The collection consists of both personal and professional papers. The personal papers (BKT 1-4; mostly 1955-1963) include job applications, CVs, etc., containing biographical information about his career development, and a substantial section of material from his time at the University of Nottingham. This includes theatre programmes for productions Burkett was involved in, newspaper cuttings of reviews of plays, correspondence relating to his membership of the Students' Union, memorabilia such as tickets and invitations, photographs, and a series of student newspapers containing articles about his various activities at the University over the years.
Professional papers (BKT 5-12, principally 1973-1990s) include manuscripts of unpublished literary works, articles and books on aspects of socialist, German, British and European politics, including a proof copy of 'The West German Parliament' by Tony Burkett and Suzanne S. Schuettemeyer. Also present is correspondence and associated papers relating to the drafting and publication of 'West Germany: A Federal System', and papers relating to the Committee of Co-operation for European Parliamentary Studies and the Association for the Study of German Politics. There is also a small amount of personal material such as photographs and correspondence, dating from this later period.