A level Politics course in London, A level College London

Why study A level Politics?

Politics shapes the world we live in from the tax we pay and the laws that govern our behaviour to the quality of air we breathe. On a national and global scale it affects our future security and way of life.

A level Politics is an excellent subject choice for students who want to begin to make sense of and take an active part in the world around them.

We actively encouraged students to explore this subject from many angles and to keep up to date with current affairs. Students are also given extensive examine technique practice and university and career advice and guidance.

Beyond A level Politics

A Level Politics is a highly regarded subject and is applicable to many degree courses including Politics, War and Peace Studies, International Relations, History, Economics and Law.

Not only could it lead to a career in politics but could also provide a good foundation for students who wish to pursue careers in journalism, the Civil Service, Development or Law, for example.

Ashbourne follows the Edexcel specification for A level Politics.

Over the course students will investigate the role played by political parties, pressure groups, electoral systems, voter behaviour and the media in shaping the way the UK is governed, as well as examining constitutional history and the wider concept of representation and democracy within the political culture.

Students will also look into sovereignty and globalisation, global governance including political and economic, human rights and environmental, power and developments, regionalism and the European Union.

Dennis Fulcher

Head of Faculty: Multimedia and Social Sciences
MA Government and Political Studies (London Metropolitan University); BSc Hons Sociology (Kingston); NVQ L4 Print Journalism with industry placement (Richmond Adult Community College); PGCE (Post Compulsory Education) (Greenwich)

Dennis brings a great deal of knowledge and experience to teaching Politics. He offers stimulating and engaging teaching materials in a variety of formats and uses innovative learning exercises to encourage students to take ownership of their learning and development throughout the course. Dennis has an excellent track record of helping his students achieve top grades, and he is highly regarded by his students.

Dennis has been working at Ashbourne for many years and teaches a broad range of subjects including Politics (of course), Film, Media, Law and Psychology. He is also a team leader for Government and Politics A level examiners.

Michael Wilkinson

BA Politics (SOAS); MSc Politics Sociology (Birkbeck College, University of London)

Michael Wilkinson began teaching Government and Politics at Ashbourne in September 2009. Prior to this, he worked as a researcher at the Home Office and thus has some first hand insight into the nature of the UK political system. He has also been involved in freelance social research work at the University of Surrey, and tutoring for undergraduate courses in Sociology.

UK Broadsheets

The Times
The Independent
The Guardian
The Telegraph
Financial Times

Websites

Edexcel exam board
Guidelines, learning materials and resources for studying A level Politics.
The BBC
News and politics from the UK and around the world.
Liberty
Civil and human rights campaign movement.
UK Parliament website
Live debates and news from the House of Commons and Lords, information on upcoming legislation and bills, clear explanations on the structure and running of government and ways to get involved in politics.
Reform Acts and representative democracy
Overview, key dates and other resources from UK Parliament website.

Magazines and Periodicals

The Economist
Broadly liberal freemarket weekly publication offering news and views on international current affairs, politics, business, finance, science, technology and the arts, established 1843.
Spectator
Right-leaning weekly magazine on current affairs, politics and culture, published since 1828.
NewStatesman
Largely left-leaning magazine focusing on current affairs, world politics, science, technology and the arts. Established in 1913.
Private Eye
Weekly satirical current affairs magazine taking a poke at the establishment and exposing what’s really going on behind the scenes.
Foreign Affairs
US foreign policy and international affairs publication and website, established in 1922.

Television, Radio and Podcasts

Television
Newsnight
Current affairs programme (on BBC 2) famous for rigorous cross-examination of senior political figures and news analysis.
Question Time
Topical news debate (BBC 1) featuring key political and public figures who answer questions posed by the public.
Panorama
Current affairs programme (BBC 1) featuring interviews and investigative reports on a wide range of issues.
Have I Got News for You
Comedy news quiz (BBC 1) with celebrity guests and regulars Ian Hislop and Paul Merton.
Radio
PM
Daily news and current affairs coverage from BBC Radio 4.
Today In Parliament
News, views and features on today’s stories in Parliament from the BBC.
In Our Time
Highly acclaimed BBC Radio 4 discussion programme presented by Melvyn Bragg exploring the history of ideas.
Week In Westminster
Guest political journalists take a look behind the scenes this week in Westminster, BBC Radio 4.
The News Quiz
Topical news quiz (BBC radio 4) where the players offer a humorous take on the week’s events.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Why should I study A-level Politics?
A-level Politics helps you understand how governments, laws, and global decisions shape everyday life. It’s ideal for students who want to make sense of the world, engage with current affairs, and develop critical thinking skills.

2. Which exam board does Ashbourne follow for A-level Politics?
We follow the Edexcel specification for A-level Politics, giving students a structured and comprehensive approach to UK and global politics.

3. What topics are covered in A-level Politics?
Students study UK politics including political parties, electoral systems, voter behaviour, and the role of the media. They also explore global politics, looking at sovereignty, globalisation, governance, human rights, the European Union, and international power dynamics.

4. How does A-level Politics support university applications?
A-level Politics is highly respected and complements degree courses in Politics, International Relations, History, Law, Economics, and War and Peace Studies. It demonstrates strong analytical and debating skills valued by top universities.