BA (Hons) British Politics and Legislative Studies

4 Years On Campus Bachelors Program

University of Hull

Program Overview

If you’re fascinated by how politics really works and want to get closer to the action, the BA (Hons) British Politics and Legislative Studies at Hull is the perfect fit. This unique degree combines political theory with hands-on experience, including a full year working in Westminster alongside MPs and peers.

Curriculum Structure

Year 1 – Building the foundations
You’ll start by exploring the big ideas that shape politics and the history behind Britain’s political system. Core classes like British Political History since 1945, Introduction to Political Ideologies, and British Government give you the grounding you need, while modules such as Introduction to Comparative Politics and Global Political Economy widen your perspective beyond the UK.

Year 2 – Developing your expertise
In your second year, you’ll dig deeper into the workings of democracy and political systems. Modules such as The Contemporary House of Commons, Electoral and Voting Systems, and Research Methods and Ethics sharpen your analytical skills, while options like Understanding the European Union let you tailor the course to your interests. This is the stage where you start connecting political ideas with real-world issues.

Year 3 – A year in Westminster
This is what sets Hull apart. You’ll spend a full year working for a Member of Parliament or peer in Westminster. Alongside your placement, you’ll complete academic work such as your Research Proposal and Research Paper, reflecting on your experience and applying it to the bigger questions of reform and policy. It’s a rare opportunity to step right into the heart of UK politics.

Year 4 – Bringing it all together
Your final year is about building on your placement experience and showcasing your knowledge. You’ll choose advanced modules that interest you most, while completing a dissertation or extended project. By the time you graduate, you’ll have both the academic depth and practical insight that employers and graduate schools look for.

Focus areas: UK government and Parliament, policy-making, political theory, electoral systems, applied political research

Learning outcomes: You’ll learn how to analyse political systems critically, carry out independent research, evaluate policies, and communicate complex political issues with clarity.

Professional alignment (accreditation): The Westminster placement scheme—running for more than 35 years—makes Hull the only UK university to offer such a long, structured political internship as part of the degree.

Reputation (employability rankings):

Ranked 2nd in the UK for Teaching Satisfaction in Politics (Guardian University Guide 2025)
100% of Politics graduates were in work or further study within 15 months of graduating (HESA Graduate Outcomes 2021/22)

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

What makes this degree at Hull so special is that it doesn’t just teach you about politics — it lets you live it. You’ll move beyond textbooks into the very heart of British democracy, developing the skills and confidence you’ll need for a career in politics, policy, or public service. From research and debate to a once-in-a-lifetime Westminster placement, this course is designed to give you experiences that truly set you apart.

Here’s how Hull makes learning hands-on:

A full year in Westminster
Spend 12 months working with an MP or peer, gaining insider experience of how Parliament runs. You’ll sit in on debates, contribute to real constituency work, and see decision-making up close. Alongside this, you’ll be invited to private seminars with senior parliamentary figures, including officials such as the Speaker and Black Rod.
Small-group teaching with real impact
In modules like The Contemporary House of Commons, you’ll analyse live parliamentary debates, use authentic sources, and learn in small seminars where your voice really matters.
Practical research and project work
You’ll be trained in political research methods and ethics, then apply them in your final year dissertation — building the type of project portfolio that employers and postgraduate programmes value.
Assessments that mirror real political work
Instead of only essays and exams, you’ll produce policy briefs, comparative reports, and critiques of voting systems — the same kind of outputs used by political professionals every day.
Tailored specialisms
Choose optional modules in areas such as comparative politics or global political economy, giving you the chance to shape your studies around your interests and career goals.
World-class resources
You’ll have access to the Brynmor Jones Library — with its one million books, archives, and digital databases — plus modern study spaces and online resources to support all your research needs.

With this combination of classroom knowledge and real-world immersion, you’ll graduate with far more than a degree — you’ll have the practical experience, professional contacts, and political insight that give you a head start in your career.

Progression & Future Opportunities

One of the biggest strengths of this course is how directly it connects you to real political careers. Hull graduates are well known in Westminster — many go on to work in Parliament, public affairs, think tanks, or the civil service. With a year’s placement right in the heart of Westminster, you’ll graduate with experience that most politics students can only dream of. Typical roles our students move into include: Parliamentary Assistant, Policy Officer, Public Affairs Consultant, Political Analyst.

And the support doesn’t stop when you finish your placement — Hull makes sure you’re career-ready from day one:

Exclusive Westminster Placement: Spend a year working for an MP or peer, attend private seminars with senior officials (including the Speaker), and build networks inside Parliament.
Career Services: The University’s dedicated Careers and Employability team will help with CVs, interviews, internships, and employer connections.
Graduate Success: According to the Graduate Outcomes survey, 100% of Politics graduates from Hull were in work or further study within 15 months (UK-domicile, 2021/22).
Strong Partnerships: Hull has long-standing links with Parliament, and the placement itself is one of the most established and respected in the country.
Proven Track Record: Alumni from this course — often called the “Hull Mafia” in Westminster — are now working as advisers, MPs’ staff, policy analysts, and in government departments.

Further Academic Progression:
If you want to continue studying, this degree opens the door to specialist postgraduate pathways. Many students go on to master’s programmes in Public Policy, International Relations, Government, or Legislative Studies, and some even progress to a PhD in Politics or Public Administration. You could also choose professional training routes in areas like law, public service leadership, or diplomacy, depending on your career ambitions.