Browse Hierarchy POL268: The UK and the EU

Traditional modules analysing the UK's relationship with the EU begin with two or three sessions devoted to its historical development. Students often find this uninspiring, even though it is essential to understand the evolution of the EU. Academically, such an approach can be misleading, as it is descriptive and not particularly analytical. In response, the first half of the module is designed differently to the more conventional approaches. We begin by studying the most contemporary issue of European Integration: Brexit. Within the module we analyse why the UK joined when it did, the role it has played in the development of the EU, the position it has taken on key Treaty reforms, and why, in the summer of 2016, it took the decision to leave. This approach provides an insight into a very topical EU issue, while enabling students to learn about the history of the EU in a stimulating and engaging approach.