During this module you will examine the key issues involved in the process of governing the British state from the end of the 19th Century to the present day. You'll be offered a historical overview of the British political economy, informed by theories of politics. The module will place particular emphasis on the changing relationship between the British state and economy.

You will be introduced to the challenges faced by British governments, and the domestic/international and political/economic contexts within which they are situated, and link the theoretical and empirical study of the political economy of Britain in the 20th Century so as to better understand the relationship between state and economy.

By the end of the module, you will be able to identify the key events and themes in British politics and economics from the end of the 19th Century to the present day. You will be able to combine theoretical enquiry with empirical study to produce quality analysis on the continuities and changes in the development of the British state and economy.

The module is split into four sections: (1) Ideas, interests and institutions in the study of political economy; (2) The Liberal State (1870-1939); (3) The Social Democratic State (1939-1979); (4) The Neo-Liberal State (1979-present)."