Government and Politics A Level (Distance Learning) at National Extension College *Fees Payable*
Course description
**DISTANCE LEARNING COURSE**
olitics is a fascinating and complex subject, and this home study A level course will provide you with a firm grasp of its underlying principles and systems. As well as teaching you about how the UK is governed, you’ll also learn about how it integrates with the EU, how UK politics is changing, the advantages and shortcomings of different political systems, how elections work and the make-up of the British constitution. In short you’ll cover every aspect of how government and politics work, and gain a different perspective on how politicians reach the decisions that affect every aspect of our lives. This distance learning programme is perfect for anyone with an interest in politics and political systems, and aside from the obvious usefulness of the qualification for anyone wishing to pursue a career in politics, it also encourages analytical thought and the consideration of different perspectives.
You should allow for between 250 and 300 hours' study time, plus additional time for completing assignments. You will have tutor support for a period of up to 18 months from the date of enrolment.
Course content
Unit 1: People and politics
- Introduction to government and politics
- Democracy and political participation
- Party policies and ideas
- Elections
- Elections and electoral reform
- Pressure groups
Unit 2: Governing the UK
- The constitution
- Constitutional reforms in the UK
- Parliament
- The Prime Minister and Cabinet
- Judges and civil liberties
Unit 3: Key themes in political analysis
- Elections and voting
- Political parties
- Pressure groups
- Racial and ethnic politics
Unit 4: Extended themes in political analysis
- The constitution
- Congress
- The presidency
- The Supreme Court
Entry requirements
No formal qualifications are required, but essay-writing skills are advisable.
Assessment
This course follows specifications 8GP01 (AS) and 9GP01 (A2) from the awarding organisation Edexcel. Full details of the specifications can be obtained from Edexcel's website.
Four exams: 1hr30m (25% of marks), 1hr30m (25% of marks), 1hr20m (25% of marks) and 1hr20m (25% of marks)
Six AS assignments, eight A2 assignments
No coursework
Please note that due to upcoming changes the final opportunity to sit exams for this course isSummer 2018.
Financial information
**FEES PAYABLE**
It’s your choice: pay in full and discount your course fees, or spread the cost with our finance offer. To pay in instalments, you will need to enrol by telephone.
Representative examples:
Course fee: £545
Deposit: £54.50
Amount of credit: £490.50
Monthly payment: £81.75
Duration of agreement: 6 months
Total repayable: £545
Rate of interest: 0%(fixed)
0% APR representative.
Course fee: £325
Deposit: £32.50
Amount of credit: £292.50
Duration of agreement: 6 months
Total repayable: £325
Rate of interest: 0% (fixed)
0% APR representative.
- EU – £75 for the first course and £40 for second and subsequent courses
- Rest of the world – £130 for the first course and £70 for second and subsequent courses
Further information
Essential textbooks
AS
- McNaughton, N., Edexcel Government and Politics for AS, 3rd edition, Hodder Education, 2010
A2
- McKay, D., American Politics and Society, 8th edition, Wiley-Blackwell, 2013
How to apply
If you want to apply for this course, you will need to contact National Extension College *Fees Payable* directly.
