Units

Please find below the units which are available for this qualification.

For AS Level

Unit Type	Unit Information	Assessment Method and Weighting
Mandatory	F851: Contemporary Politics of the UK Candidates gain an understanding of parties, party systems and pressure groups in the UK as well as electoral systems, parliamentary elections, voting behaviour and party ideology.	1.5hr exam AS - 50% A Level - 25%
Mandatory	F852: Contemporary Government of the UK Candidates will explore the composition, role and power of the legislative and executive branches of government in the UK as well as the judiciary, constitution, rights of the individual and the EU.	1.5hr exam AS - 50% A Level - 25%

For A2 Level

Optional (but if chosen both units in the option must be taken)	F583: Contemporary US Government and Politics Candidates will gain an understanding of the government and politics of the US. They will examine the US constitution, legislature, executive and judiciary of the federal government as well as issues concerning representation and participation.	2hr exam A Level - 25%
Optional (but if chosen both units in the option must be taken)	F584: Political Ideas and Concepts Candidates will explore and compare a range of political ideas, democratic theories and systems. They will explore the role of the state, the processes of government and the relationship between individual and state in society. Candidates will be able to refer to a range of political thinkers.	2hr exam A Level - 25%
Optional (but if chosen both units in the option must be taken)	F855: US Government and Politics In this unit candidates apply skills and knowledge gained in other areas of the Advanced GCE course to compare and contrast British, American and EU political systems. Candidates are expected to supplement formal study with close attention to world political events via relevant media. Candidates are encouraged to make references beyond the UK, US and EU.	2hr exam A Level - 25%
Optional (but if chosen both units in the option must be taken)	F856: Political Ideas and Concepts in Practice In this unit candidates apply their knowledge and understanding of political ideas and concepts to the practice of politics in the UK and the EU. They will study a range of political theories, thinkers and systems. Candidates are expected to pay close attention to world political events via the relevant media.	2hr exam A Level - 25%