Anthony ('Tony') Burkett was born on 12 June 1933 and from 1944 to 1952 was educated at the grammar school in March, Cambridgeshire. He studied politics at The University of Nottingham, attained a BA with honours in 1958, and an MA in 1961. During his time at Nottingham he was heavily involved in theatre, producing a number of student plays; he also held the presidency of the Student's Union. Following a spell as a part-time Workers Education Association lecturer and assistant master of Ellis Bi-Lateral School in Nottingham, Burkett became lecturer in Liberal Studies at Loughborough College of Technology (later Loughborough University) in 1961. He was warden of Loughborough University's Forest Court hall of residence from 1964 to 1977.
Burkett joined the newly established Department of European Studies as a senior lecturer in German Politics in 1971 and was made head of the Department of European Studies in 1978, having played an important role in its development. He was finally appointed to the chair of European Politics in 1983 and remained at Loughborough until about 1995. Professor Burkett specialised in British and German government and politics, and in European political institutions. His publications include: 'Political parties and elections in West Germany: the search for a new stability' (Hurst: London, 1986).
From the guide to the Student theatre (University of Nottingham) and academic papers of Anthony John Burkett (1933-1997), Professor of German Politics at Loughborough University; 1955-1998, 1955-1998, (The University of Nottingham)
