What is it? Should cannabis be decriminalised? What is the best way to help the homeless? How can we sort out the NHS? For this A-level, you will tackle questions such as these, and suggest your own answers. You will study all aspects of social policy, dipping into sociology, politics and economics.

Why do it? Because you want to make a difference. As Tony Breslin, chair of examiners in social policy at Edexcel, says: "If you're not interested in the world around you, don't do this course."

What skills do you need? You don't need any specific GCSEs. If you've done well at history, geography or other humanities subjects, you'll do well here. It will help if you don't have a fear of maths.

How much practical work is there? None.

Ratio of coursework to exams: 30:70. For your coursework, you'll choose an area in which you think policy could be improved – the treatment of asylum-seekers, for example, or the education of autistic children.

Is it hard? This is no soft option. Trying to sort out society's problems is not easy.

Who takes it? A mixture of sixth-formers and mature students.

How cool is it? "I think it's extremely cool," says Edexcel's Tony Breslin. "Anything that gives you an understanding of the world you live in is very cool, in my book. And it's an innovative A-level. It's different. It's very focused on what's going on at the moment."

Added value: There are a full range of opportunities to experience the topics that you are studying first hand. If you are interested in education, you might do a placement in a school. If criminal justice is your thing, you might visit a criminal court.

What subjects go with it? Health and social care AVCE, as well as A-levels in history, geography, law or economics.

What degrees does it lead to? Quite a few. Social policy, social administration, sociology, politics, business studies, nursing, midwifery, law, medicine and education.

Will it set you up for a brilliant career? This course will prove very useful for a wide range of careers, from law to social care to a career in education – and perhaps even a career in politics. "I can't predict that in 20 years' time the Prime Minister will have an A-level in social policy, but he or she would certainly be a better leader for it," says Tony Breslin.

What do the students say? "I did my coursework on reducing reoffending," says Ashley Hutton, 17, who is also studying for A-levels in history, sports studies and politics at Durham sixth-form centre.

"I looked at research done by the Social Exclusion Unit, and investigated ways to rehabilitate offenders. I'm going to study social policy and politics at university, and then I hope to be a civil servant."

Which awarding bodies offer it? Edexcel.

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

c.rudebeck@independent.co.uk