Students at Keele University will be among a select group in the UK to study on a specially designed module approved and co-delivered by the Houses of Parliament. 

A total of just 23 UK universities including Keele have been granted the right to offer the unique and highly regarded Parliamentary Studies module from the academic year 2024/25, with Keele academics and officials from both Houses of Parliament co-delivering the module. 

The aim of the module is to provide students of Politics and related courses with a detailed knowledge of how Parliament works in both theory and practice, and is delivered in collaboration with the Houses of Parliament.  

Teaching on the module often covers themes such as the structure of Parliament; the legislative process; the role of Select Committees; the role and work of MPs; the role and work of Members of the House of Lords; the relationship with the executive; Parliament and the public; and how the UK Parliament interacts with other Parliaments and legislatures. 

As part of the agreement, Keele lecturers will provide the academic and theoretical content, while colleagues from Parliament provide practical teaching about the work, processes and business of Parliament.  

The Parliamentary Studies Module will be available at Keele and other successful institutions until the end of the academic year 2029/30. 

Professor Mark Featherstone, Head of the School of Social, Political, and Global Studies at Keele, said: “This is a brilliant opportunity for Politics students to gain in-depth, working knowledge of the operation of parliament and government and we are delighted to be able to host this prestigious module at Keele.” 

Dr Philip Catney, Senior Lecturer in Politics at Keele, said: “Parliamentary Studies is a great opportunity for students to engage with the inner workings of the institution that remains at the centre of British political life. It is a privilege to have this programme recommissioned and we look forward to bringing our students closer to the practice of politics.” 

Dr Gemma Loomes, Lecturer in Comparative Politics, added: “We are thrilled to have been selected to offer the Parliamentary Studies module for a further five years. Our expertise in British politics at Keele allows students to build up their understanding of British politics throughout their degree, culminating in the exciting opportunity to engage with parliamentary staff on the Parliamentary Studies module in their final year. Numerous former Keele students who have taken the module now work within Parliament and government, and we are looking forward to developing further opportunities for our students over the next five years.”