Course Overview

Entry requirements

GCSE Average Points Score: 4.25, Grade 5 English Language GCSE, Grade 4 Maths GCSE

Course information

This course develops independent thinking, debate, and the ability to view issues from multiple perspectives. You will study how UK politics works in practice, from democracy and participation to parties, elections, parliament and the constitution, alongside core ideologies such as conservatism, liberalism and socialism.

You will also examine how the UK is governed, including the Prime Minister and the executive, relations between political branches, and a non core ideology such as nationalism. In global politics you will explore the state and globalisation, global governance of economics, security, human rights and the environment, the nature of power, regionalism and the EU, and comparative theories such as realism and liberalism. Assessment is by exam only, with three written papers at the end of the second year.

Key topics

UK Politics and Core Political Ideas: democracy and participation; political parties; electoral systems; voting behaviour and the media; conservatism; liberalism; socialism
UK Government and Non Core Political Ideas: the constitution; parliament including Commons and Lords; the Prime Minister and the executive; relations between the branches and sovereignty; nationalism
Global Politics: the state and globalisation; global governance political and economic including UN, NATO, WTO, G7, G20, IMF, World Bank; human rights and environmental governance including ICJ, ICC, key conferences; power and developments including hard and soft power and major powers; regionalism and the EU; comparative theories including realism and liberalism
Skills and Methods: critical analysis, evaluation, constructing arguments with evidence, comparative reasoning
Assessment: three exam papers at the end of the second year with no coursework

Why study at NCC?
- We are Ofsted-rated Outstanding, so you can expect exceptional teaching and support you can trust
- Expert tutors bring real-world industry experience into every lesson
- Flexible learning options let you tailor study to your life and ambitions
- Broad career pathways: from entry level through to professional qualifications
- One-to-one support with academic advice, wellbeing services and financial guidance
- Modern, industry-standard facilities: labs, workshops, digital tools and performance spaces
- Courses co-designed with employers to match local and national job markets
- Strong employer partnerships offer placements, live projects and networking opportunities
- A supportive, inclusive community where you can flourish and succeed
If you’re aiming for university, a top career, or just want to keep your options open, A Levels at New City College give you the perfect springboard.

You’ll study in a focused, supportive environment at our specialist sixth form campuses, choosing from a wide range of subjects to create the right combination for your goals. Alongside your studies, you’ll develop key skills in critical thinking, research, communication and leadership, all highly valued by universities and employers.

With strong links to top universities and regular support from expert tutors, you’ll get the guidance you need to progress to higher education, apprenticeships, or straight into the world of work. Plus, enrichment opportunities like guest speakers, study trips, university visits and societies make your time with us more than just classroom learning.