Programme of Study Catalogue

Objectives:

On successful completion of the module, students will be able to:
Demonstrate knowledge and critical understanding of the structures and processes of local government in the United Kingdom.
Demonstrate knowledge and critical understanding of the structures and processes of central government in the United Kingdom.
Demonstrate knowledge and critical understanding of the relationship of British government to the European Union, and the mechanisms for journalist access.

Content:

Content for this module follows the NCTJ Diploma syllabus for Essential Public Affairs.

Public Affairs examines the structure, finance operation and responsibilities of local and central government, as well as European government and looks at constitution in the UK, the monarchy and issues of devolution. It covers the electoral system in the UK, discusses how governments and local authorities are held to account and helps develop an understanding of how to access information from public bodies. It also looks at the workings of key frontline services, namely the NHS, education, social services, planning and environmental bodies, highways, transport and the emergency services.

This module includes a visit to observe a council meeting.

Learning and Teaching Information:

This module is taught via a series of interactive lectures

Lecture
Hours: 44
Intended Group size: Cohort

Observation of council meeting
Hours: 2

Guided independent study
Hours: 154

Assessment:

001 NCTJ exam One hour and 45 minutes 100%

Fact File

Module Coordinator - Nigel Green
Level - 7
Credit Value - 20
Pre-Requisites - NONE
Semester(s) Offered - 7PGS1