Trying to choose between AQA and Edexcel for A Level Politics? Both are Ofqual-regulated and accepted by UK universities. The best choice depends on the content you prefer, how you like to be assessed, and—if you’re a private candidate—what local exam centres offer.

At Study from Home, we teach AQA A Level Politics because it’s consistent for private candidates and aligns well with our materials and tutor support. Below we compare the two so you can see the differences clearly.

Quick Verdict

• AQA: Fixed route covering UK politics, US politics with comparison, and core political ideas. Great if you want a clear, predictable structure.
• Edexcel: Offers options (e.g., US or Global for comparative politics; choice of a non-core ideology). Excellent if your centre’s options match what you want.

Content & Structure

AQA (7152) typically includes:

• Government & Politics of the UK
• Government & Politics of the USA and comparative politics (UK–US)
• Political Ideas (core ideologies such as liberalism, conservatism, socialism; plus others specified by AQA)

Edexcel (9PL0) typically includes:

• UK Politics & Core Political Ideas
• UK Government & one non-core idea chosen by the centre (e.g., feminism, nationalism, etc.)
• Comparative Politics as an option: either US (Route 3A) or Global Politics (Route 3B) — centres choose one

Takeaway: AQA’s route is more fixed; Edexcel builds in centre-level choices. For private candidates, that means you must match a centre’s chosen options if you take Edexcel.

Assessment Style (both boards)

• Three written papers; no coursework/NEA.
• Essay-led answers marked against knowledge (AO1), analysis (AO2), and evaluation/judgement (AO3).
• Success depends on clear structure, accurate examples, and sustained evaluation.

New to AOs and essay technique? See how Politics exams are marked and how to write A Level Politics essays.

Private Candidates: Practical Considerations

• Centre availability: With Edexcel, ensure your local centre offers the same options you studied. With AQA’s fixed route, matching tends to be simpler.
• Materials & support: We provide AQA-aligned resources, assignments, and tutor feedback designed around the AQA specification.
• Booking exams: Always confirm entry deadlines and fees well in advance. How to find an A Level Politics exam centre.

Which One Should You Pick?

• Choose AQA if you want a consistent, fixed route (UK, US+comparative, ideas) and straightforward exam-centre matching.
• Choose Edexcel if your centre offers the options you want (e.g., Global Politics) and you’re happy to align with their chosen ideology route.

Either way, universities accept both. Focus on where you’ll get the best preparation and support.

Related Guides

Is A Level Politics hard? · How to prepare for A Level Politics · Do I need to keep up with current affairs? · What is the pass mark?

Final Thought

Both AQA and Edexcel are respected. If you’re studying with us, you’ll follow the AQA specification with full tutor support, clear essay technique, and guidance on booking your exams as a private candidate.