Hi, what is politics like as an A-level?
If anyone on here is doing politics, what would you say it's like as a subject?
I have a couple of questions too that might help, if that's ok:
- Do you get to be more open with topics, or are you restricted?
- Is it enjoyable?
- Does it work well with lit/lang?
- Are the topics broad?
I have a couple of questions too that might help, if that's ok:
- Do you get to be more open with topics, or are you restricted?
- Is it enjoyable?
- Does it work well with lit/lang?
- Are the topics broad?
Reply 1
Hii!! I'm currently doing my A-Levels and one of my subjects is Politics (Edexcel, so my answers might not be relevant to the exam board you might do)
1) There's isn't really any choice in what you learn but it's pretty broad too. The only major choice I'd say is for Paper 3 where the options are either US politics or global politics (I'm doing global which is pretty fun because as you learn, you realise how relevant it is to the outside world, e.g. when we were learning about the ICJ, at the same time South Africa filed a case against Israel and so it was fun to see how what we learnt was implemented into real life)
2) I think personally, I enjoy politics, especially in lessons, but that might also be due to having fun and good teachers. Doing exams however is another thing but to be honest, if you stay on top of what's happening in the news and revise, you should do well in the exams so I would say it is enjoyable.
3) I don't do either so cant comment, sorry!
4) Yes, the topics are very broad, annoyingly so. You do learn a good amount for each topic I say, and honestly because it is politics, once you learn it, it kinda sticks since, as I said before, it's all visible in real life. Like, let's say we learn about how laws are passed within parliament, now when I see bills being proposed or passed, all I can think about the process it had to go through in order to be passed
All in all, I think politics is a good a-level if you're willing to take time out of your day to see up to date and whats happening in the world and if you like writing essays, it's all essays!
1) There's isn't really any choice in what you learn but it's pretty broad too. The only major choice I'd say is for Paper 3 where the options are either US politics or global politics (I'm doing global which is pretty fun because as you learn, you realise how relevant it is to the outside world, e.g. when we were learning about the ICJ, at the same time South Africa filed a case against Israel and so it was fun to see how what we learnt was implemented into real life)
2) I think personally, I enjoy politics, especially in lessons, but that might also be due to having fun and good teachers. Doing exams however is another thing but to be honest, if you stay on top of what's happening in the news and revise, you should do well in the exams so I would say it is enjoyable.
3) I don't do either so cant comment, sorry!
4) Yes, the topics are very broad, annoyingly so. You do learn a good amount for each topic I say, and honestly because it is politics, once you learn it, it kinda sticks since, as I said before, it's all visible in real life. Like, let's say we learn about how laws are passed within parliament, now when I see bills being proposed or passed, all I can think about the process it had to go through in order to be passed
All in all, I think politics is a good a-level if you're willing to take time out of your day to see up to date and whats happening in the world and if you like writing essays, it's all essays!
(edited 1 year ago)
Reply 2
7
Original post
by biggaymer420Hii!! I'm currently doing my A-Levels and one of my subjects is Politics (Edexcel, so my answers might not be relevant to the exam board you're might do)
1) There's isn't really any choice in what you learn but it's pretty broad too. The only major choice I'd say is for Paper 3 where the options are either US politics of global politics (I'm doing global which is pretty fun because as you learn, you realise how relevant it is to the outside world, e.g. when we were learning about the ICJ, at the same time South Africa filed a case against Israel and so it was fun to see how what we learnt was implemented into real life)
2) I think personally, I enjoy politics, especially in lessons, but that might also be due to having fun and good teachers. Doing exams however is another thing but to be honest, if you stay on top of what's happening in the news and revise, you should do well in the exams so I would say it is enjoyable.
3) I don't do either so cant comment, sorry!
4) Yes, the topics are very broad, annoyingly so. You do learn a good amount for each topic I say, and honestly because it is politics, once you learn it, it kinda sticks since, as I said before, it's all visible in real life. Like, let's say we learn about how laws are passed within parliament, now when I see bills being proposed or passed, all I can think about how is the process it had to go through in order to be passed
All in all, I think politics is a good a-level if you're willing to take time out of your day to see up to date and whats happening in the world and if you like writing essays, it's all essays!
