Politics is ultimately about people, but most political decisions are made by a branch of government whose roles and powers are determined by a set of rules. Government and Politics is an interesting course that allows you to delve into the way society is governed and consider how power is gained, maintained and lost. Looking at the ways the UK and other societies are governed gives you the backdrop to how these countries run today, and the parts you can play now and in the future.
Government and Politics A-level involves learning about the concepts behind politics as well as examining specific models of government. As a student on this course you will make comparisons, assess levels of success, explore events and consequences, and debate differing viewpoints.
Politicians take an active role in running a country, both at a local and national level. Understanding the mechanisms that promote stability and progress in a country is something you will learn during the course.
Government and Politics A-level fits well with other A-levels such as History, Sociology, Law and English.
Component 1: UK Politics
Component 2: UK Government
Component 3: Comparative Politics
These components cover topics such as:
• Democracy and participation
• Political parties
• Electoral systems
• Voting behaviour and the media
• Liberalism
• Conservatism
• Socialism
• Pressure groups
• Human Rights Act 1998
• Equality Act 2010
• Electoral systems
• Referendums
• Political viewpoints
100% exams containing essay style questions and a source containing political information as text and data such as pie charts, tables and simple graphs.
Positive Futures is a set of essential qualities, embedded throughout your study programme, that we seek to develop in all students:
You will also engage in the Positive Futures Careers Programme, developing key employability skills through a diverse range of activities including work placements, volunteering, employer talks, industry study visits and employment and university fairs.
As a Bury College student you will have access to a wide range of enrichment opportunities which will contribute to your personal growth and development and support your academic studies.
These may include:
Please Note: We attempt to ensure that all information contained within this website is correct and up-to-date. However, some details may change as we review and update our provision. Although every effort is made to provide the teaching, examination, assessment and other services detailed on this website and in our other publications, Bury College cannot guarantee the provision of such programmes, services, facilities and fees. Bury College reserves the right to amend, withdraw, alter or amalgamate any of the courses, locations and facilities detailed within at any time. Should circumstances require such amendments, Bury College undertakes to use all reasonable steps to minimise the resultant disruption to those services and most importantly to students.
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Our art students have brought a splash of colour and creativity to Bury Hospice with a striking new mural celebrating the spirit of the local community. Painted by students from the Foundation Diploma in Art and Design, the mural features vibrant hydrangeas and iconic Manchester Bees, symbolising unity, resilience, and the six towns of Bury. Find out more here.
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Bury College had the honour of welcoming several distinguished guests from the Government and Department for Education on 20th March 2025. Read more to find out what happened on the day.
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We recently lifted the lid on working in social care with an event for our Health and Social Care students. Students heard from employers in the industry about the different opportunities available and the skills that people in the industry are looking for.
On Thursday, 20th March 2025, Bury College played host to the Hair and Beauty category of the GM Skills Competition. Read more about it here.
Find out about Bury College's recent campus development, and how the college is striving to be more environmentally friendly.
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Find out how Temi has grabbed her T Level placement opportunity with the NHS with both hands. Plus how her placement has opened her eyes to all the Allied Health Professionals roles available in the healthcare sector.