Corruption and Public Power (720M3B)

15 credits, Level 7 (Masters)

Spring teaching

On this module, you’ll study how corruption may affect the three main branches of power:

• the legislature
• the executive
• the judiciary.

Through key examples, the module unpacks some of the causes of corruption in the branches of power and examines how public-sector corruption affects the public good. Specifically, the module examines the role of parliaments in tackling corruption and the ways in which corruption affects them.

Some of the main corruption-related issues in the executive will be examined:

• political influences
• public procurement
• funding of political parties
• influence of politics on the media.

Moreover, problems with corruption in public administrations and the police at both the central and local level will be considered. We will also discuss corruption in the judiciary, including the importance of the principles of independence and accountability.

Contact hours and workload

This module is approximately 150 hours of work. This breaks down into about 20 hours of contact time and about 130 hours of independent study. The University may make minor variations to the contact hours for operational reasons, including timetabling requirements.

We regularly review our modules to incorporate student feedback, staff expertise, as well as the latest research and teaching methodology. We’re planning to run these modules in the academic year 2023/24. However, there may be changes to these modules in response to feedback, staff availability, student demand or updates to our curriculum. We’ll make sure to let you know of any material changes to modules at the earliest opportunity.