Undergraduate

British Politics and Legislative Studies

A smiling Politics student inside the Houses of Parliament while on placement at Westminster.
A view of the red-brick Hull University Business School and its leafy grounds at sunset.
Professor Lord Philip Norton of Louth smiling to the camera while he sits in his book-filled office.
Three smartly-dressed Politics students walking the iconic grounds of Westminster while on placement.

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For one trimester or 12 months, you could intern for an MP in Westminster. It’s a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to study British politics up close.
The quality and prestige of our Politics degrees open up many careers. Our graduates also work for the media, the Civil Service, and HM Armed Forces.
Learn from some of the UK’s leading experts in British government and politics, including the ‘greatest living expert on Parliament’, Lord Norton.
Our graduates working in Westminster are affectionately known as ‘The Hull Mafia’. Because there are so many of us walking the corridors of power.
You’ll delve into the heart of contemporary political debate. Questioning conventional wisdom and your own preconceived ideas with fellow students.
A smiling Politics student inside the Houses of Parliament while on placement at Westminster.
A view of the red-brick Hull University Business School and its leafy grounds at sunset.
Professor Lord Philip Norton of Louth smiling to the camera while he sits in his book-filled office.
Three smartly-dressed Politics students walking the iconic grounds of Westminster while on placement.
Brynmor Jones Library Reading Room
Politics - British Politics and Legislative Studies

Code

Duration

Mode

  • Standard course
  • September 2024

Typical offer

What does this mean?

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’.

  • Spend a full year

    on a Westminster placement

  • Top 10 in the UK

    for Teaching Satisfaction and Value Added 1

  • Work with an MP or peer

  • 5th in the UK

    for Student Experience 2

  • Leading experts

    teach on this course

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Course overview
Module options

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.

Through our unique internship opportunities, you can get access to Parliament or an alternative politics-related placement. These include the Hansard Society, the Humber Local Economic Partnership, and the Royal Armouries Museum in Leeds.

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.

Scheduled study hours and how you’re assessed

Throughout your degree, you’re expected to study for 1,200 hours per year. That’s based on 200 hours per 20 credit module. And it includes scheduled hours, time spent on placement and independent study. How this time’s divided among each of these varies each year and depends on the course and modules you study.

How you'll be assessed depends on the course you study, and the modules you choose. You may be assessed through a mix of examinations, coursework, presentations and group projects.

Choose your modules

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.

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
6 Modules

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

Political Research

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

Parliament in the UK: Approaches to Reform

Parliament in the UK: Approaches to Reform provides students with an opportunity to assess Parliament in the content of a constitution in flux, to debate the merits of constitutional reforms, and to engage with practitioners, to develop skills of advocacy- not least through an adversarial debating format – 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

Rethinking Political Economy

Rethinking Political Economy enables students to explore plural perspectives drawn from the history of ideas in political economy from its early development in the sixteenth and seventeenth centuries to the contemporary rethinking of political economy. Particular focus is placed upon the confrontation both of historical power imbalances, notably the relocation of the previously marginalized perspectives of female political economists to the very centre and cutting edge of the discipline, and urgent issues of human development, notably inequalities in income and wealth, and mitigation of and adaptation to human-induced climate change

Optional•20 credits

The Global South and Development

Explore the challenges of development for the Global South from a cross-regional comparative political economy perspective. You'll gain an understanding of the theoretical and practical debates around development, and their implications for international relations. You'll also examine the role of states, markets, international organisations, non-governmental organisations and civil society in fostering (or inhibiting) development. 

Optional•20 credits

History of Political Thought

The history of political thought provides us with experiences of a wealth of perspectives on issues that still occupy central places in human life: the role of power in our collective relationships; the duties of the citizen and the obligations of the state; what it means to be free or equal or oppressed. This module explores some of the most influential and challenging positions from ancient Greek times to the late-nineteenth and early twentieth centuries. The module explores the feminist thinkers and others who were and are viewed as radicals, as well as more moderate figures, whose influences remain today.

Optional•20 credits

Understanding the European Union

The EU has a population of almost 450 million people and host the world’s the largest single market. The module identifies the main EU institutions and explains where power lies in EU decision-making. EU policies which will be assessed include environmental/climate policy, Economic Monetary Union (EMU) and the Single European Market (SEM). The module focuses also on the EU’s relations with the UK (pre- and post-Brexit), USA, China and Global South countries. The EU has emerged as an environmental leader on the international level and has frequently tried to use its ‘market power’ to transfer its goals, norms and values to the international level. The EU’s impact therefore goes well beyond the territory of its currently 27 Member States.

Optional•20 credits

Understanding America

You'll be introduced to the political culture and institutions of the United States of America and the environment in which those institutions operate. Having considered these domestic issues, you'll examine the USA’s international role and behaviour. You'll examine the complex relationship between these domestic and international aspects of American politics.

Optional•20 credits
9 Modules

The third year is spent in Westminster working for a Member of Parliament or a peer.

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.

While on placement, you’ll also complete the following modules.

  • Research Proposal
  • Research Paper
  • Self-Evaluation Document

Dissertation

You will make an original contribution to research by designing, carrying out and writing up your own project on a topic you choose, supported by your dissertation supervisor.

Compulsory•40 credits

Comparative Legislatures

Examine how legislatures fit within systems of government. You'll explore the Westminster model, US Congress, and the Brazilian, German, South African and Chinese parliaments.

Compulsory•20 credits

Culture Wars

What causes the culture wars? Explore the controversies. From identity politics to free speech and BLM to transgenderism.

