Undergraduate Module Descriptor

POC3146: Party Politics, Voters and Elections in Britain

This module descriptor refers to the 2022/3 academic year.

Please note that this module is only delivered on the Penryn Campus.

Module Aims

This module will introduce students to the study of party politics, voter behaviour and election outcomes in British politics. It will develop your knowledge of the functions and operations of key institutions central to British democracy, and of the theories that help explain the priorities and behaviours of voters and the nature of Britain’s public debate. You will also be equipped with the knowledge, conceptual and theoretical tools, and analytical skills to observe, analyse and explain the behaviour of political parties, the preferences and behaviour of voters, and the outcomes of elections and referendums. Finally, this module will introduce you to the study of local politics with a specific focus on the party system and voter behaviour in Cornwall.

Intended Learning Outcomes (ILOs)

This module's assessment will evaluate your achievement of the ILOs listed here – you will see reference to these ILO numbers in the details of the assessment for this module.
On successfully completing the programme you will be able to:
Module-Specific Skills1. Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of the role and functions of political parties and elections in British democracy.
2. Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of the theories, conceptual tools and data used to study and explain voter behaviour
3. Critically evaluate debates, arguments and evidence regarding events and outcomes in British party/electoral politics
Discipline-Specific Skills4. Critically evaluate data, theories and concepts underpinning academic arguments
5. Independently gather, evaluate and utilise data, arguments and concepts from academic and grey literatures
6. Use academic theories and debates to evaluate and inform public debate
Personal and Key Skills7. Develop and articulate an argument based on independent research and critical evaluation
8. Communicate arguments, data, theories and concepts both verbally and in writing
9. Work independently and with peers to achieve goals