ED6 Sixth Form
Course overview
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!
Topics
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.
Job opportunities after this course
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!
Further study options after this course
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.
Entry requirements
Our entry requirements are reviewed annually and are subject to change as qualifications, awarding bodies and assessment criteria evolve.
For the latest qualifications and grades required by course type/level, please follow this link to check the most up-to-date entry criteria for direct entry and internal progression at the college.
How is this course assessed?
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.
When does the course start?
September 2025
Length of course
Two years, full time.
Fees & Funding
Please read our Course Fees & Funding page.
How to apply
To apply online for this course, please click on the 'Apply' button at the top/bottom of this page.
Alternatively, if you need assistance with your application or you would like to apply over the phone or using a paper-based application form, please call Student Services on 0191 743 0149.
If you're not quite ready to apply for this course and would like some more information or to speak to a member of staff then please click on the 'Enquire' button at the top/bottom of this page.
