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Politics

Politics is the most dynamic subject a student can study: it changes every day. Studying the course will answer questions such as: what is power; why do people vote the way they do; do we have a ‘participation crisis’ in the UK; why are some Prime Minsters more powerful than others and are judges more powerful in the USA than the UK?

The course also allows students to study the fundamental ideologies that have influenced most political thought over the past 250 years; Liberalism, Conservatism, Socialism and Nationalism.

Qualifications & Assessments

Exam Board AQA
Level Level 3
Qualification A Level
Assessment Method 100% Examination
Entry Requirements Entry Requirements
Photograph of a student reading a politics book.

Paper 1: UK Politics

  • UK Democracy and Participation: is the UK a good example of a liberal democracy? Is there a ‘participation crisis’ in the UK?
  • UK Voting Behaviour: why do people vote for the party or candidate they do? Why do some people not vote?
  • Political Parties: understanding the history and policies of the Conservative, Labour and Liberal Democrat parties.
  • UK Pressure Groups: how do groups like Greenpeace and the CBI influence the political system?
  • UK Core Executive: a look at the inner workings of the UK government including the Prime Minister and Cabinet.
  • Parliament: a study of the UK’s legislative branch. Is it effective in carrying out its key functions?

Paper 2: US and Comparative Politics

  • US Constitution: analysing the US’s codified constitution and federal system of government
  • US Presidency: evaluating presidents from George Washington to Donald Trump

Paper 3: Political Ideas

  • Liberalism: studying core liberal concepts such as freedom and justice.
  • Conservatism: studying core conservative principles such as hierarchy and property
  • Socialism: studying core socialists concepts such as collectivism and equality
  • Nationalism: studying core nationalist principles such as sovereignty and the state

Many of our students study Politics and Politics-related subjects at universities around the country. Other than single honours Politics courses, many choose to take it with Law, History, Philosophy or Economics. Related courses include Parliamentary Studies, Journalism, American Studies or International Relations. Careers in the Civil Service are common, as are careers in journalism, front-line politics, public relations and political lobbying.

  • We have many guest speakers, including MPs, Lords, Civil Servants and local politicians. We enter students for Model UN and debating competitions (We are NW Champions!).

    We have a trip to Washington DC and Philadelphia. For more information about this trip please see the Trips and Travel page

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News & Blog

Latest From Aquinas

Last night saw the presentation party for the latest, great issue of our student magazine. There was yet again a great selection of articles and stories, all written and designed by our fantastically, talented students.

Photograph of students who worked on the AQ Magazine

We are proud to announce the launch of our brand-new website! This platform marks an exciting step forward in our commitment to innovation and excellence. Designed to support academic success and enhance the student experience, our new website serves as a central hub for information, events, news, and resources related to life at Aquinas College.

Screenshot of the new website

I am thrilled for Aquinas students who have produced another outstanding set of results. Over 58% of A level results have been at the highest grades of A*, A or B, with a 99% pass rate. In addition, 70% of Vocational grades were at Distinction* or Distinction grades with a 100% pass rate. These amazing […]

Aquinas students celebrate their A level results

On Wednesday 19th June the media department took a group of students to visit the excellent facilities at the University of Central Lancashire (UCLAN)’s Media Factory. The students were given a tour of the facilities including a state of the art fully functioning TV studio.

Photograph of inside the Media Factory's TV studio control room.