Course details may be subject to change.
If you are interested in studying A Levels at New College Durham please just complete one application form and you will be able to choose your subjects once you have had your interview. You do not need to apply for each of the subjects you are interested.
This is an exciting and enjoyable subject, which aims to increase your knowledge of current affairs, as well as examining the strength of the argument behind current political views. It will enable you to develop an insight into political beliefs central to an understanding of the modern world as well as increasing your overall level of political literacy.
You will have the opportunity to engage in political debates and discuss a range of relevant issues.
You will study the political process in the UK as well as its democratic and political institutions; the constitution; parliament; the prime minister and government; the judiciary and civil liberties; pressure groups; and elections and electoral reform.
You will also focus on political ideologies such as liberalism; conservatism; socialism; anarchism: and other ideologies such as nationalism; feminism; and multi-culturalism.
Entry Criteria
5 GCSEs at grade 4 or above, including English Language and maths
What are the next steps?
You will meet with a course tutor; please bring a copy of your GCSE grades or predicted GCSE grades.
Study Aims
This programme aims to reflect the demands of a truly modern and evolving political environment in the UK and around the world. You will combine both historic and contemporary ideas, institutions, processes and issues to support learning of politics. Assessment will develop your critical thinking and analysis as you will be tested using various question types that require an in-depth knowledge of specific sources and materials.
Modules Studied
You will study UK Politics and UK Government in the first year, to develop a set of core knowledge and understanding of politics.UK Politics include:
- Democracy
- Political parties
- Electoral systems
- Voting behaviour.]]]UK Government include:[[[The Constitution
- Parliament
- Prime Minister and Cabinet
- The relationship between the branches.
In second year, you will develop this knowledge and understanding and study four core political ideas, alongside Politics of the USA.Four core ideas include:
- Socialism
- Conservatism
- Liberalism
- Feminism.
The politics of the USA include:
- US Constitution and Federalism
- US Congress
- US Presidency
- US Supreme Court
- Democracy and civil rights.
Teaching and Assessment
You will be taught by lecturers who are specialists in their subjects. Teaching is classroom based and involves group work and individual work. Independent study is essential outside of the classroom and frequent homework will be given. You will sit monthly in-class assessment for which you will receive extensive feedback, as well as other assessments throughout the academic year, which will help you track your progress. Terminal exams will be in May/June.
Placement
Work placements are an important part of the programme and all learners will be given assistance in finding a suitable position.
This A-Level, in combination with other subjects, could enable you to apply for degree courses in European Studies, American Studies, or Law.
