CCEA
Level 3
QN: 601/8375/5
Curriculum Active
CCEA Level 3 Advanced GCE in Government and Politics
Official qualification regulated by Ofqual, awarded by CCEA. Classified as a GCE A Level.
Qualification Level
Level 3
Awarding Body
CCEA
Syllabus Units
4 Units
Guided Hours
Flexible
Instant access to interactive lessons, quizzes, and spaced revision.
Course Syllabus & Study Modules
Complete breakdown of verified curriculum topics and learning objectives.
1
Political Ideas
Conservatism
Verified
Key Learning Objectives:
- Explain the core ideas and principles of conservatism
- Analyse the different strands of conservative thought
2
Political Ideas
Feminism
Verified
Key Learning Objectives:
- Explain the core ideas and principles of feminism
- Analyse the different strands of feminist thought
3
Political Ideas
Liberalism
Verified
Key Learning Objectives:
- Explain the core principles of classical liberalism, including negative liberty and minimal state.
- Analyse the shift from classical to modern liberalism, focusing on the emergence of positive liberty.
- Evaluate the strengths and weaknesses of the liberal conception of individual freedom.
- Compare and contrast the views of John Locke and John Stuart Mill on the limits of state power.
- Assess the extent to which modern liberalism reconciles individual freedom with social justice.
- Apply the harm principle to contemporary political issues, such as drug legalisation or lockdowns.
4
Political Ideas
Socialism
Verified
Key Learning Objectives:
- Explain the core ideas and principles of socialism
- Analyse the different strands of socialist thought
5
The Government of Northern Ireland
Relations with the UK Government and the Republic of Ireland
Verified
Key Learning Objectives:
- Examine the constitutional and legal framework governing the relationship between the Northern Ireland Executive and the UK Government, including the Sewel Convention and devolved powers.
- Analyse the impact of political tensions (such as over the Northern Ireland Protocol) on intergovernmental relations and the functioning of the Executive.
- Evaluate the effectiveness of the North-South Ministerial Council in promoting cross-border cooperation on key policy areas.
- Assess the role of the British-Irish Council in facilitating East-West dialogue and its contribution to the peace process.
- Compare the significance of formal mechanisms (like the Joint Ministerial Committee) with informal political negotiations in managing relations.
6
The Government of Northern Ireland
The Historical Context
Verified
Key Learning Objectives:
- Explain the historical development of Northern Ireland's government from 1921 to the present
- Analyse the impact of the Good Friday Agreement on the governance of Northern Ireland
7
The Government of Northern Ireland
The Northern Ireland Assembly
Verified
Key Learning Objectives:
- Describe the composition, electoral system, and key functions of the Northern Ireland Assembly.
- Analyse the role of power-sharing institutions and cross-community voting mechanisms.
- Evaluate the effectiveness of the Assembly in representing diverse community interests and promoting political stability.
- Assess the impact of political dynamics, such as suspension and collapse, on the Assembly’s ability to govern.
8
The Government of Northern Ireland
The Northern Ireland Executive
Verified
Key Learning Objectives:
- Explain the formation and operation of the Northern Ireland Executive
- Analyse the power-sharing arrangements between unionist and nationalist parties
9
The Government of the United Kingdom
The Constitution
Verified
Key Learning Objectives:
- Describe the nature and sources of the UK constitution
- Evaluate the arguments for and against a codified constitution
- Analyse the role of parliamentary sovereignty in shaping constitutional developments
- Assess the importance of key constitutional milestones, such as the Magna Carta and the Human Rights Act 1998
- Critically evaluate the impact of devolution on the territorial integrity and constitutional order of the UK
10
The Government of the United Kingdom
The Executive
Verified
Key Learning Objectives:
- Explain the structure and powers of the UK executive
- Analyse the role of the Prime Minister and Cabinet
11
The Government of the United Kingdom
The Judiciary
Verified
Key Learning Objectives:
- Explain the constitutional principles underpinning the role and independence of the UK judiciary
- Analyse the impact of the Human Rights Act 1998 on judicial decision-making and the protection of civil liberties
- Assess the significance of the Supreme Court's establishment in reinforcing the separation of powers
- Evaluate the extent to which judicial review challenges the doctrine of parliamentary sovereignty
- Critically examine the relationship between the judiciary and other branches of government under the rule of law
- Discuss key cases that have shaped judicial interpretations of the Human Rights Act 1998 and their wider political implications
12
The Government of the United Kingdom
The Legislature
Verified
Key Learning Objectives:
- Describe the formal composition and key functions of the House of Commons and House of Lords.
- Explain the stages of the legislative process in the UK Parliament.
- Evaluate the effectiveness of parliamentary scrutiny in holding the government to account.
- Analyse the role of party discipline and whipping in influencing legislative outcomes.
- Assess the impact of reforms to the House of Lords on its legitimacy and effectiveness.
- Compare the relative powers and influence of the two chambers in the law-making process.
13
The Politics of the United Kingdom
Elections and Voting Behaviour
Verified
Key Learning Objectives:
- Describe the different electoral systems used in the UK
- Analyse voting behaviour and the factors that influence it
14
The Politics of the United Kingdom
Political Parties
Verified
Key Learning Objectives:
- Analyse the core ideological principles of the Conservative, Labour, and Liberal Democrat parties
- Evaluate the extent to which UK parties successfully fulfil their representative and governmental functions
- Compare the policy positions of major parties on key issues such as the economy, welfare, and foreign affairs
- Assess the impact of internal party dynamics, leadership, and factionalism on policy development
15
The Politics of the United Kingdom
Pressure Groups and Social Movements
Verified
Key Learning Objectives:
- Differentiate between sectional and promotional pressure groups with contemporary examples
- Explain the distinction between insider and outsider groups and their strategies
- Analyse the methods used by pressure groups to influence government, including lobbying and direct action
- Evaluate the factors that determine the effectiveness of pressure group campaigns
- Assess the role of social movements in advancing political causes and shaping public discourse
16
The Politics of the United Kingdom
The Media and Politics
Verified
Key Learning Objectives:
- Explain the role of the media in the political process
- Analyse the impact of the media on public opinion and political behaviour
Regulatory & Verification Details
- Qualification Number (QN)
- 601/8375/5
- Regulated Status
- Available to learners
- Awarding Body
- CCEA
- Qualification Type
- GCE A Level
- Operational Start
- Sept 2016
- Operational End
- Aug 2029