University of Essex; Centre for Research into Elections and Social Trends; National Centre for Social Research

The British Election Studies constitute the longest academic series of nationally representative probability sample surveys in the country. The broad aim is to explore the changing determinants of electoral behaviour in contemporary Britain. The surveys have taken place immediately after every general election since 1964, giving a total of ten so far. There have also been two non-election year surveys (in 1963 and 1969), Scottish and Welsh booster studies at some elections, an ethnic minority booster sample in 1997, several campaign studies and a number of panel surveys.

The British Election Study for the 2001 general election, funded by the Economic and Social Research Council, was based at the University of Essex.

Websites: University of Essex ; Centre for Research into Elections and Social Trends ; National Centre for Social Research