1) There's isn't really any choice in what you learn but it's pretty broad too. The only major choice I'd say is for Paper 3 where the options are either US politics of global politics (I'm doing global which is pretty fun because as you learn, you realise how relevant it is to the outside world, e.g. when we were learning about the ICJ, at the same time South Africa filed a case against Israel and so it was fun to see how what we learnt was implemented into real life)
2) I think personally, I enjoy politics, especially in lessons, but that might also be due to having fun and good teachers. Doing exams however is another thing but to be honest, if you stay on top of what's happening in the news and revise, you should do well in the exams so I would say it is enjoyable.
3) I don't do either so cant comment, sorry!
4) Yes, the topics are very broad, annoyingly so. You do learn a good amount for each topic I say, and honestly because it is politics, once you learn it, it kinda sticks since, as I said before, it's all visible in real life. Like, let's say we learn about how laws are passed within parliament, now when I see bills being proposed or passed, all I can think about how is the process it had to go through in order to be passed
All in all, I think politics is a good a-level if you're willing to take time out of your day to see up to date and whats happening in the world and if you like writing essays, it's all essays!
This is so helpful, thanks!!! It kind of makes me want to do politics too! 🙂
Reply 3
Original post
by DollsunifiedIf anyone on here is doing politics, what would you say it's like as a subject?
I have a couple of questions too that might help, if that's ok:
- Do you get to be more open with topics, or are you restricted?
- Is it enjoyable?
- Does it work well with lit/lang?
- Are the topics broad?
I have a couple of questions too that might help, if that's ok:
- Do you get to be more open with topics, or are you restricted?
- Is it enjoyable?
- Does it work well with lit/lang?
- Are the topics broad?
don't do. it. I hate politics
Reply 4
11
i think if you are consistent with revision, like essay writing, have some interest in the political system, enjoy keeping up with news and are able to memorise/ remember a lot of information. then it’s a subject for u.
however from my experience even though it’s interesting it’s a lot of content and i do three essay based subjects so it was the worst decision i made especially because it’s my weakest subject. compared to english literature and sociology (both context heavy) it’s not as interesting and it can take time to understand it.
but this can be said about most a levels, if ur up to the task go ahead but u if u can’t do the basics and don’t have the motivation nor are u consistent just do B tecs because there’s a lot of stress for a levels and even the smartest are bound to crumble.
however from my experience even though it’s interesting it’s a lot of content and i do three essay based subjects so it was the worst decision i made especially because it’s my weakest subject. compared to english literature and sociology (both context heavy) it’s not as interesting and it can take time to understand it.
but this can be said about most a levels, if ur up to the task go ahead but u if u can’t do the basics and don’t have the motivation nor are u consistent just do B tecs because there’s a lot of stress for a levels and even the smartest are bound to crumble.
Reply 5
7
Original post
by biggaymer420Hii!! I'm currently doing my A-Levels and one of my subjects is Politics (Edexcel, so my answers might not be relevant to the exam board you might do)
1) There's isn't really any choice in what you learn but it's pretty broad too. The only major choice I'd say is for Paper 3 where the options are either US politics or global politics (I'm doing global which is pretty fun because as you learn, you realise how relevant it is to the outside world, e.g. when we were learning about the ICJ, at the same time South Africa filed a case against Israel and so it was fun to see how what we learnt was implemented into real life)
2) I think personally, I enjoy politics, especially in lessons, but that might also be due to having fun and good teachers. Doing exams however is another thing but to be honest, if you stay on top of what's happening in the news and revise, you should do well in the exams so I would say it is enjoyable.
3) I don't do either so cant comment, sorry!
4) Yes, the topics are very broad, annoyingly so. You do learn a good amount for each topic I say, and honestly because it is politics, once you learn it, it kinda sticks since, as I said before, it's all visible in real life. Like, let's say we learn about how laws are passed within parliament, now when I see bills being proposed or passed, all I can think about the process it had to go through in order to be passed
All in all, I think politics is a good a-level if you're willing to take time out of your day to see up to date and whats happening in the world and if you like writing essays, it's all essays!
