Start Date
- September 2026, Full Time, Day
What You Will Study
Politics impacts every part of your life, from how much a litre of petrol costs to what you study at school. Every day, politics changes and influences how our society is run and is viewed by the people living in the country and those abroad. These perceptions are integral in how the country is governed and how we situate ourselves within the global sphere. You will consider the impact of contemporary events such as the Covid-19 pandemic and Brexit as well as historical contexts that shape how we experience politics today.
During your first year you will study two units focusing on UK politics and core political theories. You will explore democracy in the UK and how people have gained the vote over time, including the role of the Suffragettes. You will look at pressure groups such as Just Stop Oil and whether they are effective in making a difference. You will also study the key elections of 1979, 1997 and 2019 and why people voted the way they did, including the role of the media. In the UK government unit, you will look at how the government runs and how laws are made, as well as the role of backbenches and the influence they can have.
In your second year you will consider theories of how countries can be isolationist and protect their own interests vs having a global, collective approach to politics. You will also explore global politics considering international relations and how they are impacted by factors such as organisations like the UN and NATO. You will study how environmental and human rights issues are viewed internationally and the impact a collective approach can have.
Studying Politics enables you to think critically about the world - a transferable skill which could support you to go into employment at a political think tank, teaching or for a non-government organisation such as Amnesty International. Every year we attend the Politics Conference in London where you will listen to a range of MPs as well as hosting our own Question Time debate.
Why Choose Paston College?
A wide range of subjects
We're proud to be the biggest provider of A Levels in Norfolk, offering 27 A Level courses
Student progression
100% of our students progress to university, employment, apprenticeships, of gap years
Excellent results
Our students do consistently well on their A Level courses, with pass rates consistently in the high 90s
Entry Requirements
You will need to achieve a minimum of two GCSEs at grade 6 or above, and three GCSEs at grade 4 or above. It it also recommended that you achieve a grade 5 in a written subject such as GCSE history or geography.
How You Will Be Assessed
You will sit three exams at the end of your second year, each two hours long. They will contain a choice of essay questions and a source-based question.
Course Progression
Politics is an essay-based subject which places you in a strong position to progress to university and study a degree in subjects such as politics, history and law. Due to the course focus on global politics, you will also be well-equipped to explore a business route.
Where Your Course Can Take You
You could consider a career working for the government, in the civil service, on political campaigns or for local council offices. You could also enter careers in journalism, teaching and international organisations especially if you continue to study international relations.
Fees
If you are a UK or home fee status student and aged 16-18 on the 31st August before the start of your course, tuition fees are free. If you are aged 19 and over please contact the Advice Shop.
