Government & Politics - AS

L3 Level 3
Full Time
3 September 2025 — 23 June 2026
City Centre Campus, Cardiff

About this course

The Government & Politics AS programme is a one-year course of study and should be taken in conjunction with two or three other subjects and the Welsh Baccalaureate. 

Based at our City Centre campus in Cardiff, this course is an exploratory journey through the British and American political systems with an emphasis on your understanding of politics, rather than learning politics. Throughout the programme, pupils are encouraged to explore the workings, processes and frameworks of the various political institutions, individuals and groups associated with politics in the two countries.

Learners may be able to take this qualification as a part-time student.

What you will study

This course comprises of two units including topics such as elections, pressure groups, UK Constitution, judiciary etc.

Unit 1: People and Politics (written exam of 1hr 20m)

  • Democracy and Participation - main features of the UK political system
  • Elections and Voting - a knowledge of the electoral system
  • Political Parties - understanding traditions and ideologies
  • Pressure Groups - a knowledge of different categories of groups and how they operate

Unit 2: Governing the UK (written exam of 1hr 20m)

  • The Constitution - a knowledge of the features and nature of the UK Constitution
  • Parliament - an understanding of the roles and structures
  • Prime Minister and Cabinet - an understanding of the power and constraints on power
  • Judiciary - a knowledge of the role and power of the judges

Entry requirements

Individual Subject Entry Requirements English Language minimum B

Teaching and assessment

Two written exams

Important points

  • The College welcomes contact with parents/guardians of students who are under 18.
  • Additional support is available for students with learning difficulties and disabilities.
  • Cardiff and Vale College is committed to inclusion and values diversity. We are determined to promote equality of opportunity and to treat everyone fairly and with respect.
  • Cardiff and Vale College reserves the right to make changes to this course without prior notice.
  • Course fees are subject to change. Your fee will be confirmed prior to enrolment.
  • All courses are accurate at the time of upload or print.
  • Courses can only run if there are sufficient numbers.
  • Please note, if you choose three or more course choices, then you may be referred for a careers appointment first. This does not apply to A Level or GCSE choices.
Key information

Start date

3 September 2025

End date

23 June 2026

Time of day

Day Time

Full Time

4.5 hours per week

Location

City Centre Campus, Cardiff
Maps & directions

Course code

ASCC3F07
L3

Qualification

Government & Politics - AS
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What our students say

“I met a lot of great people from various backgrounds and walks of life; I liked the diversity within the College. In my opinion the freedom that the College gave me towards my studies provided me with the tools I needed to be a more independent worker and have confidence to develop things on my own.”

Bianca Zerbini
Studying A Levels in Art and Maths and Physics

Career prospects & further study

500

Fantastic university progression routes! With hundreds of students gaining places at Oxbridge, Russell Group and other leading universities. In fact, this year more than 500 students achieved their firm or insurance choice through UCAS, with nearly 100 being Russell Group universities!

On completion of the A Level programme, the majority of our students progress onto universities across the country and beyond. Based on this course, there are many options but below are just a few examples of degree programmes you could go on to study at University:

  • Business Management
  • Care
  • Law
  • Journalism
  • Politics
  • Teaching

Need to know

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Locations

City Centre Campus, Cardiff
City Centre Campus, Cardiff

City Centre Campus,

Dumballs Road,

Cardiff,

CF10 5FE