Overview

The module provides you with a basic introduction to government and society in the UK, including the main features of democracy, the role of the Crown, the institutions of government and the role of parliament. It explores ideology in British politics in relation to the main political parties in the UK. The module also examines the relationship the UK has with the rest of the world, looking at the global institutions the UK is part of, including the UN, and the the UK's international obligations in areas such as human rights.

The module provides students with a basic introduction to government and society in the UK, including the main features of democracy, the role of the Crown, the institutions of government and the role of parliament. It explores ideology in British politics in relation to the main political parties in the UK.

The module also explores the position of the UK following the 2016 EU referendum and considers the relationship the UK has with international organisations. It looks at the global institutions the UK is part of, including the UN, and focuses on human rights.

Topics covered include: • how politics affects our lives • how politics can be defined and why political organisation is necessary • pressure groups and political accountability • the role of the media in holding government to account • the UK’s relationship with the EU and global organisations • human rights and the role of NGOs • key components of democracy • the role of the monarchy in the UK • political parties and ideologies

Assessment Strategy

Threshold (40-49% / D- to D+): Student has made sufficient progress in the study of this module to achieve the lowest level of pass allowing for progression onto an undergraduate degree.

Satisfactory (50 – 59% / C- to C+): Student demonstrates reasonably comprehensive coverage of learning outcomes, indicating generally accurate understanding, based on lecture material and some core readings. Some gaps in knowledge and/or understanding evident.

Good (60-69% / B- to B+): Student has displayed a sound basic knowledge and understanding of much of the material studied in this module and achieved a high enough grade to indicate a clear ability to cope with the demands of an undergraduate level degree.

Excellent (70% + / A- to A*): Student has engaged consistently well with all aspects of the module and strong achievement in assessments indicates the ability to perform effectively at undergraduate degree level.

Learning Outcomes

• Explain the UK’s relationship with the EU and other international organisations.

• Explain the different strands of government within the UK and how they function.

• Give examples of how how pressure is brought to bear on governments through citizen participation, NGOs and the media.

• Identify key political ideologies and their relationships to parties in the UK.

• Outline the key components of democracy and the role of the monarchy in the UK.