Government and Politics

Course summary

If you’re interested in current affairs, and how power is allocated and used in the 21st century, you should seriously consider this subject. British and American politics have entered an unprecedented phase of volatility. We’re living in an era of huge change, with insurgent parties forcing issues of national identity and sovereignty to the top of the agenda. Studying Government & Politics will help you see these events in context and judge their significance. The course aims to give you a deep knowledge of British and American politics and an understanding of the big debates involved on both sides of the Atlantic. You’ll study each country’s constitution, the relationship between executive and legislature, the pros and cons of different electoral systems, why people vote in the way they do and the rising impact of pressure groups. You’ll learn through a weekly diet of discussion, debate and written analysis. Plus, you will visit Parliament, hear from visiting political players, and follow high-quality political media. Throughout the course, we will consider the health of our democracy, asking ourselves if it’s as robust as we think. Politics is an ideal accompaniment to History and other social sciences. It’s also an excellent foundation for a career in the media, government, civil service, international organisations and yes, you guessed it, politics! It’s a rigorous qualification that will help you understand how the UK is run and will develop your research, written communication and debating skills. Ultimately, it shows potential employers you have a solid awareness of the contemporary world and the confidence to analyse and operate within it.