This module examines trends and key issues in British politics from 1945 to the present day. It analyses how a social democratic consensus, based on a positive or optimistic view of government intervention and welfare provision, was called into question during the 1970s, and was subsequently challenged by Thatcherism which, in turn, prompted the emergence of New Labour. This course also looks at more specific issues and developments since 1945, most notably changes in voting behaviour, the emergence of  'the Northern Ireland problem', and Britain's relationship with Europe.

• Identify the key trends in British politics since 1945.
• Explain the underlying causes of these trends.
• Explain how these impacted upon and influenced subsequent developments.
• Critically evaluate the key theoretical perspectives applied to the analysis of contemporary British politics.
• Compare and contrast the changes in different spheres of British politics since 1945.

Two lectures per week and fortnightly seminars.

Information retrieval. Interpretation of empirical data. Critical evaluation of theoretical perspectives. Application of concepts to key developments. Evaluating intellectual arguments for and against key propositions. Identifying the factors and variables shaping political events.   

Class Test (30%)
Examination (70%)

 Britain’s party system; voting behaviour; post-war consensus; Thatcherism;  New Labour; Northern Ireland; Britain & Europe.

Ian Budge et al: The New British Politics, 4^th edition.

Peter Dorey: British Politics since 1945.

Mark Garnet & Philip Lynch: Exploring British Politics, 2^nd edition.

Richard Heffernan et al (eds) Developments in British Politics 9.

Bill Jones et al: Politics UK, 7^th edition.