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Government and Politics A Level

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Is Government and Politics considered a (relatively) soft subject by universities? I'm considering choosing it for A-Level but cannot decide between it or French. From what I've seen it looks like a very interesting and stimulating subject. So is it looked upon well by universities? I've had a mixed response so far but the general consensus seems to be that it's looked upon quite well. I'm considering applying for a law degree in sixth form, so if anybody could give me an idea as to whether or not it is deemed a 'respectable' subject by top universities? Thanks in advance.
Original post by benpearson1
Is Government and Politics considered a (relatively) soft subject by universities? I'm considering choosing it for A-Level but cannot decide between it or French. From what I've seen it looks like a very interesting and stimulating subject. So is it looked upon well by universities? I've had a mixed response so far but the general consensus seems to be that it's looked upon quite well. I'm considering applying for a law degree in sixth form, so if anybody could give me an idea as to whether or not it is deemed a 'respectable' subject by top universities? Thanks in advance.


It's fine. it's one of my subject and I have offers from Warwick, LSE, Nottingham and Birmingham for Law + a Cambridge rejection post interview.
Reply 62
Original post by benpearson1

Original post by benpearson1
Is Government and Politics considered a (relatively) soft subject by universities? I'm considering choosing it for A-Level but cannot decide between it or French. From what I've seen it looks like a very interesting and stimulating subject. So is it looked upon well by universities? I've had a mixed response so far but the general consensus seems to be that it's looked upon quite well. I'm considering applying for a law degree in sixth form, so if anybody could give me an idea as to whether or not it is deemed a 'respectable' subject by top universities? Thanks in advance.


its perfectly acceptable and considered a hard subject by many :smile: im holding offers from QM, UCL and SOAS none of them minded :smile:
Reply 63
It's good so long as you have other subjects like English and history in there as well.

<3 x
Original post by cl_steele
its perfectly acceptable and considered a hard subject by many :smile: im holding offers from QM, UCL and SOAS none of them minded :smile:


What other A levels did you study? If you don't mind me asking.
Original post by Tsunami2011
It's fine. it's one of my subject and I have offers from Warwick, LSE, Nottingham and Birmingham for Law + a Cambridge rejection post interview.


As in my previous post to another, what other A-Levels did you study? I've already settled on History, English Lit & Chemistry. Do you think 3 essay based subjects will go overboard slightly? Any advice you could disclose would be greatly appreciated.
Original post by benpearson1
As in my previous post to another, what other A-Levels did you study? I've already settled on History, English Lit & Chemistry. Do you think 3 essay based subjects will go overboard slightly? Any advice you could disclose would be greatly appreciated.


I'm the guy from that Cambridge thread:tongue: where you asked a similar question if you remember?
Reply 67
Original post by benpearson1
What other A levels did you study? If you don't mind me asking.


I studied History, Government and Politics, Classics and did an AS in Geography :smile:
Original post by benpearson1
Is Government and Politics considered a (relatively) soft subject by universities? I'm considering choosing it for A-Level but cannot decide between it or French. From what I've seen it looks like a very interesting and stimulating subject. So is it looked upon well by universities? I've had a mixed response so far but the general consensus seems to be that it's looked upon quite well. I'm considering applying for a law degree in sixth form, so if anybody could give me an idea as to whether or not it is deemed a 'respectable' subject by top universities? Thanks in advance.


I did it, and am now studying at University of Manchester. The others from my course (it was a small class) are now studying at Bristol Uni (Law), Cardiff and Leeds.

Really, it is considered to be an academic subject, and it won't shut any doors for you.
Original post by Tsunami2011
I'm the guy from that Cambridge thread:tongue: where you asked a similar question if you remember?


Most likely, you will have to forgive me :colondollar:. I'm still learning the many ways of TSR... :s-smilie:
Original post by Origami Bullets
I did it, and am now studying at University of Manchester. The others from my course (it was a small class) are now studying at Bristol Uni (Law), Cardiff and Leeds.

Really, it is considered to be an academic subject, and it won't shut any doors for you.


