Social science: citizenship

What is it? An AS-level in how to be an active citizen, dipping into law, politics and sociology. You'll look at what it is to be a citizen, what your legal rights are and how you can make an impact on the way the country is run. You'll look at pressure groups, finding out, for example, how anti-war protesters get their message across. And you'll analyse why some social groups still have more influence than others.

Why do it? To make a difference. This course will show you how you can make your voice heard – through jury service, neighbourhood watch, pressure groups, direct action or local campaigns.

What skills do you need? No specific GCSEs are needed – intellectual curiosity is more important. The apathetic need not apply. "It's about playing an active role in society. Being a citizen isn't just about putting a cross on a ballot paper," says Michael Mitchell, chief examiner in the subject at AQA.

How much practical work is there? None.

Ratio of coursework to exams: 0:100. There are three exams dealing with the state, the political process and society.

Is it hard? "You need to be good at putting an argument, and sustaining your case," says Michael Mitchell. "It's not about learning a lot of facts; it's about being up to date, watching Newsnight every so often, for example."

Who takes it? A mixture of students in schools and further-education colleges.

How cool is it? "I think it's a cool subject because it means you can discuss political, legal and social issues with anyone on an equal footing," says AQA'S Michael Mitchell. "And it encourages students to be proactive – hopefully, their interest in citizenship doesn't finish when the bell goes."

Added value: Because the course is all about participating in society, your teachers can't keep you confined to the classroom. Many colleges organise trips to the House of Commons or the Old Bailey. Others invite local MPs and pressure groups to speak.

What subjects go with it? Law, politics and sociology.

What degrees does it lead to? Those in which you need to know what makes society tick – media, social work, nursing, politics, law and education.

Will it set you up for a brilliant career? Yes, from law to politics to the charity sector, it will give you the edge.

What do the students say? "I'm doing A-level law and this course complements it," says Leila Ellis, 18, who is also doing an A-level in media studies at Exmouth Community College. "I've enjoyed the legal side of the course. We visited the Old Bailey and the Houses of Parliament, which was great. At university, I'm going to do American studies and law."

Which awarding bodies offer it? AQA.

How widely available is it around the country? Not very.

c.rudebeck@independent.co.uk