Overview

This programme is offered within the Department of Political Economy, and focuses on research into politics, policy-making, and government in Britain in the recent past. We understand this broadly to include local politics, society and activism, economic policy and the City of London, as well as central government, foreign policy, political parties and Whitehall. Current supervisors include Dr Michael Kandiah, Professor Pat Thane, Dr Andrew Blick and Professor Roger Mortimore.

Within the Department of Political Economy, the Centre for British Politics and Government includes the Witness Seminar programme formerly run by the Institute of Contemporary British History, and works with History & Policy, directed by Dr Andrew Blick, which works for better public policy through an understanding of history by connecting historians, policy makers and the media.

Description

The Department of Political Economy offers a wide range of supervisor expertise in politics and contemporary history, including politics, government, foreign policy and diplomacy, economics, law, and social history. The 20 current students working with these supervisors are researching subjects including voluntary action, the monarchy, Britain and Northern Ireland, and representations of women in museums, taking full advantage of the rich archives available in and near London.

Studying both part-time and full-time, they form a vibrant and lively student body, participating in the seminars, conferences, and events organised by the department including an annual research workshop for students at Cumberland Lodge. Students organise a regular reading group for PhD students interested in this area, as well as occasional conferences on relevant subjects. Supervisors are also co-conveners of IHR seminars on Contemporary British History, International History, and British History 1815-1945 and all students are encouraged to attend the most appropriate one for their studies as well as attending King's seminars in the History department and elsewhere and contributing to these.

Course study environment

Students are members of the Department of Political Economy and are also involved with relevant departments within King's, such as History or War Studies. They are encouraged to attend relevant research seminars at King’s and elsewhere and to and to participate in the wide variety of conferences and events on offer at King’s. Many students get involved in the witness seminar programme during their studies.