GV204-5-AU-CO:
British Government

The details
2025/26
Government
Colchester Campus
Autumn
Undergraduate: Level 5
Current
Thursday 02 October 2025
Friday 12 December 2025
15
14 June 2023

 

Requisites for this module
(none)
(none)
(none)
(none)

 

GV385

Key module for

(none)

Module description

This module examines the changing UK political system over the last twenty years. It charts the fall and apparent rise again of the Westminster Model of majoritarian democracy. The module considers developments such as devolution, Britain`s relationship with the EU, House of Lords reform and the party system.

Module aims

The aims of this module are:



  • To provide students with a comprehensive knowledge of the UK political system;

  • to demonstrate to students how the British political system has changed over time;

  • to provide students with the foundations for studying more specialised and advanced modules in British politics in subsequent years;

  • to develop the key skills required for the successful study of political science.

Module learning outcomes

By the end of this module, students will be expected to be able to:



  1. Have a familiarity with the historical background and development of British government and politics, including its relationship with the European Union;

  2. Have an understanding of the British political system and its main institutions – constitution, executive, parliament, local government and courts;

  3. Comprehend the relationship between government institutions and Britain’s cultural and social attributes;

  4. Have an understanding of the main theories used to explain British politics.



Module information

No additional information available.

Learning and teaching methods

This module will be taught over 2 hours per week

Bibliography

The above list is indicative of the essential reading for the course.
The library makes provision for all reading list items, with digital provision where possible, and these resources are shared between students.
Further reading can be obtained from this module's reading list.

Assessment items, weightings and deadlines

Coursework / exam Description Deadline Coursework weighting

Exam format definitions

  • Remote, open book: Your exam will take place remotely via an online learning platform. You may refer to any physical or electronic materials during the exam.
  • In-person, open book: Your exam will take place on campus under invigilation. You may refer to any physical materials such as paper study notes or a textbook during the exam. Electronic devices may not be used in the exam.
  • In-person, open book (restricted): The exam will take place on campus under invigilation. You may refer only to specific physical materials such as a named textbook during the exam. Permitted materials will be specified by your department. Electronic devices may not be used in the exam.
  • In-person, closed book: The exam will take place on campus under invigilation. You may not refer to any physical materials or electronic devices during the exam. There may be times when a paper dictionary, for example, may be permitted in an otherwise closed book exam. Any exceptions will be specified by your department.

Your department will provide further guidance before your exams.

Overall assessment

Coursework Exam
100% 0%

Reassessment

Coursework Exam
100% 0%
Module supervisor and teaching staff
Prof John Bartle, email: jbartl@essex.ac.uk.
Professor John Bartle
Module Supervisor: Professor John Bartle -(bartl@essex.ac.uk) / / Module Administrator: Jasini Hobbs - (govquery@essex.ac.uk)

 

Availability
Yes
Yes
Yes

External examiner

Dr Mohammed Rodwan Abouharb
University College London
Dr Stefano Pagliari
City, University of London
Senior Lecturer in International Politics
Resources
Available via Moodle
Of 2 hours, 2 (100%) hours available to students:
0 hours not recorded due to service coverage or fault;
0 hours not recorded due to opt-out by lecturer(s), module, or event type.

 

Further information
Government

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