Thanks for your advice, I've chosen this now with the deadline tomorrow so hopefully I've made the right choice.
Reply 71
hey guys,

was just wondering if anyone knew what the questions were in the A2 Government and Politics Edexcel January 2012 Unit 4B were as i'm just trying to figure out if there's a pattern in the questions they ask each year.

thanks :biggrin:
Reply 72
What sort of things would you have to do to get an A Politics?
(Like, in terms of background reading)
Reply 73
Hi guys. Am picking my Alevels this month and am pretty certain on picking Maths, Further Maths and Chemistry. For my fourth option I want to pick an Essay Subject and am considering between Government and Polotics, Psychology or Economics.
1) Which one is best if trying to leave a Law pathway open?
2) If anyone has take any of these, what were they like, are they difficult to get a good grade, are they considered a soft subject.
Thanks in advance! :smile:
Reply 74
Original post by Bayliss216
Hi guys. Am picking my Alevels this month and am pretty certain on picking Maths, Further Maths and Chemistry. For my fourth option I want to pick an Essay Subject and am considering between Government and Polotics, Psychology or Economics.
1) Which one is best if trying to leave a Law pathway open?
2) If anyone has take any of these, what were they like, are they difficult to get a good grade, are they considered a soft subject.
Thanks in advance! :smile:


I am studying law and I did both politics and economics at A level. Politics has been an amazing help for me in constitutional law this term. I think it is one of the best A levels to take in terms of preparation for law.

I found politics to be a bit more reading than my other subjects. It also required a bit more practice at the exam than the others. But the content was not difficult at all to grasp.

Economics is different. The content is slightly harder (but I still did not find it difficult really) but there is less work. Both subjects were very interesting and rewarding if you have an interest in current affairs, or if you learn to develop one as you study.

Neither would be considered a 'soft' subject by any university so far as I am aware, apart from perhaps a couple of colleges at Cambridge. It was certainly not a problem for me. For reference, I am now at Oxford.
(edited 11 years ago)
Original post by Bayliss216
Hi guys. Am picking my Alevels this month and am pretty certain on picking Maths, Further Maths and Chemistry. For my fourth option I want to pick an Essay Subject and am considering between Government and Polotics, Psychology or Economics.
1) Which one is best if trying to leave a Law pathway open?
2) If anyone has take any of these, what were they like, are they difficult to get a good grade, are they considered a soft subject.
Thanks in advance! :smile:


It's quite hard to close off law as an option, in many ways, because the GDL is open to people from all degree subjects.

However, I'd say that Politics is the subject most relevant to Law - there's a lot of crossover in terms of how the law is made, how the supreme court came into being etc. etc. which can be quite useful.
Reply 76
how can i pm? im yr 11 thinking of taking G&P. options deadline tomorrow so in some need of help quick
Original post by yr11aneel
how can i pm? im yr 11 thinking of taking G&P. options deadline tomorrow so in some need of help quick


If you need urgent advice your best bet is to post a new thread, so lots of different people can see it. If you just pm, you run the risk of them not seeing it / having enough time to reply. You'll also get a range of views if you post publicly.

However, for future reference, you can click on someone's username and then the send a private message button

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Original post by BullYardBill
gpl is my favourite subject at A-level (with edexcel) at AS we did the basics: unit 1: democracy, elections, political parties, pressure groups, unit 2: constitution, parliament, cabinet and pm, judiciary Unit 3: elections more detail, constitutional reform, devolution, EU membership. I found all this really interesting and achieved 100% in the 3 exams (but i warn u i have a draw full of notes just for gpl) At A2 unit 4 looks at economy, welfare state, law and order and northern ireland (very interesting but intense module) i got 99% on it. Then we're currently doing unit 5 and 6 which is based on europe and unit 6 is the synoptic unit.
i found it complemented geography and economics very well with some overlap, but not in all areas.
We dont do "What are the main theories and ideologies of nationalism and socialism?" because schools decide out of a few options and we chose unit 4 - uk political issues. So this will depend on your school. Though these theories will be touched on in any case with wider reading (which btw is essential to getting an A)


I've just started g&p at a new school 8 weeks in and have missed parliament and constitutions-
So sorry this is a bit cheeky, but would you be willing to share some of your notes?! Thanks and well Done on your results!!
This thread looks interesting. I am considering studying the subject at A level and I will be 'trying it out' on Friday on my 'into the sixth form day.'

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