A level Government & Politics Distance Learning Course
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A LEVEL – GOVERNMENT AND POLITICS
Exam Format
A Level Government and Politics consists of 4 units in total:
AS Level = 2 units
A2 Level = 2 units
AS Level
Unit 1: GOVP1 – People, Politics and Participation
Written examination: 1 hour 30 minutes
Unit 2: GOVP2 – Governing Modern Britain
Written examination: 1 hour 30 minutes
A2 Level
Unit 3: either - GOV3A the Politics of the USA, or
GOV3B Ideologies, or
GOV3C Politics and Power
Written examination: 1 hour 30 minutes
Unit 4: either - GOV4A the Government of the USA, or
GOV4B Political Issues: Ideologies in Action, or
GOV4C Perspectives on Modern Politics
Written examination: 1 hour 30 minutes
Course summary
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 the AS section, we start by looking at politics in the UK: Who has the power? How important are elections? What are the limits on Parliament and the prime minister? We will learn how laws are made, and about the ever changing influence of political parties, the European Union and devolved government. We’ll also see some of the ways ordinary people interact with the government - and the power they can wield.
In the A2 section, we use the concepts and ideas we’ve learned in AS to explore the wider world of politics. You will be able to study the colourful, larger-than-life politics of the United States – learning about its almost sacred constitution, the horse-trading in Congress and the surprising powers of the White House.
In both the USA and the UK, there can be wide differences between what should happen in theory and how things happen in practice. In this course, we will look at both the theory and the practice.
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.
Read on to find out more about our A Level Government and Politics distance learning course and how you can learn with our amazing materials and online support.
Course Content
An outline of what is offered in our A Level Government and Politics course:
Unit 1: GOVP1 – 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: GOVP2 – 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 3A: - GOV3A 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
Students should study one of the Unit 3 options: either this unit, or Unit 3B Ideologies, or Unit 3C Politics and Power.
Unit 3B: - GOV3B Ideologies
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.
Liberalism
Socialism
Conservatism
Fascism
Students should study one of the Unit 3 options: either this unit, or Unit 3A The Politics of the USA, or Unit 3C Politics and Power.
Unit 3C: - GOV3C Politics and Power
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.
Power in modern society
Executive power
Political culture
Britain in Europe
Students should study one of the Unit 3 options: either this unit, or Unit 3A The Politics of the USA, or Unit 3B Ideologies.
Unit 4: GOV4A the 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
Students should study one of the Unit 4 options: either this unit, or Unit 4B Political Issues: Ideologies in Action, or Unit 4C Perspectives on Modern Politics.
Unit 4B: GOV4B Political Issues: Ideologies in Action
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
Ethnicity and Gender
The Environment
Education
The Economy
Students should study one of the Unit 4 options: either this unit, or Unit 4A The Government of the USA, or Unit 4C Perspectives on Modern Politics.
Unit 4C: GOV4C Perspectives on Modern Politics
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.
Participation and Representation
Globalisation
Change and Continuity
Territorial Politics
Students should study one of the Unit 4 options: either this unit, or Unit 4A The Government of the USA, or Unit 4B Political Issues: Ideologies in Action.
Summary of Assessments
Unit 1: GOVP1 – People, Politics and Participation
50% of AS Level
25% of A Level
1 hour 30 minutes written examination
80 marks
Two structured source-based questions from a choice of four.
Unit 2: GOVP2 – Governing Modern Britain
50% of AS Level
25% of A Level
1 hour 30 minutes written examination
80 marks
Two structured source-based questions from a choice of four.
Unit 3: either - GOV3A the Politics of the USA, or GOV3B Ideologies, or GOV3C Politics and Power
25% of A Level
1 hour 30 minutes written examination
80 raw marks
Two questions from a choice of four.
Unit 4: either - GOV4A the Government of the USA, or GOV4B Political Issues: Ideologies in Action, or GOV4C Perspectives on Modern Politics
25 % of A Level
1 hour 30 minutes written examination
80 raw marks
Two questions from a choice of four.
Assignment Information
Throughout the course there will be self-assessment questions, and tutor marked questions, to enable students to monitor their progress.
Recommended hours of study
It is recommended that 150 hours of your time should be allocated towards study for the AS examinations.
It is recommended that 150 hours of your time should be allocated towards study for the A2 examinations.
Recommended Reading
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 – comprehensive and straight-forward
For the American politics sections of A2, there are also a number of books specifically aimed at A-level students, including:
American Politics and Society, by David McKay, 2005 – very good
On the European Union:
The European Union and British Politics, by Andrew Geddes, 2003
Support
As a student of UK Open Learning you will have access to tutor via email who will mark your work and guide you through the course to ensure you are ready for your examinations.
Examination Centres
UK Open Learning will provide you with a list of examination centres but it is entirely your responsibility to find a centre which will accept you as an external candidate.
In some cases you should be prepared to travel to another town or city to take your exams.
Please visit AQA for exam information.
http://www.aqa.org.uk/admin/p_private.php
The contract for sitting exams is between you and the centre and we will provide you with comprehensive instructions on when and how to deal with the examination centre.
Entry Requirements
Basic English reading and writing skills are required.
Qualification
AS +A2 = A level in Government and Politics. Both AS and A2 level courses and examinations must be successfully completed to gain a full A level.
Language of Examination
Units are provided in English only
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. Do your courses meet the latest syllabus changes?
A. yes, all our course materials meet any changes and will be updated free of charge if further changes are made.
Q. Why do I have to find a centre myself?
A. We have students all over the UK and Europe and it is impossible for us to arrange dates and times for individual students.
Q. What if I cannot find an examination centre in my home town?
A. If you wish to gain the qualification then be prepared to travel it is worth it!
Q. How much are exam fees?
A. These vary from centre to centre so please check with your local centre.
Q. Are the courses paper based or on-line?
A. All our courses are paper based and come in attractive sturdy folders.
Q. How do I contact my tutor?
A. Tutors are all working Teachers or Lecturers so contact is by email only.
Q. Why can I not take my exams when I have completed the course and why do I have to wait?
A. Exams are taken at the same times as schools and colleges and are not flexible.
Q. I want to take my exams but there are only a few months to study, is this possible?
A. Depending on the time of year, it is sometimes impossible to complete your studies in a short space of time as your work has to be marked and checked. More importantly the examination boards have cut off times which are not flexible. See our web site for further information.
Q. Will I receive UCAS points on completion of this course?
A. Yes all of our A Levels carry UCAS points. The number of points awarded will depend on the grade you achieve.
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CODE |
PRICE |
INSTALMENTS |
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AL16 |
£395.00 |
6 Months at £65.84 |
|
Pay in full at the time of ordering
and you will receive the 10% discount Price £356.00 | |
