Course Overview
Explore how power works and why political decisions shape every part of our lives with our online A level Politics course.
A level Politics is a dynamic and relevant subject that explores the systems, ideologies, and institutions that shape our world.
In Politics A level you’ll study UK and US political systems, political ideologies, government structures, elections, power, and participation, gaining a deep understanding of how democracy works (or doesn’t), and what influences political change.
This Edexcel A level Politics course helps you develop strong skills in debate, analysis, evaluation, and essay writing. With flexible learning, online A level Politics is ideal for students aiming for university or careers in politics, law, journalism, international relations, or public policy.
-
94% pass rate in 2026
-
Interactive course
-
Dedicated tutor support
A level Politics at a glance
Set textbooks – included as a free ebook with your course:
- Edexcel UK Government and Politics for AS/A level (Fifth Edition), N McNaughton, Hodder Education, 2017
- US Government and Politics for A level (Fifth Edition), A Bennett, Hodder Education, 2017
Set textbooks – not included in the course fee:
- Political ideas for A level: Liberalism, Conservatism, Socialism, Nationalism, Multiculturalism, Ecologism, R Kelly and N McNaughton, Hodder Education, 2017
- 12 assignments – these do not contribute towards your final grade
Learn at your own pace
Approx. 250-300 hours* plus time for completing assignments
Earn up to 56 UCAS points
There are no academic requirements for this course.
Course materials are written in English so a good level of written English is required.
Online learning with 1:1 tutor support
Exams (three):
- 33.3% of marks (2 hours)
- 33.3% of marks (2 hours)
- 33.3% of marks (2 hours)
There is no non-exam assessment (NEA) for this course
There are no academic requirements for this course.
Course materials are written in English so a good level of written English is required.
Learn at your own pace
Approx. 250-300 hours* plus time for completing assignments
Exams (three):
- 33.3% of marks (2 hours)
- 33.3% of marks (2 hours)
- 33.3% of marks (2 hours)
There is no non-exam assessment (NEA) for this course
- 12 assignments – these do not contribute towards your final grade
Set textbooks – included as a free ebook with your course:
- Edexcel UK Government and Politics for AS/A level (Fifth Edition), N McNaughton, Hodder Education, 2017
- US Government and Politics for A level (Fifth Edition), A Bennett, Hodder Education, 2017
Set textbooks – not included in the course fee:
- Political ideas for A level: Liberalism, Conservatism, Socialism, Nationalism, Multiculturalism, Ecologism, R Kelly and N McNaughton, Hodder Education, 2017
Online learning with 1:1 tutor support
Earn up to 56 UCAS points
Set textbooks – included as a free ebook with your course:
- Edexcel UK Government and Politics for AS/A level (Fifth Edition), N McNaughton, Hodder Education, 2017
- US Government and Politics for A level (Fifth Edition), A Bennett, Hodder Education, 2017
Set textbooks – not included in the course fee:
- Political ideas for A level: Liberalism, Conservatism, Socialism, Nationalism, Multiculturalism, Ecologism, R Kelly and N McNaughton, Hodder Education, 2017
- 12 assignments – these do not contribute towards your final grade
Learn at your own pace
Approx. 250-300 hours* plus time for completing assignments
Earn up to 56 UCAS points
There are no academic requirements for this course.
Course materials are written in English so a good level of written English is required.
Online learning with 1:1 tutor support
Exams (three):
- 33.3% of marks (2 hours)
- 33.3% of marks (2 hours)
- 33.3% of marks (2 hours)
There is no non-exam assessment (NEA) for this course
Why study A level Politics online with NEC
Future opportunities
- Studying a politics course at university.
- A range of rewarding careers in fields such as the civil service, social research, policy, HR, charity, journalism and marketing.
Sample course content
A level Politics taster
Want to know more? Our online A level Politics course opens up a world of new opportunities.
This free PDF taster provides an example of a topic from the course.
Download your free taster today, have a look around and contact us if you have any questions about why study Politics A level.
Once you have submitted your details the link to download your course taster will appear here.
Frequently asked questions
Your common questions and concerns answered about online A level Politics.
Read more FAQs.
There are no formal entry requirements needed to enrol on Edexcel A Level Politics. However, a strong command of written English is recommended to construct well-reasoned analytical essays. Both adult retakers and home-educated learners can start studying immediately without previous qualifications.
Completing this course earns up to 56 UCAS points, matching traditional school qualifications. Distance learning with NEC provides a flexible, recognised pathway to higher education for all learners. You can easily apply to UK universities using your predicted grades and tutor support.
This course strictly follows the Edexcel 9PL0 specification for A Level Politics. You will examine UK government, UK politics, core political ideologies, and comparative US politics. Every module on the learn@nec platform is fully aligned with current exam requirements.