Optional•20 credits

Politics of the Environment

Analyse attitudes towards the environment and the politics of the environmental movement, pressure groups, political parties, states, the EU and international organisations.

Optional•20 credits

Dangerous Minds

Study the relationship between ideas, the people who promote them, and political practice. From Plato, to Machiavelli, explore just how influential and dangerous ideas can be.

Optional•20 credits

UK Politics in an Age of Austerity and Brexit

Examine contemporary debates on economic, social and political renewal. You'll cover topics such as: Brexit, austerity, foreign policy and the future of the welfare state.

Optional•20 credits

Contemporary Political Philosophy

How should we think about justice, equality, liberty and democracy? Explore ways of addressing these topics through critical readings of leading political philosophers.

Optional•20 credits

Democracy and Legitimacy in the European Union

This module focuses on the theoretical and empirical context in which democracy and legitimacy have become existential challenges for the European Union.

Optional•20 credits

Germany in the New Europe

This module assesses the reunified Germany and its role in the new Europe. You'll learn about Germany's political parties, its government and its main policies.

Optional•20 credits
9 Modules

Playlist

Dr Matt Beech

Course Overview 1 min

Westminster Placement

Course highlight 3 mins

Lucy Dunwell

Student story 2 mins

Life on campus

University Life 2 mins

Entry requirements

What do I need?

When it comes to applying to university, you'll need a certain number of UCAS points. Different qualifications and grades are worth a different amount of points. For this course, you'll need…

Use UCAS's calculator to work out your estimated points

We consider experience and qualifications from the UK and worldwide which may not exactly match the combinations above.

But it's not just about the grades - we'll look at your whole application. We want to know what makes you tick, and about your previous experience, so make sure that you complete your personal statement.

Have questions? Our admissions team will be happy to help.

What do I need?

If you require a student visa to study or if your first language is not English you will be required to provide acceptable evidence of your English language proficiency level.

See other English language proficiency qualifications accepted by the University of Hull.

If your English currently does not reach the University’s required standard for this programme, you may be interested in one of our English language courses.

Visit your country page to find out more about our entry requirements.

Fees & funding

How much is it?

Additional costs you may have to pay

Your tuition fees will cover most costs associated with your programme. There are some extra costs that you might have to pay, or choose to pay, depending on your programme of study and the decisions you make:

  • Books (you can borrow books on your reading lists from the library, but you may buy your own)
  • Optional field trips
  • Study abroad (incl. travel costs, accommodation, visas, immunisation)
  • Placement costs (incl. travel costs and accommodation)
  • Student visas (international students)
  • Laptop (you’ll have access to laptops and PC’s on campus, but you may want your own)
  • Printing and photocopying
  • Professional-body membership
  • Graduation (gown hire and photography)

Remember, you’ll still need to take into account your living costs. This could include accommodation, travel, food and more.

How do I pay for it?

How much is it?

Additional costs you may have to pay

Your tuition fees will cover most costs associated with your programme. There are some extra costs that you might have to pay, or choose to pay, depending on your programme of study and the decisions you make:

  • Books (you can borrow books on your reading lists from the library, but you may buy your own)
  • Optional field trips
  • Study abroad (incl. travel costs, accommodation, visas, immunisation)
  • Placement costs (incl. travel costs and accommodation)
  • Student visas (international students)
  • Laptop (you’ll have access to laptops and PC’s on campus, but you may want your own)
  • Printing and photocopying
  • Professional-body membership
  • Graduation (gown hire and photography)

Remember, you’ll still need to take into account your living costs. This could include accommodation, travel, food and more.

How do I pay for it?

Our academics

You’ll learn from some of the country’s leading experts in British government and politics. We’re ranked in the Top 15 in the UK for Teaching Quality.³

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.

See more academics for this subject
Matt Beech
Featured academic

Dr Matt Beech

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.
Professor Philip Norton
Featured academic

Prof Philip Lord Norton of Louth

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.

Take a look at our facilities

Brynmor Jones Library

Our 7-storey library is home to 1 million+ books, plus extensive digital resources drawn from libraries and archives across the world. As well as panoramic views of the city from the 7th floor.

Allam Lecture Theatre

One of the largest lecture theatres on campus. Comfortable seating and modern equipment make this a fantastic environment for learning. It also often hosts external speakers and special guests.

Reading Room

You’ll find the Reading Room on the first floor of our library. It offers a comfortable space and a quiet environment to study – away from the hustle and bustle of the campus.

Study Rooms

You'll find over 1,000 work spaces in our library. From boardroom-style meeting venues with big-screen PCs, to informal group-study areas and interactive whiteboards.

See more in our virtual tour

Look around

Look around

Look around

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Brynmor Jones Library Observation Deck
Allam Lecture Theatre
Brynmor Jones Library Reading Room
Brynmor Jones Library Group Study Room
The Palace of Westminster and Big Ben lit up at night, reflected by the River Thames.

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.

University of Hull Open Day

Your next steps

Like what you’ve seen? Then it’s time to apply.

The standard way to apply for this course is through UCAS. This will give you the chance to showcase your skill, qualities and passion for the subject, as well as providing your academic qualifications.

How to apply

Not ready to apply?

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.

Book your place now

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  1. (Teaching Satisfaction Joint 7th, Value Added Joint 8th) The Guardian University Rankings 2024.
  2. The Times and Sunday Times Good University Guide 2024.
  3. (Joint 13th) The Times and Sunday Times Good University Guide 2024.

 

All modules presented on this course page are subject to availability and this list may change at any time.

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