UCL Political Science selected to offer Parliamentary Studies Module from 2024/25

UCL Political Science has once again been awarded the right to deliver the Parliamentary Studies Module.

This module is taught by Prof Meg Russell, Director of The Constitution Unit.

In connection with the UK Parliament’s commitment to promoting and supporting the study of Parliament, this is the third time that Parliament has sought collaborators to teach the Parliamentary Studies Module following continued and successful engagement with universities throughout the UK since 2013. The applications were judged by a panel of staff from the Houses of Parliament and a full list of the successful applicants can be seen below. For the first time, the panel also agreed to pilot engagement with the University of Kent’s Policy Officer apprenticeship programme. The pilot will be reviewed after two years and, if successful, could be continued until 2029/30.

The 23 higher education institutions awarded the right to deliver the module are: • Birkbeck University of London • Brunel University London • Cardiff University • Keele University • Lancaster University • Queen Mary University of London • Royal Holloway University of London • Swansea University • University College London • University of Birmingham • University of East Anglia • University of Edinburgh • University of Essex • University of Exeter • University of Hull • University of Kent • University of Leeds • University of Lincoln • University of Liverpool • University of Manchester • University of Sheffield • University of Strathclyde • University of the West of England.

Background

Parliamentary Studies is the only higher education module formally approved by the Houses of Parliament and is co-taught by university tutors and officials from the Houses of Parliament. The aim of the module is to provide students with a detailed knowledge of how Parliament works in both theory and practice and is delivered in collaboration with the Houses of Parliament. The Higher Education Institution (HEI) provides academic and theoretical content, and the Houses of Parliament provides practical teaching about the work, processes and business of Parliament. The Parliamentary Studies Module has been delivered at a number of universities since 2013/14, and the contracts with existing universities will expire next summer.