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Politics in The United Kingdom - POL00008I

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  • Department: Politics and International Relations
  • Credit value: 30 credits
  • Credit level: I
  • Academic year of delivery: 2022-23

Module summary

The first half of the module introduces students to key concepts and theoretical frameworks before discussing the historical development of UK politics from the Attlee Government through to the Blair Government. The second half of the module investigates a range of contemporary issues with reference to the various material covered in the first semester. These include: devolution to Scotland and Wales; economic policy; the environment; immigration policy; Brexit; voting behaviour and the media. The overall theme driving the questions and content throughout this module is where power lies in UK politics.

Module will run

Occurrence Teaching period
A Autumn Term 2022-23 to Summer Term 2022-23

Module aims

  • To provide students with a sound theoretical and empirical knowledge of UK politics.
  • To further develop students' organisational, critical and communicative skills through oral and written work.

The first half of the module introduces students to key concepts and theoretical frameworks before discussing the trajectory of UK politics from The Attlee Government through to the Blair Government. The second half of the module investigates a range of contemporary issues with reference to the various material covered in the first semester. The overall theme driving the questions and content throughout this module is where power lies in UK politics.

Module learning outcomes

  • An understanding of key concepts and theories associated with the study of UK politics.
  • The ability to relate these concepts and theories to past and present empirical developments in UK politics.
  • The ability to present clear and cogent arguments concerning the subject matter of UK politics, both orally and in writing.

Indicative assessment

Task % of module mark
Essay/coursework 40
Online Exam -less than 24hrs (Centrally scheduled) 60

Special assessment rules

None

Indicative reassessment

Task % of module mark
Essay/coursework 40
Online Exam -less than 24hrs (Centrally scheduled) 60

Module feedback

Students will receive written timely feedback on their formative assessment. They will also have the opportunity to discuss their feedback during the module tutor's feedback and guidance hours.

Students will receive written feedback on their summative assessment no later than 20 working days after submission; and the module tutor will hold a specific session to discuss feedback, which students can also opt to attend. They will also have the opportunity to discuss their feedback during the module tutor's regular feedback and guidance hours.

Indicative reading

M. Flinders, A. Gamble, C. Hay & M. Kenny (eds.) (2009) The Oxford Handbook of British Politics (Oxford University Press).

R. Heffernan et. al. (eds.) (2016) Developments in British Politics 10 (Basingstoke: Palgrave).


The information on this page is indicative of the module that is currently on offer. The University constantly explores ways to enhance and improve its degree programmes and therefore reserves the right to make variations to the content and method of delivery of modules, and to discontinue modules, if such action is reasonably considered to be necessary. In some instances it may be appropriate for the University to notify and consult with affected students about module changes in accordance with the University's policy on the Approval of Modifications to Existing Taught Programmes of Study.