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Politics in The United Kingdom - POL00062I

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  • Department: Politics and International Relations
  • Credit value: 20 credits
  • Credit level: I
  • Academic year of delivery: 2023-24
    • See module specification for other years: 2024-25

Module summary

The purpose of this module is to explore the question of where power lies in UK politics. The first half of the module will draw on theories of power to examine political institutions, such as the executive, the legislature, elections and political parties. The second half of the module will explore developments in UK politics, such as Brexit, devolution and representation. However, what we study in UK politics in theory, and how UK politics works in practice, are often two different things. Therefore, in addition to equipping students with an academic understanding of UK politics, this module also aims to provide students with a practical understanding. During the semester, we will be hearing from an MP, a Clerk at the House of Commons, and a polling expert. This may be particularly relevant to students considering a career in the civil service or industry, for example, or even a career as an MP. By the end of this module, students will be able to interrogate and critically evaluate contemporary and common notions of UK politics.

Module will run

Occurrence Teaching period
A Semester 2 2023-24

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 100

Special assessment rules

None

Indicative reassessment

Task % of module mark
Essay/coursework 100

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 25 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

Garnett, M., Dorey, P. and Diamond, P. (2023), Exploring British Politics, Sixth Edition.


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.