Government & Politics

Staff

Subject Coordinator    Mr. R. Uprichard

Curriculum

AS/A2 

Government and Politics is one of only a few subjects offered exclusively to sixth form students at Lurgan College.  The subject offers an exciting opportunity for pupils who wish to question the world in which we live and seek to understand just how power is really exercised by those in authority.  The

The CCEA Politics course involves four units, two at AS and two at A2.  There is no coursework, simply one exam for each unit. 

Unit 1 – The Government and Politics of Northern Ireland

In this unit we look at the operation of the devolved Assembly and Executive based in Stormont.  We also examine the five main political parties in Northern Ireland in order to understand who they are and what they want!

Unit 2 – The British Political Process

In this unit we stride the corridors of power within Westminster to see how the laws of Britain are made.  We also peek behind the door of No. 10 to find out who really calls the shots.  We also learn about the UK’s court system and question the ability of Judges to protect us from tyranny.  This unit also examines the differences behind the UK’s main political parties as well as the increasing influence of the European Union.

A2

Those pupils who successfully reach A2 level have the opportunity to investigate the colourful world of American politics and get to grips with the so-called “conspiracy theories” relating to Political Power. 

Government and Politics is a subject which can contribute to every university course.  Universities often recognise that Politics students have good essay-writing skills.  The subject is most directly related to degrees in Humanities such as Law, Politics, History, Sociology, etc.

Careers

Related Degrees and Qualifications: What can I do with a politics degree? 

• Politics
• International Studies
• PPE
• Law
• Other humanities degrees e.g. Sociology, Criminology, Business

Professions Associated with Government & Politics: Careers related to Politics 

• Legal professions
• Business & Finance
• Political roles e.g. Policy Advisor
• Civil Service professions
• Policing and Justice
• Third sector e.g. NGO Development Officer
• Lobbyist/Campaign Manager
• PR & Comms
• Journalism / Media

Employability Skills Gained from Government & Politics:

• Understanding of political systems and ideologies
• Research and analytical skills
• Public speaking and debate skills
• Negotiation and diplomacy abilities
• Critical thinking and decision-making in political contexts

Related Professional Associations:

• Political Studies Association (PSA): https://www.psa.ac.uk/ 

Industry Trends and Insights:

Labour Market Information suggests a demand for professionals with expertise in government, politics, and public policy, driven by governance reforms, globalisation, and political engagement. Key trends include digital democracy, social justice advocacy, and policy innovation.

Alumni Success Stories:

Former Government & Politics students have gone on to pursue a wide range of post school career routes, including:

• Politics and Economics degree at LSE
• Foreign and Commonwealth Graduate Fasttrack Programme
• Liberal Arts at Georgetown University, Washington DC
• The Washington Ireland Programme with QUB
• Young Scottish Journalist of the Year

Employer Partnerships:

We have established links with local political representatives in Stormont and Westminster and their offices. Events and visits are held to enable Politics students to engage with these local representatives and their staff, as well as other professional roles within government, for example Committee Clerks and Hansard Recorders. Other events and visits, for example to BBC’s Broadcasting House and the UK Supreme Court also enabled pupils to see how their learning links to other career areas such as Law and Media. Going forwards, we hope to establish a department/employer link with a Law firm as part of a collaboration within the History and Politics Department.