A Level Government and Politics Course UK Open College

Politics shapes our lives – what we can do, the type of society we live in, the chances we have to succeed. This course is for people who want to understand more about how politics and government actually work. You will learn about the grand ideas and vibrant movements that are transforming the world around us, and also see how seemingly arcane customs and obscure committees hold enormous power.

In summary, this course explains ‘the rules’ of how politics works and looks at how people and politicians operate within – and bend – these rules. Both sections are examined in two ninety-minute written exams. To excel, you will need to put aside any preconceptions about politics and keep your eyes open to the world around you – the things you’ll learn about in this course are happening all around you, every day.

• Qualification: A Level Government & Politics
• Accredited: Yes
• QCF Recognised: Yes
• Awarding Body: AQA
• Start Date: Anytime - We enrol 365 days a year
• Duration: Flexible - Approx 700 Hours - 2 years support
• UCAS Points: Dependant on Grades

Syllabus

Unit 1: People, Politics and Participation
This unit focuses on the theme of political behaviour in the UK. It explores how people's different patterns of participation can be explained and the forms of participation in a democracy.

The importance of voting behaviour, the influence of electoral systems in communicating political opinion and the controversies surrounding the use of referendums are crucial topics for analysis.

The principal institutions through which people's participation is achieved: political parties and pressure groups are explored in terms of communicating views, shaping people's political ideas and the acquisition of resources which are likely to make them more powerful within the wider political system.

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

Unit 2: Governing Modern Britain
This unit focuses on the process of governing the UK, with power dispersed from local to European levels. The extent to which Britain's unique constitution regulates the process of government and maintains the balance between individual rights and the power of the state is explored.

The role of Westminster in providing a democratic element in government is examined as well as the degree to which power rests in the hands of unelected bureaucrats. The direction which government takes is analysed at the very apex of power in arrangements within the core executive.

Academic controversies are assessed in terms of the focus on the key issue of how Britain is governed

• The British constitution
• Parliament
• The core executive
• Multi-level governance

Unit 3 The Politics of the USA
At A2 there is a requirement for synoptic assessment and, in this unit, it is expected that students will draw upon and extend the political knowledge, skills and conceptual understanding gained from their AS studies and make the necessary connections between the areas studied. In the assessment of this unit credit will be given for appropriate references to contemporary developments, issues and debates in the areas covered.

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

Unit 4: Government of the USA
At A2 there is a requirement for synoptic assessment and, in this unit, it is expected that students will draw upon and extend the political knowledge, skills and conceptual understanding gained from their AS studies and make the necessary connections between the areas studied. In the assessment of this unit credit will be given for appropriate references to contemporary developments, issues and debates in the areas covered.

• 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

Pre-requisites

It is generally recommended that candidates have attained grade C or higher in English Language and Literature at GCSE level. However, as full tutor support is provided the minimum entry requirements are an ability to read and write in English with some fluency.

Duration

Course duration will vary dependant on student commitment, effort and ability. Overall guided learning hours are approx 700. This should be used as a guideline only and completion times will vary hugely.We would encourage students to seriously consider how they plan to complete their chosen course prior to enrolment. Students should think about how they are going to study, where they are going to study and how often. Be realistic!

Speak to family members and help them to understand what you are trying to achieve, explain you may require peace and space to study at certain times. The more you involve them the more likely you are to get them on your side. Students are reminded that the time in which they complete is purely down to them as an individual.

Format

Students are able to select how they wish to study.

• Paper-based: Receive your course pack in the post in hard copy and correspond directly with your tutor via email.

or

• Online: Access our premium online cloud-based learning system where you are able to access all of your course lessons, assignments and tutor correspondence in one place. Download the APP and access your course information on any device from anywhere in the world with an internet signal. Whichever way you choose to study is up to you!