A Level Politics
Course Code: Q100091
Key Information
Course type:
A Levels
Campus:
Sixth Form Campus
Next Start Date:
07 Sept 2026
Duration:
2 years
Attendance:
Full-time
Fees:
Free
If you have an interest in politics, how society should be organised, current affairs, debate and arguing, this course is a perfect choice.
You will develop an extensive knowledge and understanding of a wide range of political issues and current affairs in the UK, USA and abroad, with consistent opportunities to practice and improve your communication skills by presenting information to the class. This includes participating in class discussions and debates – you will argue every week!
Units include
Political systems of the UK:
- Brexit
- powers of Parliament
- the Prime Minister and judiciary
- political ideas of Liberalism, Conservatism, Socialism and Anarchism.
Political systems of the USA:
- the role of the president
- Democrats and Republicans
- the Supreme Court
- the importance of Federalism and the role of Congress.
There will be study trips to Parliament, The Supreme Court, Portsmouth and Winchester University Politics taster sessions, offsite politics conferences and a chance to participate in BBC Question Time. There is also an internal College politics debate competition and a chance to represent the College in the Hampshire competition.
You will take part in a mock election – you even get to form your own party, launch your own manifesto and campaign for office! You will also have an opportunity to take part in our fantastic residential study trips to Washington and New York, USA – the nerve centres of American politics.
A minimum of five GCSEs at grade 4 or above, including English language.
You will have a 9.55am start, one lesson in the morning, one in the afternoon and a guaranteed 4.00pm finish. You will also have at least one morning and one afternoon per week free for private study.
You will take three exams, which you will sit at the end of your second year.
You can progress to extensive employment opportunities in areas such as management, advertising, law, the civil service, local government and journalism. The most prestigious universities see Politics as a highly academic and credible course, as do potential employers.
A Level Politics available start dates:
Related Features
Event 16-10-2025
October open events
Check out all the fantastic opportunities available by coming along to our next cross-campus open events, from 4.30-7.30pm on 15 and 16 October. This open event spans two days, so choose the date that suits you best.
Event 15-10-2025
October open events
Check out all the fantastic opportunities available by coming along to our next cross-campus open events, from 4.30-7.30pm on 15 and 16 October. This open event spans two days, so choose the date that suits you best.
NEWS 17-03-2025
Politics students back from dream US trip
A group of A Level Politics students are back from a fantastic six-day residential study trip to Washington DC. Lecturer Steve Fitzgerald tells us all about it.
“I really like Portsmouth and feel really safe here. The public transport is great. My favourite part about studying at COPC is how passionate the lecturers are about the subjects they teach. It’s been a brilliant experience.”
Ana Clara Ginezi
Studied: Biology, History & ESOL
Agency: Educatius
NEWS 11-02-2025
Abbey Road visit hits the right note
A group of Music Technology students have had an amazing trip to London’s legendary Abbey Road Institute.
“I’ve made friends here – the people are really nice and the lecturers care. I really like that we start at 10am. It’s a much more relaxed environment than I thought it would be so it’s very easy to adapt. ”
Matteo Galleri
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