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Brexit: Causes, Interpretation and Implications

Module description

The UK’s exit from the EU is a defining moment both in the UK’s recent history as well as that of the EU. This module will address the different stages of Brexit, from the early days of the UK’s ‘awkward’ relationship with the EU, over the decision to hold a referendum, the campaigns and the result, to the already visible and likely implications of Brexit for the UK and the EU. In so doing, it will equip you with the knowledge necessary to engage in the defining contemporary British political debate.

Module aims - intentions of the module

This module familiarizes you with the relationship the UK has entertained with the EU with the EU during its membership and provides you with possible explanations for the referendum result before looking at the implications of Brexit for the Union, the British economy, and the UK’s democracy. It aims at providing you with the skills and knowledge to critically engage in the debate about Brexit, to evaluate and explain its different stages as well as to develop a well-founded position yourself. To do so, it will look at relevant theories which help making sense of European integration in general, and the different aspects of leaving the EU in particular, for instance the economy, immigration, the Union, sovereignty and democratic control. The module is set up in such way that it supports the development of a variety of skills – analytical, methods, team skills as well as individual writing and presentation skills. Overall, it aims to enthuse you and help you position yourself in the defining British debate and development for years to come.

Intended Learning Outcomes (ILOs)

ILO: Module-specific skills

On successfully completing the module you will be able to...

• 1. demonstrate in-depth understanding of why there was a United Kingdom referendum about EU-membership in 2016;
• 2. demonstrate a comprehensive understanding of the uncertain implications of exiting the EU, both for the UK and the EU;
• 3. critically engage with the legitimacy of the referendum and referendums more broadly.

ILO: Discipline-specific skills

On successfully completing the module you will be able to...

• 4. critically engage with one of the most important political ‘events’ of our time;
• 5. construct rigorous arguments which show an understanding of key theories;
• 6. deploy theoretical arguments and apply them to empirical case studies.

ILO: Personal and key skills

On successfully completing the module you will be able to...

• 7. critically evaluate ideas and debates;
• 8. write clearly and coherently;
• 9. work independently and in collaboration with peers;
• 10. communicate clearly and deliver presentations to peers.

Syllabus plan

Whilst the module’s precise content may vary from year to year, it is envisaged that the syllabus will cover some or all of the following topics:

• Causes I: UK’s history with the EU
• Causes II: Media
• Causes III Party Politics
• Causes IV: The left behind
• The use of referendums
• The referendum campaigns and the legitimacy of the process
• Domestic implications I: The Union
• Domestic implications II: The Economy
• Domestic implications III: Democracy and sovereignty 
• Implications for the EU

Learning activities and teaching methods (given in hours of study time)

Details of learning activities and teaching methods

Formative assessment

Summative assessment (% of credit)

Details of summative assessment

Details of re-assessment (where required by referral or deferral)

Indicative learning resources - Basic reading

• Bogdanor, V. (2005) Footfalls Echoing in the Memory. Britain and Europe: The Historical Perspective, International Affairs , 81(4), pp. 689-701.
• Copsey, N. and Haughton, T. (2014) Farewell Britannia? ‘Issue Capture’ and the Politics of David Cameron’s 2013 EU Referendum Pledge, Journal of Common Market Studies, Annual Review, 52, pp. 74-89.
• Oliver, T. (2016) ‘The world after Brexit: From British referendum to global adventure,’ International Politics, 53(6), pp. 689–707.

Key words search

EU, Brexit, referendum, UK