Besides adds whereas except subtracts.

Compare:

• Besides politics, we have to learn history and civics. (= We have to learn three subjects – politics, history and civics.)
• We have to learn all subjects except politics. (= We don’t have to learn politics.)

Apart from can be used in both senses.

Compare:

• Apart from politics, we have to learn history and civics. (= Besides politics, we have to learn history and civics.)
• We have to learn all subjects apart from politics. (= We have to learn all subjects except politics.)

Notes
After words such as no, nobody and nothing, apart from, except and besides can all have the same meaning.

• She has nothing apart from/besides/except her salary.

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