AS Level (year 1) Unit 1: Government in Wales and UK Unit 1 serves as an introduction to how Wales and the UK is governed today. Through the study of the Constitution; National Assembly and Parliament; Welsh and UK Government; The Supreme Court and the EU, you will be able to discuss, analyse and evaluate the key themes, issues and debates surrounding governance in Wales and the UK.

Unit 2: Living and Participating in a Democracy Unit 2 is an introduction to the concept of active citizenship; the rights and responsibilities of citizens, some of the ways in which citizens can participate in a democracy and the importance of citizen engagement. You will be able discuss, analyse and evaluate the key themes, issues and debates, and it is expected that you will investigate contemporary developments and examples. A2 Level (year 2) Unit 3: Political Concepts and Theories This unit involves the study of political theories and their application. You will develop a critical knowledge and understanding of a range of ideological traditions: liberalism, conservatism, socialism, communism and nationalism, and their contemporary relevance. In studying the impact of political ideas on global politics you are expected to study at least two global regions from Africa, The Americas, Asia and Europe. Unit 4: Government and Politics of the USA This unit focuses on the theme of the government of the USA. It explores the different processes involved in decision-making and the checks and balances inherent within the US political system. It is a synoptic unit and yous are encouraged to keep abreast of current affairs in the USA and other countries. Application of knowledge gained from the AS Politics course is encouraged when evaluating the role of political parties, pressure groups and voting behaviour in the USA.

You will require 5 GCSEs at grades A* - C which must include English. You will be invited to attend an interview, and will undertake an assessment in literacy and numeracy, to establish any support required.

This specification is divided into a total of 4 units, 2 AS units and 2 A2 units. Weightings noted below are expressed in terms of the full A level qualification. Year 1 AS Unit 1: Government in Wales and the United Kingdom - Written examination: 1 hour 30 minutes 20% of qualification. AS Unit 2: Living and participating in a democracy - Written examination: 1 hour 30 minutes 20% of qualification. Year 2 A2 Unit 3: Political concepts and theories - Written examination: 2 hours 30 minutes 30% of qualification. A2 Unit 4: Government and politics of the USA - Written examination: 2 hours 30 minutes 30% of qualification.

This course presents access to a wide range of possible career and higher education opportunities in such areas as Law, Business and Economics, Media, Philosophy and, of course, Politics. Should you decide not to proceed with further study, this course will enrich your sense of citizenship and equip you with well developed transferable skills that will empower you to explore a wide range of employment opportunities.