Understanding the different political systems of the UK
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- Start Date: 20 Nov 2025End Date: 11 Dec 2025Thu (Daytime): 10:15 - 12:15In PersonFull fee £129.00 Senior fee £103.00 Concession £84.00
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What is the course about?
This course aims to give you a grounding in the differing political systems that are present in the UK exploring why there is a Scottish Parliament, a Welsh Parliament and an assembly in Northern Ireland and the implications this has or can have on the politics of the United Kingdom as a whole.
What will we cover?
- The United States of Britain i.e. devolution.
- What is devolution?
- Why did devolution occur?
- What are the pros and cons of having different political systems in the UK
- Is the UK a quasi-federalist state?
What will I achieve?
By the end of this course you should be able to...
- Understand the different and possibly competing powers in the UK political system
- Decide if you support devolution or not.
What level is the course and do I need any particular skills?
This course is introductory and everyone is welcome. No prior knowledge is necessary but a good grasp of English, an open mind, and a willingness to listen to different views are all that is required.
How will I be taught, and will there be any work outside the class?
The online course will be delivered through a mixture of lecture and discussion, with student participation invited and encouraged. Optional extend your knowledge tasks can be set if required.
Are there any other costs? Is there anything I need to bring?
There are no additional costs, but you may wish to bring a pen and paper, or digital equivalents, for making notes.
Below is a list of media you may find interesting:
Radio:
- LBC - current affairs discussion radio show
TV
- Have I Got News For You
- Mock The Week
- Prime Ministers Questions
- Question Time
Podcasts:
- The Rest Is Politics
- The News Agents.
When I've finished, what course can I do next?
Please explore our politics sections for additional courses.
Ian has taught in Adult Education in London from 1996. He holds a degree in Economics and a MSc in Politics and Administration from Birkbeck College, University of London. Ian is highly committed to adult and continuing learning and has taught politics and political history courses at Morley College and Richmond Adult and Community College and Hillcroft College, in addition to Citylit. Ian has held both teaching and academic management roles including the development of humanities courses that engage and inform students in areas including History and Politics and provide opportunities to progress to further study. He has specialised in teaching a range of courses in politics and current affairs focusing on UK governance and developments in the UK constitution. He has also taught courses on domestic and foreign policy, political parties, and assessments of political leadership. He has also taught on Access to Higher Education Courses that prepare student for degree level study.
Please note: We reserve the right to change our tutors from those advertised. This happens rarely, but if it does, we are unable to refund fees due to this. Our tutors may have different teaching styles; however we guarantee a consistent quality of teaching in all our courses.