Queen Mary extends partnership with Houses of Parliament to deliver Parliamentary Studies module

Queen Mary University of London is one of twenty-three universities awarded the right to deliver the “highly regarded” Parliamentary Studies module from academic year 2024/25 onward, it has been announced today by the Houses of Parliament.

Since 2013, final year students at Queen Mary’s School of Politics and International Relations have had the opportunity to build their knowledge of British parliamentary politics through the Parliamentary Studies module, which runs from September to December.

Taught in collaboration with the Houses of Parliament, the module is designed to provide students with a comprehensive academic and practical understanding of how Westminster works. It is the only higher education module formally approved by the Houses of Parliament.

Students on the module visit Westminster to hear directly from leading politicians as part of their studies. Previous speakers have included Jacob Rees-Mogg MP, Thangam Debbonaire MP, Stephen Timms MP, Baroness (Tanni) Grey-Thompson, Rushanara Ali MP, Jonathan Gullis MP, Kirsty Blackman MP, Julian Smith MP, Baroness (Martha) Lane Fox, Andrea Leadsom MP, and Rupa Huq MP.

Lord (Tim) Clement-Jones CBE, Chair of Queen Mary Council and member of the House of Lords said:

“We are very proud of our partnership with the Houses of Parliament, which has enabled Queen Mary to deliver research-led teaching about parliament to hundreds of students over the past decade. I am delighted that this collaboration will continue, cementing Queen Mary’s reputation as one of the best places to study UK politics.”

A springboard for a career in politics

The Parliamentary Studies module is a practical, hands-on module that acts as a springboard for those considering a career in or around politics.

Lucia Rodriguez Bai, who graduated with a BA (Hons) in Politics and International Relations in 2023, said: 

“My experience as a student on Parliamentary Studies not only helped me figure out what I wanted to do after university but also helped me understand how parliament works. It was the perfect opportunity to learn up close from visiting speakers from parliament, which in turn nurtured my interest in public policy and prepared me for my current work in Westminster.”

Callum Murphy, who graduated with a BA (Hons) in Politics in 2021, said:

“Taking Parliamentary Studies at Queen Mary was pivotal in shaping my understanding of governance and democracy. The module not only enriched my academic experience, but also profoundly influenced my career trajectory, giving me knowledge and skills that have been valuable for my current role working in public affairs.”

Amirah Ismail, who graduated with a BA (Hons) in Politics and International Relations in 2023, said:

“The Parliamentary Studies module was highly influential in shaping how I thought about the direction of my career. It provided an array of avenues towards enhancing my understanding of Parliament and I am particularly grateful for having the opportunity to meet individuals working in different roles within Westminster."

Dr Daniel Gover, Senior Lecturer in British Politics and convenor of the Parliamentary Studies module at Queen Mary, said:

“Parliamentary Studies is an exceptionally popular module among our students at Queen Mary. It has been designed not only to provide students with a rigorous academic introduction to how parliament functions, but also the skills and knowledge needed to work in or around Westminster in their future careers. Central to its success has been the involvement of parliamentary practitioners through our longstanding partnership with the Houses of Parliament.”