Government and Politics
Government and Politics
WJEC A-level Government and Politics
Government and Politics provides a broad, coherent, satisfying and worthwhile course of study. It encourages you to develop confidence in, and a positive attitude towards, politics and to recognise its importance in your own life and to society as a whole.
Is this course right for me?
You will require an interest in, and engagement with, contemporary politics as well as the ability to critically analyse, interpret and evaluate political information to form arguments and make judgments.
By the end of the course you will understand the influences and interests which have an impact on decisions in government and politics as well as an understanding of the rights and responsibilities of individuals and groups.
What are the entry requirements?
- Five GCSEs at grade C or above (may include one relevant equivalent) to include English Language/First Language Welsh and Mathematics
- English Language/Literature/First Language Welsh grade B
- Please check the AS Level Options Grid to see if this subject fits into your chosen programme
- Each application is considered on individual merit
- Entry is subject to attending a course information session or informal interview
Current student - what are the entry requirements?
- Successful completion of relevant programme (including skills) and decision from progression board meeting
What will I learn?
As part of the course you will develop knowledge and understanding of contemporary political structures and issues within Wales and the United Kingdom (UK) alongside broader global political structures and issues. You will also gain an awareness of the changing nature of politics and the relationships between political ideas, institutions and processes.
Units to be studied will include:
- Government in Wales and the United Kingdom – an introduction to how Wales and the UK is governed today
- Living and participating in a democracy – 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
- Political concepts and theories – involves the study of political theories and their application
- Government and politics of the USA – introduces learners to the government and politics of the USA through an examination of three related themes: democracy in America, governance and participation
Will I need to study additional English & Maths skills?
You may need to study an additional skills course depending on:
- the course you are taking at College
- what grades you gained in your GCSE Maths and/or English Language
Click below to find out what skills course you may be taking at College.
If you are studying a Workbased qualification:
- Essential Skills Wales (ESW) in Application of Number and Communications
All other courses:
- Upskilling Destination Programme – an hour and half session a week developing essential research skills, critical thinking, and academic writing techniques, supporting literacy, numeracy, digital literacy and employability skills
- A one year GCSE resit course in required subject/s
- Essential Skills Wales (ESW) in Application of Number and Communications, for Progression pathway programmes within the Built Environment Faculty only
For English:
- A one or two year pre-GCSE upskilling course in required subject/s
- Essential Skills Wales (ESW) in Application of Number and Communications, for Progression pathway programmes within the Built Environment Faculty only
For Maths:
- A one year GCSE resit course in required subject/s
- Essential Skills Wales (ESW) in Application of Number and Communications, for Progression pathway programmes within the Built Environment Faculty only
- A two year pre-GCSE upskilling course in required subject/s
- Essential Skills Wales (ESW) in Application of Number and Communications, for Progression pathway programmes within the Built Environment Faculty only
Learners studying on a Jobs Growth Wales (JGW+) programme will be timetabled into literacy and numeracy sessions. To discuss the opportunity of attending a GCSE resit programme, in addition to their JGW+ timetable, please contact skills@pembrokeshire.ac.uk
Can I do this course in Welsh?
How will I be assessed?
- Written examination
What can I do next?
This course can lead to a diverse range of career opportunities in a varied range of businesses including: Civil Service Fast Streamer, Government social research officer, Policy officer, Political risk analyst, Politician’s assistant, Public affairs consultant, Social researcher, Business development manager, Charity officer, Detective, Diplomatic service officer, Forensic accountant, Human resources officer, Local government officer, Market researcher, Marketing executive, Newspaper journalist, Public relations officer, Stockbroker.
Do I need to bring/buy any equipment?
- Stationery - you will be told about any specific items before you start the course
- Textbooks - you will be told about any specific items before you start the course, most textbooks are available to loan from the college library or online libraries
- You may be eligible for funding. Find out more on our student finance page
Any costs above are approximate and may change.
Are there any additional costs?
- No tuition fee
- We are waiving the Administration Fee for the academic year 2025/26
- You may be eligible for funding. Find out more on our student finance page
Any costs above are approximate and may change.
Additional information
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| Duration: | 2 years |
Sports Academy: While on this course you may be able to join our Sports Academy, if you have a talent for sport, find out what we offer on our Sports Academy page.
