Politics academics partner with UK Parliament for public seminar series

Academics from the Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences (FASS) are partnering with UK Parliament and the University of Oxford for a series of free interactive workshops open to students and the public.

The series forms part of the Faculty’s Open Politics programme – a student-focused initiative which aims to further The Open University’s (OU) Politics & International Studies student community, as well as bring politics and parliaments closer to students. Viewers can delve into topics such as how parliament works, how to make your voice heard, and tools to help influence debates.

Members of the Education and Engagement Outreach Team and the Chamber and Participation Team of UK Parliament, as well as the Migration Observatory at the University of Oxford, will join Politics academics to deliver the sessions, which start this month and run until April.

Dr Emma Clarence, Staff Tutor in Politics at the OU and co-organiser of the seminar series, said: “We’re delighted to be working with UK Parliament and bring them back for our Open Politics seminar series following their contribution in 2022, and to welcome the University of Oxford for the first time.

“This series builds on our strong partnership with Parliament, following other successful student initiatives such as UK Parliament Week and our Changemakers campaign.

“Our Open Politics programme aims to be student-led in design and scope of activities, so we’re encouraging OU students and members of the public to come along for the sessions and learn more about the powerful impact of politics and how they can get more involved.”

The events are free to attend and take place online via Microsoft Teams. Registration is now open, please visit the event pages to find out more and book your place:

Our community, Your Parliament: An Introduction to Parliament (Part 1) – Wednesday 7 February, 6pm-7pm (GMT)

• This interactive workshop is the first in a two-part series. It will look at the work of Parliament, who works there, what both Houses do and answer those questions you may have but hadn’t had the opportunity to ask.

Are you influential? How to have your voice heard in Parliament (Part 2) – Monday 19 February, 6pm-7pm (GMT)

• The second in a two-part series, this session will help you develop a deeper understanding of how to raise the issues which mean the most to you, what tools help influence debates, decisions, and legislation, and will cover Parliamentary processes.

Can we make migration reporting better? If so, how? – Tuesday 23 April, 6pm-7pm (BST)

• Explore how migration is reported, the challenges around doing so, and whether it can be improved.

Find out more about studying Politics & International Studies at the OU.