1) There's isn't really any choice in what you learn but it's pretty broad too. The only major choice I'd say is for Paper 3 where the options are either US politics or global politics (I'm doing global which is pretty fun because as you learn, you realise how relevant it is to the outside world, e.g. when we were learning about the ICJ, at the same time South Africa filed a case against Israel and so it was fun to see how what we learnt was implemented into real life)
2) I think personally, I enjoy politics, especially in lessons, but that might also be due to having fun and good teachers. Doing exams however is another thing but to be honest, if you stay on top of what's happening in the news and revise, you should do well in the exams so I would say it is enjoyable.
3) I don't do either so cant comment, sorry!
4) Yes, the topics are very broad, annoyingly so. You do learn a good amount for each topic I say, and honestly because it is politics, once you learn it, it kinda sticks since, as I said before, it's all visible in real life. Like, let's say we learn about how laws are passed within parliament, now when I see bills being proposed or passed, all I can think about the process it had to go through in order to be passed
All in all, I think politics is a good a-level if you're willing to take time out of your day to see up to date and whats happening in the world and if you like writing essays, it's all essays!
hey, just wanted to let you know, I now do politics and love it! Thanks so much!
Reply 6
Original post
by Dollsunifiedhey, just wanted to let you know, I now do politics and love it! Thanks so much!
Omg haha, haven't been on this site for forever and thought to take a quick look
I'm really happy to hear that you like politics! It really is so fun and so useful. I'm now a second year uni student and I can definitely say that what you learn in politics is really relevant outside of academics. Keep going and hope you get good grades!
Reply 7
Original post
by DollsunifiedIf anyone on here is doing politics, what would you say it's like as a subject?
I have a couple of questions too that might help, if that's ok:
- Do you get to be more open with topics, or are you restricted?
- Is it enjoyable?
- Does it work well with lit/lang?
- Are the topics broad?
I have a couple of questions too that might help, if that's ok:
- Do you get to be more open with topics, or are you restricted?
- Is it enjoyable?
- Does it work well with lit/lang?
- Are the topics broad?
I’m a Year 13 student studying A-Level Politics, and I really enjoy it! It’s important you actually have a passion for politics (this is the case for any of the subjects you choose at A-Level) as that makes revision and keeping up with the news much easier. I personally find that the difficulty in Politics comes from the amount of content and the time management in exam conditions, rather than because it’s difficult to understand or even too difficult to learn how to write the essays, but this will likely differ from person to person. I honestly would recommend it, but a genuine curiosity in politics is needed to make it feel like less of a drag, because I totally accept that it can feel boring to some.
1) My exam board is Edexcel, and it’s quite restricted. All students taking A-Level Politics will study UK Politics and UK Government, but whether or not you do US Politics or Global Politics will depend on the school. The political ideologies you look at (e.g. socialism, feminism, etc) in the Ideologies unit also depend on the school. You, as a student though, do not get to decide what you look at. However, when you’re in the exam, you get a choice of essay questions e.g 3 different essay questions, and told to write 2 of them. This gives you a bit more flexibility if there are certain topics you don’t gel with.
2) I genuinely do find it enjoyable. Like I said, I have a passion for politics, so I find it easier to be interested in the content and keep up with the news. However, some of the units are definitely drier than others, and, because of the higher level of content it makes revision a big task to tackle.
3) I don’t do English Language, and I can barely speak on English Lit - I dropped it after a few weeks. Sorry 😅
4) The individual units are not broad, I think they go into a lot of detail about political theory/institutions. However, because the course covers a lot of different areas (British politics, American/global politics, Ideologies) you gain a broad overview of politics as a whole. Part of that depends on how much you’re thinking/writing about the big picture during revision/essays. Units like ‘Prime Minister & the Executive’, for example, give you a detailed look at how the PM exercises power, interacts with Parliament, and so on. No stone is left unturned.
I hope that helps - I’d be happy to answer any more questions about what A-Level Politics has been like if anyone has any!
