Module manager: Dr Rachel Utley
Email: r.e.utley@leeds.ac.uk
Taught: Semesters 1 & 2 (Sep to Jun) View Timetable
Year running 2026/27
This module is not approved as a discovery module
The ‘Iron Lady’, Margaret Thatcher, became a formidable feature on the international stage in the last decade or so of the Cold War. Inspiring admiration and controversy often in equal measure, she was a staunch advocate of British national interests, and a keen proponent of what she considered Britain’s rightful place in the world. During her years as Prime Minister, foreign policy was arguably more concentrated in 10 Downing Street than any other aspect of government activity. In this module you will investigate a broad range of themes and concerns within UK foreign policy in the years 1979-90. You will consider areas such as relations with the USA and USSR; relations with key states within Europe, as well as with the European Economic Community as a whole; residual relations with the Commonwealth; and the significance of alliances and other international organisations such as the UN. You will examine foreign policy in wider regional contexts too; and you will explore the significance of crises, the role(s) of diplomacy, and the impact of conflict (particularly the Falklands War). In assessing these issues across this time frame, you will also evaluate the shifting international context of the late Cold War years, within and beyond the superpower context, considering the scope for influence of a state such as the UK in a period of global change. Please note this is an optional module and runs subject to enrolments. If a low number of students choose this module, then the module may not run and you may be asked to choose another module
The module’s main objective is to equip you with a broad knowledge of developments in UK foreign policy in the later years of the Cold War. It also aims to enhance your familiarity with the major historiographical controversies surrounding this topic; to test some of these perspectives against evidence from primary sources; and to develop engagement with relevant conceptual issues in the study of foreign policy. Seminars will be based on wide reading in primary and secondary sources, and on structured discussion of challenges and problems arising. Close investigation of primary sources (e.g. memoirs, speeches, archival documents) will help to deepen relevant insights and critical analysis, working individually and collaboratively to do so.
On successful completion of the module students will be able to:
1. Evaluate key events, themes and actors in UK foreign policy in this time frame
2. Critically assess principal historiographical debates relevant to this topic
3. Analyse a range of archival and other primary source material
Skills learning outcomes:
On successful completion of the module students will be able to:
4. Apply critical thinking to historical problems in this context
5. Advance an academic case by using evidence effectively and insightfully
6. Communicate effective arguments in a range of written formats, with appropriate use of disciplinary standards and convention
Details of the syllabus will be provided on the Minerva organisation (or equivalent) for the module.
| Delivery type | Number | Length hours | Student hours |
|---|---|---|---|
| Workshop | 4 | 1 | 4 |
| Supervision | 2 | 0.2 | 0.4 |
| Seminar | 20 | 2 | 40 |
| Private study hours | 355.6 | ||
| Total Contact hours | 44.4 | ||
| Total hours (100hr per 10 credits) | 400 | ||
Students will receive ongoing informal feedback in response to class contributions and other exchanges. For the assessed essay, students will have the opportunity to discuss ideas, plans and approaches to the selected title via email and in a one-to-one meeting with the tutor. For the OTLA, students will have the opportunity (in collaborative and individual formative exercises) to practise gobbet-writing technique and short-form essay technique, and to receive feedback.
| Assessment type | Notes | % of formal assessment |
|---|---|---|
| Coursework | Essay | 50 |
| Total percentage (Assessment Coursework) | 50 | |
Resits will take the same form as the original submission.
| Exam type | Exam duration | % of formal assessment |
|---|---|---|
| Online Time-Limited assessment | 48.0 Hrs 0 Mins | 50 |
| Total percentage (Assessment Exams) | 50 | |
Normally resits will be assessed by the same methodology as the first attempt, unless otherwise stated
Check the module area in Minerva for your reading list
Last updated: 20/04/2026
Errors, omissions, failed links etc should be notified to the Catalogue Team