A Level Politics 2025-26

Politics is an unpredictable subject which will allow you to engage in contemporary discussions and debates. Have you ever wondered how ‘politics’ works? How are both the people and government included in political decisions? In a climate where politics is constantly changing, there has never been a better time to study A Level Politics! Our Politics lecturer, Lucy, is also a Teacher Ambassador for UK Parliament, and works closely with Parliament's Education Service to further your experiences!

Here at ED6, we follow the Edexcel exam board. You will study UK politics and core political ideas, UK government and non-core political ideas (Feminism) and global politics. Our broad range of topics will allow you to develop a deep understanding of how politics works across the globe. We also offer a wide range of extra-curricular activities to further your learning, including trips to London to visit Parliament, hosting members of the House of Lords in college for Q&A sessions, and working closely with universities such as Oxford and Cambridge!

Component 1: UK Politics and Core Political Ideas.
UK Politics:
1. Democracy and participation
2. Political parties
3. Electoral systems
4. Voting behaviour and the media.

Core Political Ideas:
1. Liberalism
2. Conservatism
3. Socialism.

Component 2: UK Government and Non-Core Political Ideas.
UK Government:
1. The constitution
2. Parliament
3. Prime Minister and executive
4. Relations between the branches.

Non-Core Political Ideas:
Feminism

Component 3: Global Politics.
1. The state and globalisation
2. Global governance: political and economic
3. Global governance: human rights and environmental
4. Power and developments
5. Regionalism and the European Union
6. Comparative theories.

An A Level in Politics can open a wide variety of doors for you. Job opportunities after studying politics include teaching, media, civil and central government, social researcher, the legal sector, political analysis and journalism to name a few!

Students go on to study a wide range of undergraduate courses after A Level Politics. Popular options include Politics, History, Sociology, Anthropology, Economics, English, International Relations, Journalism, Law and Philosophy.

For A Level Politics you will need a grade 5 or above in GCSE English Language or GCSE English Literature.

For a three A Level programme you will need to have a minimum of five 9-4 grade passes at GCSE which includes English and Mathematics.

For a four A Level programme you will need to have a minimum of six 9-4 grade passes at GCSE which includes English and Mathematics; it is expected that the majority of passes will be at 7-9 grade.

Our entry requirements are in place to support our students in achieving the qualifications they have chosen to study. In addition to the entry requirements, all students will be regularly assessed by East Durham College at an early stage in their study programme. This is to ensure that students are enrolled onto courses which suit their abilities – following assessment, there may be occasions when students are transferred to a relevant course at a higher or lower level in order to ensure they are enrolled on to the right course for them to achieve and progress.

Entry onto any course at EDC may have entry requirements in addition to exam results; this includes but is not limited to DBS checks, references, fitness to practice and at times physical requirements to be capable of achieving the practical elements of the course without assistance. Entry onto any course at East Durham College is subject to final approval from the Assistant Principal.

Students will take three exams, each two hours long, at the end of the second year. Assessments will also take place throughout the two years through practice essays, mock exams and pop quizzes.

September 2025

Two years, full time.