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Politics
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Exam board for Politics
AQA · A-Level
More than one course version is available. Check which specification your school uses.
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About Politics
What is Politics?
Studying Politics at A-Level provides a deep understanding of the political systems, ideas, and institutions that shape the UK and the wider world. You will explore the nature of democracy, the workings of the UK government, and the core ideologies that underpin political parties, such as conservatism, liberalism, and socialism. The course typically includes a comparative study of US politics, allowing you to draw contrasts with the UK system. Through engaging with contemporary issues, you will learn to analyse political events, evaluate sources, and construct well-reasoned arguments.
This subject develops a range of transferable skills that are highly valued by universities and employers. You will enhance your critical thinking, learn to debate effectively, and improve your written communication by writing structured essays. Research skills are honed as you investigate political topics and examine evidence from multiple perspectives. Studying Politics encourages you to question assumptions and form your own informed opinions, fostering intellectual independence.
Politics is an excellent foundation for further study in disciplines like Politics, International Relations, Law, History, or Economics. It is also directly relevant to careers in government, journalism, public policy, and campaigning. The ability to understand complex systems and communicate ideas clearly opens doors to a wide range of professions, including the civil service, law, media, and the non-profit sector. Many students find that studying Politics makes them more engaged citizens with a deeper appreciation of the forces that shape society.
Why Study Politics?
What You'll Learn
Where Politics can take you
Where Politics Can Take You
Career paths and opportunities for Politics students
Civil Service Fast Streamer
An A-Level in Politics provides an essential grounding in the structure of government, policy-making, and public administration. It develops the analytical skills needed to work on complex societal challenges and the ability to brief senior officials, making it a direct route into the UK's graduate Fast Stream programme.
Political Journalist
Politics A-Level equips you with the ability to critically evaluate political propaganda, track policy developments, and explain events to a wider audience. The research and writing skills developed are ideal for roles in broadcast, print, or digital media, where you would investigate stories and hold power to account.
Public Affairs Consultant
This career requires a nuanced understanding of how legislation is made, the roles of different political actors, and how to influence the policy process. Studying Politics gives you insight into the machinery of government and the art of lobbying, enabling you to advise clients on effective engagement with decision-makers.
Parliamentary Researcher
Working directly for an MP or Peer, you would draft speeches, conduct policy research, and handle constituency issues. The in-depth knowledge of parliamentary procedures and political theory gained at A-Level is directly applicable, and the subject sharpens the concise writing and argumentation skills vital for the role.
Barrister or Solicitor
Though not required, Politics complements legal study by developing an understanding of how laws are created, the role of the judiciary, and concepts of justice. The analytical rigour and advanced reasoning skills cultivated make it an excellent preparatory subject for a law degree and legal practice.
Common questions
- What jobs can you get with a Politics A-Level?
- A Politics A-Level is highly regarded by employers and universities for the transferable skills it develops. Common career paths include the Civil Service, political research, journalism, law, public relations, and international organisations. The subject teaches you to analyse information, construct arguments, and communicate clearly, which are valued in sectors like finance, marketing, and the charity sector. Many students go on to study Politics, International Relations, Law, or History at university, which further broadens their options.
- Is Politics A-Level hard?
- The difficulty of Politics A-Level depends on your strengths and interests. It involves a substantial amount of reading, keeping up with current affairs, and writing well-structured essays under timed conditions. You need to understand abstract concepts like political ideologies and compare different systems, which can be intellectually demanding. However, if you enjoy debate, have a genuine curiosity about how society works, and are willing to develop your writing, many students find it engaging and manageable. Success requires consistent effort rather than a special talent.
- What is the difference between UK and US politics studied at A-Level?
- Most A-Level Politics courses in the UK include a comparative unit on the USA. The UK section focuses on Parliament, the Prime Minister, elections, and the role of the judiciary within a constitutional monarchy. The US section examines the President, Congress, the Supreme Court, and federalism within a presidential system. Comparisons centre on differences in the separation of powers, checks and balances, party systems, and the protection of rights. Studying both reveals how history and culture shape political institutions.
- Do you need Politics A-Level to study Law?
- No, Politics A-Level is not a requirement for studying Law at university – most law schools do not specify particular subjects. However, it is an excellent preparation because it teaches you to understand legislation, the justice system, and the principles of governance. The essay skills and logical reasoning you practice are directly transferable to legal study. Many successful law applicants have taken Politics alongside other facilitating subjects like History, English Literature, or a modern foreign language.
- What's the difference between Politics A-Level and Government and Politics?
- In the UK, 'Politics' A-Level is essentially the same as 'Government and Politics' – the full title is often used interchangeably. The subject covers both the institutions and processes of government (how the country is run) and the broader political ideas and ideologies that shape policy. Some exam boards may title the qualification 'Politics' while others use 'Government and Politics', but the core content includes both descriptive government and analytical political theory. Always check the specific specification from AQA, Edexcel, or OCR for precise details.
- Is Politics A-Level respected by universities?
- Yes, Politics is a well-respected academic subject, classified by the Russell Group as a 'useful' A-Level for many degree courses. It complements a wide range of subjects and is often cited alongside History, Economics, and Law as a strong preparation for social science and humanities degrees. Universities value the critical thinking, research, and writing skills it develops. However, if you are aiming for a specific competitive course, it is wise to check the entry requirements and consider pairing it with another facilitating subject like History or a language.
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