Government and Politics

Course summary

Over the A-Level Politics course, students will develop a deep understanding of political ideologies, beliefs and institutions, as well as the range of complex power relationships that create the political systems of the UK and USA. As well as offering modules on different elements of modern politics (for instance, on voting behaviour, the role and regulation of the media, and constitutional law), the course will also set contemporary politics in the UK and USA in its historical context and will explore in depth the philosophical foundations of modern political thought. We encourage Politics students to take full advantage of our position at the heart of political activity in London, providing suggestions of events and lectures they might like to attend. For the two years, a visit to Parliament will be augmented, whenever possible, with trips to political meetings, conferences, and exhibitions. A programme of external speakers at the student-led Politics Society helps students to develop their understanding of the subject beyond the curriculum, for example giving insight into the history of the Liberal Party, National Populism or the Mexican Drug Wars. Each year, a good number of students go on to study Politics, International Relations or associated subjects at university and the department provides regular university preparation sessions for those interested, seeking to stretch the students and develop their skills of debate, analysis and independent thinking. Furthermore, as well as the Politics Society, students also run a Politics Book Club and produce an annual Politics magazine giving plenty of opportunities for super-curricular development.