British Politics and Legislative Studies

Debate and discuss the pressing issues of today’s society in this unique politics and legislative studies degree.

You’ll learn about the significance of politics at home and abroad – and how it influences change – and explore key political questions covering inequality, wealth and power.

Importantly, you’ll apply what you learn in a full year placement in Westminster, enabling you to get valuable experience and create a strong network which could open doors to job opportunities.

With the scheme running for more than 35 years, Hull graduates are so well-known in Westminster they’ve become affectionately known as the ‘Hull Mafia’.

Why study at Hull?

• Exclusive access: There’s not only the opportunity to work for an MP or Peer, but to take part in exclusive seminars presented by senior parliamentary officials, including Black Rod and the Speaker of the House

• Westminster placement: For 35 years, Hull undergrads have spent a year in the corridors of power, building their insider knowledge of behaviours and norms, workplace skills and political networks

• Employability skills: A politics degree equips you with transferable skills such as research, creative problem solving, critical thinking and presentation abilities, needed by a wide range of roles and sectors

Where could this take me?

There’s a wide range of opportunities when you graduate with a degree in British politics and legislative studies, from the obvious route to Westminster through to law, the media, journalist, business and finance, and the intelligence services.

Previous graduates have headed into careers with the Civil Service, the Armed Forces, charities and public relations organisations as well as international ones.

Compulsory modules include:

British Political History since 1945
Introduction to the Politics of the World Economy
British Government
Introduction to Comparative Politics
The Contemporary House of Commons
Electoral and Voting Systems
Political Research
Parliament in the UK: Approaches to Reform
Dissertation
Comparative Legislatures

Optional modules

History of Political Thought
Understanding the European Union
Understanding America
Culture Wars
Political Thought of the Right
Politics of the Environment
Contemporary Political Philosophy

Year 3

The third year is spent in Westminster working for a Member of Parliament or a peer. While on placement, you’ll also complete the following modules.

Research Proposal
Research Paper
Self-Evaluation Document

You'll be fully supported throughout your internship – both in Westminster by former Hull placement students who now work there full-time, and by our dedicated member of staff in Hull who will be in regular contact.

You'll be assessed through a combination of written, practical and coursework assessments throughout your degree.

Written assessment typically includes exams and multiple choice tests.

Practical is an assessment of your skills and competencies. This could include presentations, school experience, work experience or laboratory work.

Coursework typically includes essays, written assignments, dissertations, research projects or producing a portfolio of your work.