This module introduces students to analysing and identifying solutions to some of the key problems and pressure-points facing modern political systems. It does so by focusing on Britain, and by considering a range of policy, institutional and international pressures facing the country. These pressures may include territory (eg. the integrity of the UK and its place in the international system), complex policy issues (eg. environmental protection) and behaviours (eg. citizens' abilities to form accurate judgments in a climate of 'fake news’). The module involves identifying and specifying key problems, exploring what issues these problems raise, and identifying and designing potential solutions to these problems. The module thus enhances students’ ‘problem-solving’ abilities and skills, a key attribute in today’s employment market.
Private Study: 128
Contact Hours: 22
Total: 150
Optional to the following courses:
• BA (Hons) Politics and International Relations
• BA (Hons) Politics and International Relations (Bidiplôme)
• BA (Hons) Politics and International Relations with a Placement Year
• BA (Hons) Politics and International Relations with a Foundation Year
• BA (Hons) Politics and International Relations with a Year in Continental Europe or North America
• BA (Hons) Politics and International Relations with a Language
• BA (Hons) Politics and International Relations with a Year in Asia-Pacific
• BA (Hons) Politics and International Relations with Quantitative Research
• BA (Hons) Economics and Politics
• BA (Hons) History and Politics
• BA (Hons) Philosophy and Politics
• BA (Hons) Sociology and Politics
• LLB (Hons) Law and Politics
Also available as an elective module and to short term credit students
Main assessment methods
Individual briefing paper of 1,500 words (40%)
Group project of 4,000 words on an identified policy problem (60%)
Reassessment methods
100% coursework.
The University is committed to ensuring that core reading materials are in accessible electronic format in line with the Kent Inclusive Practices.
The most up to date reading list for each module can be found on the university's reading list pages.
On successfully completing the module students will be able to:
1 Identify and critically evaluate some key problems facing Britain and other advanced industrial democracies
2 Trace the consequences and implications of these problems, and thus measure their extent and 'seriousness'
3 Identify and evaluate potential solutions to these problems, including measuring the potential benefits and drawbacks/costs of different solutions
4 Identify and analyse the likelihood of different policy solutions being adopted within the British political system.
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