Introductory description

This is a module about politics and power in the United Kingdom. It has perhaps never been more important, or exciting, to deepen our understanding of politics in the UK. Recent years have seen a major financial crisis, dramatic elections and referendums, upheaval among the political parties, Britain’s departure from the European Union, threats to the integrity of the UK itself, big changes in the UK’s media landscape, and a series of major ongoing public policies challenges. This module takes a systematic approach to understand these developments, combining both historical and comparative lenses to illuminate contemporary UK politics.

Module aims

Outline syllabus

This is an indicative module outline only to give an indication of the sort of topics that may be covered. Actual sessions held may differ.

This module will help you to make sense of the fascinating recent, and ongoing, developments in the UK by deepening your understanding of British politics. The course is roughly divided into four mini-sections, covering:

• British political history, 1945-2010. [Weeks 1-5]
• Politics from below: public opinion and politics outside Westminster. [Weeks 7-10]
• Key factors, processes and institutions shaping policymaking in the UK. [Weeks 11-15]
• Policy case studies: a deep-dive into some specific policy areas and the politics surrounding them. [Weeks 17-20]

Learning outcomes

By the end of the module, students should be able to:

• Show a familiarity with the constitutional apparatus of UK politics.
• Show an awareness of academic research on, and rival interpretations of, politics in the UK.
• Show an ability to examine the politics of the UK within a comparative context.
• Show a deep understanding of the historical context surrounding contemporary academic and political debates about British politics.
• Show an ability to use empirical evidence and case studies to build arguments about British politics; this includes relating concrete examples to key ideas, frameworks and concepts in the academic literature.
• Show a deep understanding of specific public policy challenges and debates within the UK in areas such as immigration, climate change and the economy.
• Show an ability to analyse and explain aspects of UK politics.

Indicative reading list

Subject specific skills

The module provides students with opportunities to acquire or develop the following key skills:

• Understanding of the political system of the United Kingdom.
• Understanding of political research.
• Understanding of comparative research.
• Producing article reviews.
• Producing policy briefs.

Transferable skills

The module provides students with opportunities to acquire or develop the following key skills:

• Communication skills, including both written and oral presentation skills.
• Lateral thinking skills.
• Skills in the distillation and application of complex information and ideas.
• Critical thinking.
• Analytical skills.
• Independent research skills.
• Problem solving.
• Time management.
• Information technology.
• Skills in academic practice.
• Awareness of, and sensitivity to, diversity.
• Decision making.
• Assessing and managing information.