Undergraduate Module Descriptor

POC3119: The Modern Civil Service: Working in Government

This module descriptor refers to the 2018/9 academic year.

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

Module Aims

This module aims to introduce you to the fundamental historical, international, and governmental dynamics that have shaped the modern civil service, and argue for the critical role of the executive bureaucracy in contemporary good governance. It aims to provide you with a well-rounded understanding of the reality of contemporary civil service careers, and through its specific support of Fast Stream applications, offer you the time and support to construct competitive Fast Stream applications.

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. Describe in detail the historical emergence of the classical and the modern bureaucracies
2. Demonstrate a comprehensive understanding of the key contemporary tensions and challenges facing the UK civil service
3. Argue comprehensively about the role of the executive in good governance
4. Critically discuss in depth how the contemporary challenges and tensions facing the civil service may impact upon individual bureaucrats
5. Evidence a strong understanding and knowledge about the forms of UK civil service entry examination
Discipline-Specific Skills6. Demonstrate a strong understanding of a range of the key concepts in public administration theory and discourse
7. Discuss how theory and research is contextualised through contemporary international case studies.
8. Synthesise contemporary political dynamics from historical evidence and sources
Personal and Key Skills9. Critically reflect upon and evidence a career development pathway
10. Plan and implement their own career development pathway in the civil service