Pearson Edexcel A Level Politics
Examination Board: Pearson Edexcel
Qualification Level: A-Level
Why Study This Course?
The Edexcel A-Level in Politics provides students with a comprehensive understanding of political systems, ideologies, and governance in the UK, USA, and globally. It develops critical thinking, analytical skills, and the ability to evaluate contemporary political issues. Students will explore political participation, institutions, comparative politics, and global political developments.
This course is ideal for students who:
- Have an interest in current affairs, government, law, and political philosophy.
- Enjoy debating political issues and discussing the role of power and democracy.
- Aspire to study Politics, International Relations, Law, Economics, or History at university.
- Are considering careers in government, public policy, journalism, diplomacy, and international organisations.
- Wish to gain a globally recognised qualification that enhances university and career prospects.
Who is This Course For?
This course is suitable for students who:
- Want to develop knowledge of political systems in the UK, USA, and beyond.
- Enjoy analysing government policies, elections, and political ideologies.
- Aspire to work in law, diplomacy, media, public administration, or international relations.
- Are keen to explore how political decisions shape societies and global relations.
This course fosters critical reasoning, argumentation, and problem-solving, essential for higher education and careers in politics, law, and global affairs.
1. Political Analysis and Critical Thinking
- Understanding democratic systems, electoral systems, and ideologies.
- Evaluating policy impacts, media influence, and voting behaviour.
- Engaging with political theory, governance, and international relations.
2. Research and Data Interpretation
- Conducting political research using case studies and primary sources.
- Interpreting election data, policy reports, and international agreements.
- Applying comparative analysis between different political systems.
3. Argumentation and Communication Skills
- Constructing well-reasoned arguments on governance and political institutions.
- Writing structured essays with critical evaluation of political theories.
- Debating issues such as human rights, democracy, and global power dynamics.
The course assesses students based on the following objectives:
| Objective | Description | Weighting |
|---|---|---|
| AO1 | Knowledge and understanding of political institutions, theories, and processes | 35% |
| AO2 | Analysis and application of political information to evaluate arguments | 35% |
| AO3 | Evaluation of political ideas, institutions, and issues with clarity and structure | 30% |
Strong Preparation for University and Beyond
This course provides a solid foundation for degree-level study in Politics, International Relations, Law, and Economics.
Recognition by Top Universities
The Edexcel A-Level in Politics is widely recognised by universities, employers, and research institutions worldwide.
Development of Research and Analytical Skills
Students develop critical thinking, data analysis, and persuasive writing skills, which are valuable in law, diplomacy, journalism, and civil service.
Engaging and Real-World Applications
The course covers contemporary political issues, global governance, and election case studies, ensuring students engage with real-world political debates.
Course Structure
The qualification consists of three externally assessed components, covering UK politics, UK government, and comparative politics.
Component 1: UK Politics and Core Political Ideas (33.3%)
Exam Duration: 2 hours
Assessment Format: External written examination
Topics Covered:
- Democracy and Participation – Types of democracy, participation crisis, electoral reform.
- Political Parties – Major UK parties, funding, party ideologies.
- Electoral Systems – First-Past-the-Post (FPTP), proportional representation, referendum use.
- Voting Behaviour and Media – Election case studies, media influence.
- Core Political Ideas – Liberalism, Conservatism, and Socialism (key thinkers and principles).
Assessment Overview:
- Section A: Source-based essay question (30 marks).
- Section B: Thematic essay question (30 marks).
- Section C: Essay on a core political idea (24 marks).
Component 2: UK Government and Non-Core Political Ideas (33.3%)
Exam Duration: 2 hours
Assessment Format: External written examination
Topics Covered:
- UK Government – The constitution, Parliament, Prime Minister, relations between branches.
- Non-Core Political Ideas – One additional ideology from Anarchism, Ecologism, Feminism, Multiculturalism, or Nationalism.
Assessment Overview:
- Section A: Source-based essay question (30 marks).
- Section B: Thematic essay question (30 marks).
- Section C: Essay on a non-core political idea (24 marks).
Component 3: Comparative Politics (33.3%)
Exam Duration: 2 hours
Assessment Format: External written examination
Students choose one of two options:
Option 1: US Government and Politics
- US Constitution and Federalism – Principles, powers, and impact of federalism.
- US Congress – Structure, functions, checks and balances.
- US Presidency – Powers, limitations, policy-making.
- US Supreme Court and Civil Rights – Judicial review, constitutional interpretations.
- Democracy and Participation in the USA – Elections, media, pressure groups.
- Comparative Theories – Comparing UK and US systems.
Option 2: Global Politics
- Sovereignty and Globalisation – Nation-states, political and economic globalisation.
- Global Governance: Political and Economic – The UN, WTO, IMF, World Bank.
- Global Governance: Human Rights and Environmental Issues – The role of NGOs, climate policy.
- Power and Developments – Superpower influence, international relations.
- Regionalism and the European Union – Economic and political regional organisations.
- Comparative Theories – Realism vs Liberalism, global political debates.
Assessment Overview:
- Section A: Short answer on comparative theories (12 marks).
- Section B: Thematic essay on UK/US or global issues (12 marks).
- Section C: Two 30-mark essay questions.
