A Level Government and Politics Distance Learning CourseAL610

Course Info

Distance Learning Support

As a valued student of Start Learning you will have the facility to use our personal tutor service.  At Start Learning we have a friendly team of highly qualified and experienced tutors.  A tutor will be allocated to our student for 18 months, starting from when study materials are received.  The tutors are contacted via email and are responsible for marking assignments and guiding you through the course to ensure you are ready for your examinations.

Homes Study Entry Requirements

Basic English reading and writing skills are required. We recommend you have general skills and knowledge associated with a GCSE course or equivalent.

At Start Learning we believe that everyone should be given the opportunity to expand their knowledge and study further.  Therefore we do not have strict entry requirements; we take factors such as, experience, enthusiasm, self motivation etc into consideration.  Students will be given plenty of resources to help them overcome obstacles.  Start Learning tutors will also aid our students and answer queries.      

Recommended Hours of Study

It is recommended that 200 hours of your time should be allocated towards study for the AS and A2 examinations.

Distance Learning Course Contents

A Level Government and Politics consists of AS Level and A2 Level

AS Level
Unit 1 – GOVP1 – People, Politics and Participation
• Participation and voting behaviour
• Electoral systems
•  Political parties
• Pressure groups and protest movements

Unit 2 – GOVP2 – Governing Modern Britain
• The British constitution
• Parliament
• The core executive
• Multi-level governance

A2 Level

Unit 3 – either:
GOV3A – the Politics of the USA
GOV3B – Ideologies
GOV3C – Politics and Power
• The electoral process and direct democracy
• Political parties
• Voting Behaviour
• Pressure groups
• Liberalism
• Socialism
• Conservatism
• Fascism
• Power in modern society
• Executive power
• Political culture
• Britain in Europe

Unit 4 – either:
GOV4A – the Government of the USA
GOV4B – Political Issues: Ideologies in Action
GOV4C – Perspectives on Modern Politics
• The constitutional framework of US government
• The legislative branch of government: US Congress
• The executive branch of government
• The judicial branch of government: the supreme court
• Ethnicity and Gender
• The Environment
• Education
• The Economy
• Participation and Representation
• Globalisation
• Change and Continuity
• Territorial Politics

AS Level + A2 Level = A Level in Government and Politics

Recommended Reading

British Politics in Focus
Roy Bentley et all
2004

American Politics and Society
David McKay
2005

Distance Learning Easy Payment Plan

50% Deposit + Postage = £197.50 + £4.95 (This is paid when signing up for the course)

First Instalment = £65.83 (This is paid 1 month after signing up for the course)

Second Instalment = £65.83 (This is paid 2 months after signing up for the course)

Third Instalment = £65.83 (This is paid 3 months after signing up for the course)

Call us on 0800 074 1222 or email us at info@start-learning.co.uk if you would like to set up a payment plan.

Qualification

Qualification

AS +A2 = A level in Government and Politics.
Both AS and A2 level courses and examinations must be successfully completed to gain a full A level.

Language of Examination

English

Examination Centre
Start Learning will provide you with a list of examination centres. 

The contract for sitting exams is between you and the centre and we will provide you with comprehensive instructions on when and how to deal with the examination centre.

Please email for a list of centres and we will provide you with a link or a PDF for you to contact centres directly.

Summary of Examinations

Unit 1 – GOVP1 – People, Politics and Participation
Percentage: 50% of AS Level, 25% of A Level
Examination Time: 2 hour 30 minutes written examination
Total Marks: 80 marks
Format: Two structured source-based questions from a choice of four

Unit 2 – GOVP2 – Governing Modern Britain
Percentage: 50% of AS Level, 25% of A Level
Examination Time: 1 hour 30 minutes written examination
Total Marks: 80 marks
Format: Two structured source-based questions from a choice of four

Unit 3 – either:
GOV3A – the Politics of the USA
GOV3B – Ideologies
GOV3C – Politics and Power
Percentage: 25% of A Level
Examination Time: 1 hour 30 minutes written examination
Total Marks: 80 marks
Format: Two questions from a choice of four

Unit 4 – either:
GOV4A – the Government of the USA
GOV4B – Political Issues: Ideologies in Action
GOV4C – Perspectives on Modern Politics
Percentage: 25 % of A Level
Examination Time: 1 hour 30 minutes written examination
Total Marks: 80 marks
Format: Two questions from a choice of four

FAQ's

Q: What are the qualifications required to enrol onto this course?
A: Basic English reading and writing skills are required.  We recommend you have general skills and knowledge associated with a GCSE course or equivalent.

Q: Do I have to sit an exam?
A: Yes, to gain your full A Level Qualification, you are required to sit an exam.  Exams are held at test centres which can be found in major towns and cities throughout the UK.  Please contact Start Learning for a list of test centres.  Exams can be taken in January and June, please visit the AQA website for further details and exam timetables.   

Q: How long do I have access to the personal tutor service?
A: The personal tutor service is available for 18 months from when the study materials are received.  At Start Learning we aim help our students to the best of our ability; therefore we are always delighted to answer questions and queries out with the 18 month period.
Q: Do your courses meet the latest syllabus changes?
A: yes, all our course materials meet any changes and will be updated free of charge if further changes are made.

Q: How much are exam fees?
A: These vary from centre to centre so please check with your local centre.

Q: Is this A Level Government and Politics course paper based or on-line?
A: Our A Level Government and Politics course is paper based and comes in an attractive folder.

Q: I want to take my exams but there are only a few months to study, is this possible?
A: Depending on the time of year, it is sometimes impossible to complete your studies in a short space of time as your work has to be marked and checked. More importantly the examination boards have cut off times which are not flexible. See the AQA website for further information.

Q: Will I receive UCAS points on completion of this course?
A: Yes all of our A Levels carry UCAS points. The number of points awarded will depend on the grade you achieve.

Q: I still have questions? / I would like more information?
A:  If you require more information please do not hesitate to contact Start Learning via email: info@start-learning.co.uk or call us on 0800 074 1222 or 0141 218 4424.

We look forward to hearing from you.