classic civilisation or politics for a level

I love debating, MUN and I read the news multiple times daily so I've always thought politics A-Level would be for me but now I'm thinking whether to do classic civ or politics for A-Level. I already do ancient history (predicted an 8/9) and I do well in English Lit (a high 9 predicted) so I thought I can do classic civ? edit: to clarify I mean I do ancient history GCSE (our school does not have ancient history a-level)

(edited 10 months ago)

Reply 1

waffelton

12

Original post by antique-prescrip

I love debating, MUN and I read the news multiple times daily so I've always thought politics A-Level would be for me but now I'm thinking whether to do classic civ or politics for A-Level. I already do ancient history (predicted an 8/9) and I do well in English Lit (a high 9 predicted) so I thought I can do classic civ?

Classical cub is a really easy a-level, so if you’re concerned about grades, it’s pretty much a guaranteed A/A* with your grades. I don’t really know much about politics A-level, but if you enjoy it, I would recommend doing what you love. Perhaps you can consider taking an EPQ in politics if you want.

Reply 2

McGinger

20

Classical Civ and Ancient History has far too much overlap and you risk restricting your eventual degree choices because of that. With Politics you leave far more options open to you.

Reply 3

bibachu

Universities Forum Helper

13

Original post by antique-prescrip

I love debating, MUN and I read the news multiple times daily so I've always thought politics A-Level would be for me but now I'm thinking whether to do classic civ or politics for A-Level. I already do ancient history (predicted an 8/9) and I do well in English Lit (a high 9 predicted) so I thought I can do classic civ?

If you have an interest in politics, choose politics.

Speaking as a current politics student who started off doing English because I did well at GCSE, you should always pick the subject you have a bigger interest in. While it's true that A levels are temporary, it is still 2 years of your life you'll be dedicating towards a grade and from experience, you'll do better in subjects that interest you. Politics as a specification doesn't have a lot of content, but the work you have to do outside of that will be a lot. If you're someone engaging with current affairs, you won't struggle. I also engage in current affairs and enjoy doing so, which is why I've found myself consistently achieving high grades. Aside from structure, politics essays are your chance to demonstrate your political knowledge, so keeping up to date is key. If you're already debating, I'm sure you'll find making a convincing and concise argument fairly easy. I know nothing about classical civilisation, but if you're going to do ancient history, as other have said, it sounds like there will be too much overlap. I'm always going to advocate for politics as it helps you not only stay politically aware, but it will change your mindset for life and shape you as an individual.

If you have any politics related questions (or questions about A levels in general), I'd be happy to answer them!

Reply 4

antique-prescrip

OP

9

Original post by McGinger

Classical Civ and Ancient History has far too much overlap and you risk restricting your eventual degree choices because of that. With Politics you leave far more options open to you.

no i meant I do ancient history gcse and I want to do classic civ a-level (our school does not offer ancient history a-level)

Reply 5

Lottie_128

5

Original post by bibachu

If you have an interest in politics, choose politics.
Speaking as a current politics student who started off doing English because I did well at GCSE, you should always pick the subject you have a bigger interest in. While it's true that A levels are temporary, it is still 2 years of your life you'll be dedicating towards a grade and from experience, you'll do better in subjects that interest you. Politics as a specification doesn't have a lot of content, but the work you have to do outside of that will be a lot. If you're someone engaging with current affairs, you won't struggle. I also engage in current affairs and enjoy doing so, which is why I've found myself consistently achieving high grades. Aside from structure, politics essays are your chance to demonstrate your political knowledge, so keeping up to date is key. If you're already debating, I'm sure you'll find making a convincing and concise argument fairly easy. I know nothing about classical civilisation, but if you're going to do ancient history, as other have said, it sounds like there will be too much overlap. I'm always going to advocate for politics as it helps you not only stay politically aware, but it will change your mindset for life and shape you as an individual.
If you have any politics related questions (or questions about A levels in general), I'd be happy to answer them!

Is politics useful even if you don’t end up going into a political job?

Reply 6

antique-prescrip

OP

9

Original post by Lottie_128

Is politics useful even if you don’t end up going into a political job?

welp i chose pol and not classics

Reply 7

bibachu

Universities Forum Helper

13

Original post by Lottie_128

Is politics useful even if you don’t end up going into a political job?

Generally speaking, your A level subjects are usually irrelevant to employers, regardless of your career path. The subject choices at A level are more so important for university and sometimes degree apprenticeships if there are required A level subjects. I don’t plan on going into a political field and I can confidently say that politics is a very useful subject not only in academia, but in life. Understanding the ways in which the world works and the events that can occur as a result of political decisions (e.g. Brexit) is particularly useful for young people when trying to navigate their futures. Fiscal policies can affect tuition fees for example (something that actually happened under the Conservative-LibDem coalition), which has a direct impact on young people’s life choices. Politics is a useful subject in pretty much any field, whether that be in the arts, social sciences, humanities or pure sciences, because it helps you to understand the world better.

classic civilisation or politics for a level

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