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Politics A Level

Overview

IMPORTANT
Applications are now open for academic year 2026/2027, but our full-time courses are still being finalised. If your chosen course changes, we'll contact you to offer a suitable alternative that matches your goals. For more information, call our Enquiries Team on 0808 100 3626.

This course can be studied alongside 2 A Levels or 1 A Level and 1 vocational course (as part of our 2+1 offer).

Lively, relevant, controversial...there are many ways to describe A Level Politics. There's no denying that it's one of the most interesting and engaging qualifications you can choose. Covering news and current affairs from the UK and US, it helps you understand how both countries are run and develops research, written communication and analysis skills. It also helps grow your confidence through lively debate.

Students will get the opportunity to visit London and potentially Washington D.C., to consolidate learning about the UK and US political systems.

What does it combine with?

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What will I study?

The core modules of the A Level course will include:

  • Study of the UK and US political systems, together with a module of comparative politics, where you will critically analyse the similarities and differences in both political systems.
  • You will also study a module of political ideas which looks at a wide range of political ideologies across the spectrum liberalism, conservatism, socialism and nationalism.
  • Entry requirements
    • Five GCSEs grade 4-9 including GCSE English Language
    • An overall average of a grade 4*.

    *To work out your grade average, add all of your grades together and divide by the number of GCSEs you've taken. If you need help, please contact our Enquiries Team on 0808 100 3626 or via email at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

  • Assessment

    This course is assessed solely by examination, with exams scheduled for May/June at the end of the second year.

  • Progression

    Supports access to university-level* degree courses such as politics, philosophy, economics, law, journalism and many more.

    *As we are a partner college of Nottingham Trent University (NTU), you may qualify for various benefits should you choose to apply to NTU after completing your college course. This could include a Progress NTU offer, where you would receive an offer one grade below their standard offer. For instance, a typical offer for one of their courses might require 128 UCAS tariff points. With Progress NTU, your requirements would be 120 UCAS tariff points. For further details, please call us on 0808 100 3626.

  • Careers

    Careers in government, civil service, the United Nations, law, intelligence, mediation and negotiation.

  • Qualifications gained
    • GCE A Level in Politics
    • AQA
  • Studying A Levels at WNC

    Discover what it is really like to study with us. Explore the full range of courses available, hear from our students, see the facilities you will train in, and discover the employer partners you could work with.

    You can also browse galleries and get a real feel for college life before you apply.

    Visit the subject area page

Disclaimer

Whilst every effort is made to ensure the information on the website is correct, some details may be subject to change. West Nottinghamshire College reserves the right to make amendments to the courses, dates, fees or other details, and to make cancellations or changes if numbers are insufficient. In the unfortunate situation that we have to cancel a course we will refund your fees in full, but we regret we are not able to offer any refund if you withdraw from your course or fail to start, and you will be liable to pay any outstanding fees that may be due.

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