Available in Clearing
Gain a thorough understanding of the UK’s political system. Then apply it to the real world during a unique 12-month placement in Westminster.
Work for a Member of Parliament or a peer, where you’ll get in-depth exposure to British parliamentary procedures and behaviours.
Studying at Hull opens doors to those considering a career in Parliament. Our graduates are well known throughout the major UK political parties. In fact, so many of them now work in Westminster that they’ve become affectionately known as ‘the Hull Mafia’.
About this course
We take you to the heart of contemporary political debate. You’ll assess and challenge arguments over the key issues of the day.
Possession and exercise of power. Wealth and inequality. Individual and collective identity. The use of violence for political ends. These types of issues drive today’s world. And by examining them, you’ll gain critical insights into the domestic and global significance of politics.
Our Westminster placement scheme has been running for over 35 years, and is one of the most extensive of its kind in the UK.
You’ll get the rare opportunity to work alongside an MP or peer for a whole year. Our links with a large pool of MPs mean we're likely to be able to match you with a politician whose role reflects your area of political interest.
While on placement, you'll enjoy access to our exclusive seminar series presented by senior Parliamentary officials including Black Rod and the Speaker.
We don't play politics. We do politics.
Module options
Each year, you’ll study modules worth a certain number of credits, and you need 120 credits per year. Most modules are 20 credits – so you’ll study six modules each year. Some longer modules, such as a dissertation, are worth more. In these cases, you’ll study fewer modules - but the number of credits will always add up to 120. Some modules are compulsory, some are optional, so you can build a course that’s right for you.
Filters
British Political History since 1945
The UK's political history after World War Two: from Eden to the EEC and from Wilson to the 'Winter of Discontent', encounter the people, ideas and policies that have shaped modern Britain.
compulsory
20 credits
Introduction to Political Ideologies
Political action is collective action among people who share beliefs. This module explores the most important formulations of these collective views. It explores political ideologies that defend the status quo, those who wish to reform it, and those that seek a radically different political reality.
compulsory
20 credits
British Government
In the age of Brexit who governs Britain? Discover the workings of the British state and where power lies. From the uncodified constitution, the Office of Prime Minister and Cabinet government to Whitehall, English local government, Scottish and Welsh devolution to the great parties of state: the Conservative Party and the Labour Party and the Liberal Democrats. Encounter the traditions, institutions and political parties which govern Britain.
compulsory
20 credits
Introduction to Policy-Making
This module provides an introduction and explanation of the plural theories and models of policy making before applying these theories and models to the practice of policy-making, via a series of case studies of policy-making in practice.
compulsory
20 credits
Introduction to Comparative Politics
This module introduces Comparative Politics, one of the major building blocks for the study of Politics. It introduces “the study of the state” and some of the main concepts used by politics scholars, like political culture, political parties, executives, legislatures and constitutions.
compulsory
20 credits
Introduction to Global Political Economy
You'll gain the tools to understand and explain developments in the global political economy and be introduced to international political economy, one of the main sub-disciplines of politics and international relations. You will trace the evolution of ideas, institutions and policies related to global financial markets, transnational production, global division of labour, gender and climate change.
compulsory
20 credits
The Contemporary House of Commons
The Contemporary House of Commons module provides a distinctive opportunity not only to study the role of the House of Commons in the UK political system, but also to engage with practitioners, to develop skills of advocacy and to engage in research of primary sources, and to do so through small-group extended seminars, ensuring continuous engagement with fellow students and with the module leader, who is also parliamentarian.
compulsory
20 credits
Electoral and Voting Systems
You will study in depth the basic principles and the workings of a variety of electoral and voting systems used in the UK and around the world. You will explore the implications of electoral and voting systems for democracy and political representation. Your assessment in the form of a policy brief will prepare you for future interactions with policy-makers.
compulsory
20 credits
Research Methods and Ethics
In this module you will begin the journey of becoming an independent and autonomous political researcher. You will learn more about how Political Research – especially that conducted within the School of Politics and International Studies – is produced, and be equipped with the understanding and skills necessary to design your own political research project. This module will prepare you for the Final Year Project and for putting into practice your own programme of research.
compulsory
20 credits
Our facilities
Our academics
You’ll learn from some of the country’s leading experts in British government and politics.
We're here to inspire and nurture you – tomorrow's leaders – to realise your potential. And to leave the world in a better condition than you found it.
Dr Matt Beech
Lecturer
Matt has spoken at events at the House of Commons, and the House of Lords. He provides expert analysis for the media and has appeared in The Wall Street Journal, The Washington Post, The Chicago Tribune, The Times, and The Guardian, among others.
Prof Philip Lord Norton of Louth
Lecturer
Described as the UK’s ‘greatest living expert on Parliament’ by the Political Studies Association, Lord Norton was appointed our Professor of Government in 1986. He is the author or editor of 32 books and received a peerage in 1998.
Entry Requirements
Fees & Funding
How much is it?
Future prospects
‘The Hull Mafia’. That’s what they call our graduates in Westminster, because there are so many of us walking the corridors of power. But it’s not just Parliament that can open its doors to you. The quality and prestige of our Politics degrees afford so many more opportunities after you graduate.
You’ll gain the skills to research, source and examine information. To critically analyse evidence and construct robust arguments. Exactly the kind of attributes that many employers are looking for. As well as political careers, many of our graduates go on to work in the media, the Civil Service, HM Armed Forces, intelligence services, public relations, charities, and international organisations.
Become part of the next generation of futuremakers
Like what you've seen? Then it's time to apply.
The standard way is to apply through UCAS. This will give you the chance to showcase your skills qualities and passion for the subject, as well as providing us with your academic qualifications.
Not ready to apply yet?
Visit our next Open Day, and see all that Hull has to offer for yourself. Talk to our lecturers about your subject, find out what university is really like from our current students, and take a tour of our beautiful campus and amazing facilities.
You may also be interested in...
Details of our Parliamentary approval can be found on the official UK Parliament website.
Politics is ranked 2nd out of 62 institutions in the UK for Teaching Satisfaction. The Guardian University Rankings 2025.
100% employability (Politics) UK domicile full-time first degree leavers; Higher Education Graduate Outcomes statistics, for the academic year 2021/22, published by the Higher Education Statistics Agency June 2024.
All modules presented on this course page are subject to availability and this list may change at any time.