Reply 8
7
Original post
by lsavage19I’m a Year 13 student studying A-Level Politics, and I really enjoy it! It’s important you actually have a passion for politics (this is the case for any of the subjects you choose at A-Level) as that makes revision and keeping up with the news much easier. I personally find that the difficulty in Politics comes from the amount of content and the time management in exam conditions, rather than because it’s difficult to understand or even too difficult to learn how to write the essays, but this will likely differ from person to person. I honestly would recommend it, but a genuine curiosity in politics is needed to make it feel like less of a drag, because I totally accept that it can feel boring to some.
1) My exam board is Edexcel, and it’s quite restricted. All students taking A-Level Politics will study UK Politics and UK Government, but whether or not you do US Politics or Global Politics will depend on the school. The political ideologies you look at (e.g. socialism, feminism, etc) in the Ideologies unit also depend on the school. You, as a student though, do not get to decide what you look at. However, when you’re in the exam, you get a choice of essay questions e.g 3 different essay questions, and told to write 2 of them. This gives you a bit more flexibility if there are certain topics you don’t gel with.
2) I genuinely do find it enjoyable. Like I said, I have a passion for politics, so I find it easier to be interested in the content and keep up with the news. However, some of the units are definitely drier than others, and, because of the higher level of content it makes revision a big task to tackle.
3) I don’t do English Language, and I can barely speak on English Lit - I dropped it after a few weeks. Sorry 😅
4) The individual units are not broad, I think they go into a lot of detail about political theory/institutions. However, because the course covers a lot of different areas (British politics, American/global politics, Ideologies) you gain a broad overview of politics as a whole. Part of that depends on how much you’re thinking/writing about the big picture during revision/essays. Units like ‘Prime Minister & the Executive’, for example, give you a detailed look at how the PM exercises power, interacts with Parliament, and so on. No stone is left unturned.
I hope that helps - I’d be happy to answer any more questions about what A-Level Politics has been like if anyone has any!
1) My exam board is Edexcel, and it’s quite restricted. All students taking A-Level Politics will study UK Politics and UK Government, but whether or not you do US Politics or Global Politics will depend on the school. The political ideologies you look at (e.g. socialism, feminism, etc) in the Ideologies unit also depend on the school. You, as a student though, do not get to decide what you look at. However, when you’re in the exam, you get a choice of essay questions e.g 3 different essay questions, and told to write 2 of them. This gives you a bit more flexibility if there are certain topics you don’t gel with.
2) I genuinely do find it enjoyable. Like I said, I have a passion for politics, so I find it easier to be interested in the content and keep up with the news. However, some of the units are definitely drier than others, and, because of the higher level of content it makes revision a big task to tackle.
3) I don’t do English Language, and I can barely speak on English Lit - I dropped it after a few weeks. Sorry 😅
4) The individual units are not broad, I think they go into a lot of detail about political theory/institutions. However, because the course covers a lot of different areas (British politics, American/global politics, Ideologies) you gain a broad overview of politics as a whole. Part of that depends on how much you’re thinking/writing about the big picture during revision/essays. Units like ‘Prime Minister & the Executive’, for example, give you a detailed look at how the PM exercises power, interacts with Parliament, and so on. No stone is left unturned.
I hope that helps - I’d be happy to answer any more questions about what A-Level Politics has been like if anyone has any!
thanks this is so insightful! I now do Politics and find it to be very interesting. how are you finding revision with all of the content?
Reply 9
Original post
by Dollsunifiedthanks this is so insightful! I now do Politics and find it to be very interesting. how are you finding revision with all of the content?
Aw I'm glad to have helped - I'm finding revision time-consuming, but not too difficult. This year, I'm learning content for Paper 3 (US Politics), and because part of the exam requires you to compare the US/UK systems, I'm refamiliarising myself with Year 12 content as I learn. However, it is still time consuming as units like Democracy and Participation are lengthy, so having plans for what my revision will cover over 4 week-periods has helped me with time management/being more consistent. There are also a lot of online resources with examples or niche arguments, which has really helped me in getting A*/A/B grades.
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