Higher Politics

Candidates develop a critical awareness of the nature of politics and the relationship between political theories, systems and parties.

Candidates build up a framework of political knowledge and understanding through interpreting, evaluating and commenting on political issues. They develop higher-order thinking skills through research and critical-thinking activities carried out individually and in groups. This develops attributes that are important for life and work.

Purpose and aims

Candidates develop:

• Knowledge and understanding of:

-        significant political concepts and ideologies

-        political systems through comparative study

-        political parties and elections

• the ability to analyse and evaluate political ideas, events, issues, systems, parties and electoral performance

• a range of research, data-handling and evaluating skills

The course is appropriate for a range of candidates, from those who wish to achieve a greater understanding of politics in order to engage as active and informed members of society, to those who wish to progress to more specialised training or higher education or employment.

No formal entry requirements but this is a challenging course and requires the ability to study independently.

Course places are only secured after payment/funding has been arranged. 

As per the College Tuition Fees and Refund Policy, tuition fees are non-refundable except under exceptional circumstances.

Student Paying

Fees of less than £150 must be paid in full. Payment by instalment is available, provided the course fee is greater than £150.

Instalments must be paid via direct debit over a 4-month period and an initial 30% deposit is required in order to secure your place. You will not be able to apply online if paying by direct debit, you must contact Evening Admissions by email at - eveninginfo@forthvalley.ac.uk

Employer Paying

If your employer is paying for your tuition fees, an Employers Agreement form or letter from your employer must be submitted prior to or on enrolment. You can access the Employer Agreement form here and this should be returned to evening admissions - eveninginfo@forthvalley.ac.uk

Refunds will only be given if the course is cancelled or significantly altered by the College. Please refer to our Tuition Fee and Withdrawal procedure for further information.

Fee waiver

Some students may be eligible for a tuition fee waiver if in receipt of certain types of benefits. Fee waiver evidence must be submitted either before or on enrolment. Refer to our Tuition and Fee Waiver Policy for further information.

You will not be able to apply online if using fee waiver, you must contact Evening Admissions by emailing eveninginfo@forthvalley.ac.uk

ITA funding

This course is eligible for ITA funding. You may be eligible if you are:

• Aged 16 or over
• Not in education or involved in any other SDS funded programme
• Unemployed and looking to get back into work
• Employed and earning less than £22,000 per year
• Resident in Scotland

If you wish to use ITA funding towards the cost of this course, you must first apply for the ITA funding through the My World of Work website. ITA funding will cover up to £200 of course fees.

You will not be able to enrol for your course online if using ITA funding. Once you’ve applied for funding, you will receive a confirmation email from SDS and the college with instructions on how to book your course.