A-Level Government and Politics

Course Code: BA128
Award Level 3, Similar to - NVQ Level 3, A-Level

Develop an understanding of how politics and governments actually work.

Learn about the movements that are transforming the world around us, and also discover the committees and parties who hold control.
Discover who has the power, the importance of election, the limits that constrict Parliament and the prime minister, how laws are made and the influence of political parties, the EU, devolved government and the people who interact with them.
Explore the wider world of politics, including the politics of the United States and its congress and the power of the White House.

Course Content

AS Level

Unit 1: People, Politics and Participation

Participation and voting behaviour
Electoral systems
Political parties
Pressure groups and protest movements

Unit 2: Governing Modern Britain

The British constitution
Parliament
The core executive
Multi-level governance

A2 Level

Unit 3: The Politics of the USA

The electoral process and direct democracy
Political parties
Voting Behaviour
Pressure groups

OR Ideologies

Liberalism
Socialism
Conservatism
Fascism

OR Politics and Power

Power in modern society
Executive power
Political culture
Britain in Europe

Unit 4: The Government of the USA

The constitutional framework of US government
The legislative branch of government: US Congress
The executive branch of government
The judicial branch of government: the supreme court

OR Political Issues: Ideologies in Action

Ethnicity and Gender
The Environment
Education
The Economy

OR Perspectives on Modern Politics

Participation and Representation
Globalisation
Change and Continuity
Territorial Politics

Assessment

Unit 1: Written examination: 1 hour 30 minutes
Unit 2: Written examination: 1 hour 30 minutes
Unit 3: Written examination: 1 hour 30 minutes
Unit 4: Written examination: 1 hour 30 minutes

Study Method

The course is designed for study by distance learning at home or at work. Students receive a course manual and study guide plus tutor support by email. Your A-Level course materials will be sent out in the post once you enrol.

Qualifications

This course prepares students for A-Level Government & Politics for examination in 2011 and later years. Once you have successfully completed the examinations you will receive an A-Level in Government & Politics.

Throughout the course there will be self-assessment questions, and tutor marked questions, to enable you to monitor your progress. You will receive envelopes in order to submit your assignments.

Course Questions & Answers

Q: What skills are needed to enrol onto this course?

You do not require any previous knowledge however the courses are delivered in English so you will need to be able to read and write in English.

Q: Is there a time limit for completion of this course?

There is no specific time limit to complete your home learning course, your only real deadlines are the A-Level examinations which take place every year during the summer. You can book on to these examinations when you are ready. Students are advised to contact exam centres, as cut of dates for exams do change.

Q: What is included in the cost of my course?

All learning documentation and course materials
Unlimited Tutor Support via email

Q: Is there a required reading list?

There are a number of textbooks that cover the AS and most parts of the A2 course (Units 1 and 2). Some of the best include:

British Politics in Focus, by Roy Bentley et all, 2004
American Politics and Society, by David McKay, 2005
The European Union and British Politics, by Andrew Geddes, 2003

Textbooks can be purchased from any good bookshop or you can purchase them directly from us.

Q: Do I have to sit an exam?

Yes, you will need to take the standard A-Level examinations in order to fully complete this course. The examinations run on specific dates which can be obtained by visiting the OCR website. You will be required to book these examinations yourself, however we can provide a list of A-Level test centres around the country.

Q: Are there any additional costs?

You will need to purchase the books listed above and you will generally be required to pay a small fee to take your examinations at the examining centre that you choose.

Q: What if I live outside the UK?

You are still able to study this A-Level course. You will however be required to take the examinations within the UK as this is the only reliable way to access you.

Q: How do I get my work assessed?

Every student is issued with envelopes in order to return your completed work to us. Once we receive your coursework we will mark it and return it to you.