore the different governmental systems and political parties in the UK. Then you’ll take a close look at how elections work, considering voting behaviour and referendums, as well as the ideologies that influence elections and government decisions. You’ll gain a solid understanding of the politics of the USA, learning about the key aspects of authority, the relations between institutions and political ideologies and discerning the differences between UK and US systems.
Comparing the UK and US governments can be fascinating; you can explore the key differences and similarities. This course will allow you to evaluate different political parties and understand why they campaign for the changes they wish to make. Improve your critical thinking, analytical skills, and political knowledge whilst gaining a valuable qualification.
Course Info
- Duration
- Study Hours
- Difficulty
- Outcome
- UCAS Points
- Syllabus Code
- Units
-
9–24 months
(Fast Track available)
-
300
-
Level 3
-
AQA
-
56
-
7152
-
8 units (view units)
Awarding Body: AQA
AQA qualifications are internationally recognised and taught in 30 countries worldwide, highly valued and recognised by employers and universities and enable you to progress to the next stage of your life. AQA qualifications suit a range of abilities and include GCSE courses, IGCSE courses and A-level courses.
UCAS
This course carries UCAS points. This means that it can be used to gain direct access to university courses and other higher education qualifications, through the UCAS system.
What you will learn
Below is an outline of the course material you will study:
Unit 1: The Government of the UK
- The British Constitution
- The branches of British Government
- How does Parliament represent us?
- The Prime Minister
- Devolution
Unit 2: Politics of the UK
- Democracy and participation
- Political parties and pressure groups
- The European Union
Unit 3: The Government of the USA
- The Constitutional Framework of US Government
- Principles of the US Constitution
- The Legislative, Executive and Judiciary
- The House of Representatives
- The Senate
- The Committee System
Unit 4: Politics of the USA
- The Electoral Process and Direct Democracy
- The Election Campaign
- The Electoral College
- Political parties and pressure groups
- Civil rights
Unit 5: Comparative Politics
- Constitutions, Executives and Judiciaries
- Theoretical approaches to comparison
- Constitutional arrangements
- Electoral and party systems
- Pressure groups
- Civil rights
Unit 6: Core Ideologies
- Liberalism
- Conservatism
- Socialism
- Key ideas and principles
- Key thinkers
Unit 7: Other Ideologies
- Nationalism and multiculturalism
- Feminism and Ecologism
- Anarchism
- Key thinkers
- Key concepts
Unit 8: Preparing for exam papers
- Paper 1
- Paper 2
- Paper 3
Course Outcome
Upon successful completion of this distance learning course, you will receive an A-level certificate in Politics, issued by AQA. Your certificate is identical to that issued to students at any other school, college or university in the UK.
This syllabus (7152) has been chosen by Oxbridge because it is the best suited to online learning and we believe it provides the best chance of success.
A-level Politics is a well-respected qualification that is looked upon fondly by both employers and universities.
Progression Routes
A qualification in A-level Politics can open various progression routes and career opportunities. If you wish to progress onto higher education, you can study degrees such as:
- Law
- History
- International Relations
- Sociology
- Economics
You can also set yourself up for an exciting career, including:
- Journalism
- Advocacy
- Solicitor/Barrister
- Legal Adviser
Examinations and Assessments
You’ll be required to complete three standard A-level written exams:
- Paper 1: 2 hours, 33.3% of A-level, 77 marks.
- Paper 2: 2 hours, 33.3% of A-level, 77 marks.
- Paper 3: 2 hours, 33.3% of A-level, 77 marks.
These exams contain a mixture of short and long answer questions and extended response questions.
Exam FAQs
Are exams required to pass the course?
For A-levels and GCSEs you will need to sit an exam. You can purchase your exams when you enrol on a course, or you can book them later via MyOxbridge. Either way, once you're on board with us, your tutor will guide you through the process.
Where are the exams held?
Exams will require attendance at a physical exam centre, with detailed information available on our Exam Centres page. We offer guaranteed exam spaces at our partnership centres across the UK, or you can register as a private candidate at a centre of your choice, keeping in mind that fees may vary by location.
When do exams take place - are there set dates?
Exam dates are set nationally and cannot be changed, so it's important to plan accordingly. They are usually late spring to early summer. For example, forthcoming A-level exams are scheduled from 1st March to 31st May 2025, while GCSE exams will run from 5th May to 25th June 2025.
Can exams be taken online?
For A-level and GCSE courses, exams must be taken in person at a designated exam centre.
Are mock exams available? Are they compulsory?
Yes, we offer both compulsory Internal Mocks in the autumn (included in your course fees and delivered online) and optional External Mocks in the spring (for an additional fee, taken at an exam centre). Mock exams are a great way to prepare for the real thing, and we encourage you to take advantage of them.
How and when do I register for exams?
Exam registration opens in the autumn before the summer exam period, so if you plan to take exams next summer, you should register by November of the preceding year. You can complete the exam registration form in your student portal, and our Student Support team is available to help with the process.
Can you take exams outside of the UK?
While our MyOxbridge learning portal is accessible worldwide, most exams must be taken within the UK. Check with us for specific exam requirements to avoid any surprises.
Do I have to buy the exam from Oxbridge in order to study with you?
No, you are not obligated to purchase your exam through Oxbridge. You can either book your own exam centre independently, or take advantage of our partnerships with exam centres for a more streamlined process.
Entry Requirements
A GCSE or equivalent in History is recommended for this course. This AQA A-level Politics syllabus is a difficulty level three: an A-level or BTEC equivalent difficulty, usually suitable for most learners of all ages.