Course overview

This course explores history of Britain's relationship with the European Union, from its inception to the present day. The course will cover key events, policies, and political figures that have shaped this relationship, culminating in the Brexit referendum and its aftermath. We will be looking in a comprehensive way at our attitude to the EU from the earliest days, focusing on the factors which led to our eventual entry and navigate through the complex history of Britain’s relationship with the EU, focusing on key events, policies, and political dynamics leading to Brexit and beyond.

Course description

In this course, we will have the opportunity to explore key moments in our relationship with the EU starting with the establishment of the European Coal and Steel Community and the Treaty of Rome. We will look at the political and economic reasons for our decision to seek membership and how this was viewed both within the UK and also within the Community. We will explore the background to the referendum in 1975 and examine the factors which led people to vote to stay in the Community. Later sessions will focus on the Thatcher years and the Single European Act. Debates around the Maastricht Treaty and the rise of Euroscepticism will be examined and analysed together with the decision to opt out of the Euro and its implications. How did the expansion of the EU in the 2000 affect the EU and what were its implications for British politics? Lastly we will examine the road to Brexit and examine the factors which led to the result in 2016. Having left the EU what is the future relationship with them now and what are the long term implications for both Britain and the EU?

What financial support is available?

We don't want anything to stand in your way when it comes to bringing Adult learning within reach so if you need anything to support you to achieve your goals then speak to one of our education experts during your enrolment journey. Most of our courses are government funded but if you don't qualify or need alternative financial help to access them then let us know.

What other support is available?

All of our digital content, teaching and learning activities and assessments are designed to be accessible so if you need any additional support you can discuss this with the education experts during your enrolment journey and we will do all we can to make sure you have optimal access.

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