Essential digital eBooks for UK and US Politics are included for free. All dynamic course units, self-assessment tasks, and study guides are accessible 24/7 on learn@nec. Learners only need to purchase one additional text covering non-core political ideas.
There is no coursework or non-exam assessment (NEA) in Edexcel A Level Politics. Your final grade is calculated entirely from your performance in three written exams. This straightforward structure allows home educators and independent learners to focus purely on exam preparation
You will complete 12 structured assignments designed to mirror actual Edexcel exam questions. Fully qualified teacher tutors mark your work within three working days, giving actionable feedback. This regular guidance ensures all learners master key essay skills and exam techniques.
Assessment consists of three two-hour written exam papers, each worth 33.3% of your final grade. Paper 1 covers UK Politics, Paper 2 assesses UK Government, and Paper 3 focuses on US Comparative Politics. All three papers are sat at the end of your course.
NEC provides guaranteed exam entry places through our network of partnership centres across the UK. While exam centre fees are paid separately, our team guides private candidates smoothly through the booking process. You can sit your exams locally with complete peace of mind.
Parents can track study milestones via the learn@nec Progress Tracker feature. This portal lets guardians view submitted assignments, check grades, and read tutor feedback in real time. It provides total transparency to keep home-educated students motivated and on target.
With you every step of the way
Enjoy 1-2-1 support from your A level Politics course tutor
You’ll have access to 1:1 support from your tutor. All NEC tutors are subject experts, with experience in supporting online learners.
MORE ABOUT OUR TUTORS“I have worked as a distance learning tutor for approximately fifteen years, and with the growth of the Internet and digital technology, it is a booming area of innovative and flexible educational learning. I have worked in teaching roles across secondary, further and higher education levels, and such experiences have helped my role as a distance learning tutor, where subject knowledge and communication skills are vital. I have always enjoyed the subjects of History and Politics since I was at school, and have a combined degree in the subject. I have also have gained a Masters degree and PhD in Politics. I have gained practical experience of the subject area with a spell working in Parliament, visiting other political bodies and institutions, while also having various research articles, chapters and books published. When I’m not working I enjoy sport, especially football, and I am a big fan of Everton FC!”
People who study A level Politics online also take…
Purchasing more than one A level? Use voucher code ALMB10 to receive 10% off at checkout.
A level History
Examine the turning points, ideologies, and individuals that have shaped civilisation with our A level History course.
A level Law
Understand the foundations of justice, legal reasoning, and rights in society with our A level Law course.
A level Sociology
Understand how culture, class, gender, and power shape the world around us with our online A level Sociology course.
A level Economics
Uncover the principles that drive markets, shape societies, and influence global decision-making with A level Economics online.
Multibuy A levels
Purchasing more than one A level? Use voucher code ALMB10 to receive 10% off at checkout.
Affordable study
Flexible payments and financial help
- As an education charity dedicated to helping independent learners achieve life-changing qualifications we want to keep fees affordable. All of our course fees are clear and transparent to help you plan for any additional costs.
- NEC’s fees for A levels offer some of the best value on the market, with multi-buy options, special offers, personal discounts, and affordable finance options.
- Used responsibly, finance is a great way to spread the cost of your course. We’ve teamed up with Omni, one of the UK’s leading finance specialists.
- Depending on your own circumstances, there are a number of possibilities for getting help to fund your course.
Visit our Fee information page or
Monthly instalments
Study now, pay your way
It’s your choice: you can pay in full at the point of enrolment, or you can spread the cost over monthly instalments with our finance offer. We offer a choice of six or 12 month repayment plans, with 0% APR as standard.
To pay in instalments you will need to enrol by telephone.
The National Extension College (NEC) work with finance company OMNI. For more information on our relationship with OMNI and repayment plans see our Fee Information page.
| Course fee | £730 |
| Deposit | £73 |
| Amount of credit | £657 |
| Monthly payment | £54.75 |
| Duration | 12 months |
| Total repayment | £730 |
| Cost of credit | £0.00 |
| Rate of interest | 0% APR representative |
Help when you need it
Additional support for under 18s
We understand younger students often need an extra helping hand with their studies. NEC’s unique Progress Tracker makes it easy for parents and guardians to follow their child’s progress, access assignment grades and view tutor feedback to ensure effective learning.
Need help choosing?
Talk to one of our course advisors
Still unsure whether online distance learning is right for you?
Our friendly Course Advice Team are here to help answer your questions and take you through your options.
- Book a call and someone will get back to you at a convenient time.
- Or contact us today by phone or email.
We’re waiting to help you get ahead and achieve your goals, your way.
