The GPS department aims to stimulate a greater understanding and interest in current affairs. To encourage students to look beyond the often negative style of political debate they are presented with both in the press and on television and to think about political issues beyond the restrictions of party political labels.

We aim to make YOU think

The emphasis of this course is a study of contemporary politics, putting the UK in the context of the EU and the wider world. There are no subject specific entry requirements to study GPS all that is required is a willingness to read widely in order to keep abreast of current affairs and participate fully in this dynamic, pro-active subject.

GPS encourages you to think, to draw your own conclusions about the world around you and to produce sound academic arguments based on reasoned evaluation and analysis. These skills will serve you well in whatever your choice of University course or career.

AS Level

At AS level three Modules are studied and together these provide an overview of the British Political system and consider the constitutional and parliamentary reforms that have taken place since 1997.

Topics covered include

• the Role of Parliament
• the Executive and the Prime Minster
• Rights and responsibilities
• Political parties
• Pressure groups
• Electoral systems
• British Judicial system

There is the opportunity for comparison with other systems such as the United States of America . The impact of the EU on the British political system is also covered with the possible introduction of the euro and the European constitution being two areas of topical interest.

A2 Level

At A2 again there are three modules and these allow a more in more depth study of the political ideologies that underpin both the British and other political systems.

Ideologies covered include the key ones: - conservatism, liberalism and socialism, and also other ideological traditions that have developed out of, or in opposition to these three key ones namely; nationalism, fascism, anarchism and feminism.

In the final synoptic Unit 6 the relationship between ideological belief and practical politics in the UK is explored, for example examining how UK political parties have responded to the challenges posed by constitutional change.

Visits and other activities

As well as arranging visits to academic conferences and revision courses the department also organises a range of other trips, including two appearances on the Jonathan Dimbleby current affairs programme on LWT. We believe that it is important for students to experience at first hand the institutions and people who have such an impact on our daily lives. Why not visit our Press Release webpages where you will see examples of trips, such as the United Nations Conference and the House of Parliament trip?

Useful Links

If you would like to find out more about politics, click here for useful weblinks.