History of the Politics and History Department

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Political science has played an important role in the development of the University of Buckingham from its founding in 1973 to the present day. Professor Max Beloff was both the first Principal of the University College and Professor of Government. He was a firm proponent of independence for institutions of higher education and had written an important article in the journal Minerva in 1967 entitled 'British Universities and the Public Purse' at around the same time as Harry Ferns published his 'Radical Proposal for the Universities' in Political Quarterly. While Max Beloff undertook the task of leading the University as a whole, he was assisted in curriculum development by Professor Charles Vereker who became Consultant Professor of Social and Political Theory in 1974. In addition, John Clarke, a Fellow of All Souls College Oxford, was appointed Senior Lecturer in History (now Professor of History) and the University College's first Dean of Admissions. Soon thereafter the University's strength in history was augmented when Jane Ridley was appointed to a lectureship.

In 1977 two 'Schools of Study' were introduced - one in politics, economics and law; the other in history, politics and English literature. These both reflected the educational judgement that it is important to study programmes which integrate the various specialised disciplines which have developed within the social sciences. This judgement is still reflected in the programmes of study offered within the Departments of Economics, Politics and History. An early appointment was that of Dr Mary Skinner from Berkeley California as a lecturer in Politics. Her interests in comparative government supplemented those of Max Beloff and Charles Vereker. When Max Beloff was succeeded by Alan Peacock as Principal of the University College, and on the retirement of Charles Vereker in 1982, Norman Barry was appointed as Reader in Politics. Having written on the work of the economist and social philosopher Friedrich Hayek, Norman Barry was well placed to forge links with both economists and lawyers. He is now Professor of Social and Political Theory with wide-ranging interests in jurisprudence, liberal political economy and business ethics.

By the end of the 1980s it was apparent that the international nature of the student body at Buckingham was one of the institution's most important strengths. This has been reflected in the increasing importance of an international dimension to degree programmes within the areas of economics and political science. The Department now offers a whole range of programmes of study, including programmes in International Studies which encompass economic, political, legal and historical elements.