Undergraduate Module Descriptor

POL3268: Developments in British Politics: Challenges and Opportunities

This module descriptor refers to the 2021/2 academic year.

Module Content

Syllabus Plan

Whilst the module’s precise content may vary from year to year, it is envisaged that the syllabus will cover most or all of the following topics:

  • Models of British politics
  • Executive politics (PM, Cabinet, policy making and implementation)
  • The Parliament and representation
  • Elections, voting, the electoral system
  • The political party system
  • The constitution, devolution, calls for independence and the future of the UK
  • British Citizenship, equality and fair treatment
  • Thatcherism and associated reforms
  • New Labour and the third way
  • The Conservative-Liberal Democrat coalition government  
  • The post-war political consensus and its demise
  • Britain and the World
  • Britain and Europe (including the development of Brexit)
  • The ‘Age of Austerity’
  • The British party system
  • Reforms to the UK system (electoral, constitutional, improving policy and implementation)
  • Voting behaviour
  • The consequences of Brexit
  • Contemporary challenges presented by Covid 19 and associated pressures

Learning and Teaching

This table provides an overview of how your hours of study for this module are allocated:

Scheduled Learning and Teaching ActivitiesGuided independent studyPlacement / study abroad
442560

...and this table provides a more detailed breakdown of the hours allocated to various study activities:

CategoryHours of study timeDescription
Scheduled learning and teaching activities 4422 x 2 hour seminars
Guided Independent Study88Seminar preparation
Guided Independent Study168Coursework including essay planning and writing

Online Resources

This module has online resources available via ELE (the Exeter Learning Environment).