Introduction to the UK Parliament: People, Processes and Public Participation
Why join the course?
This free online course will introduce you to the work and role of the UK Parliament. From setting the age at which we start school to deciding pension policy, the UK Parliament makes laws that impact our lives, our work and our wider society.
Learn what Parliament is and does
You will begin by looking at what Parliament is, how it is different from government and how it has changed and evolved over hundreds of years. You will find out about the work of the House of Commons and the House of Lords and discover how things work in the Chambers and beyond on a day-to-day basis.
Learn how Parliament scrutinises government
Parliament is vital in scrutinising the work of government; on this course you’ll learn what this looks like in practice. You will consider the different tools MPs and members of the House of Lords use to check and challenge the work of government to ensure its decisions are transparent, efficient and fair. You will examine the purpose and role of different types of questions, discover some of the conventions of debate and explore the work of select committees.
Learn how Parliament is evolving
Towards the end of the course, you will examine the process of law making and discover the journey of a Bill. You will also explore the range of opportunities open to citizens, which enable you to engage with and influence the UK Parliament.
What topics will you cover?
The course covered topics including;
• the difference between Parliament and Government including differing roles and responsibilities
• the three parts of Parliament and the role Parliament plays in scrutinising the work of the Government
• an introduction to the work of the House of Commons and the House of Lords
• how Parliamentary Questions are used by MPs and members of the House of Lords to hold the Government to account
• the difference between oral and written questions, and how questions can be used to seek immediate answers on urgent or important matters
• what happens during Prime Minister’s Questions and public perceptions of PMQs
• debates in Parliament, including some of the rules and conventions
• the role and work of select committees
• the different types of Bill, and the process of how a Bill becomes a law
• the effect that changes in the law can have on individuals and on society, with reference to specific case studies
• the different ways the public can input in the work of the UK Parliament.
When would you like to start?
What will you achieve?
By the end of the course, you'll be able to...
Who is the course for?
There are no special requirements for this course. This is an introductory course and is open to everyone who has an interest in developing their understanding of the UK Parliament.
Who will you learn with?
Claire Bogue
I am a Senior Learning Projects Officer at UK Parliament.
I work in the Participation team which seeks to promote understanding of and engagement with the work of the UK Parliament.
Fiona Green
Public Enquiries Manager
I work in the House of Commons Enquiry Service answering questions and explaining the work and role of the House of Commons.
Jean Fessey
Public Enquiries Officer for the House of Commons
Ken Manson
I'm a content manager at the House of Lords. My work includes keeping parliament.uk up to date, running House of Lords social media accounts, and collaborating with colleagues on projects like this.
Debbie Cesvette
Public Enquiries Officer for the House of Commons
Who developed the course?
The UK Parliament represents the people of the United Kingdom and makes decisions that affect us all.
Free
Upgrade - $79
Get a taste of this course
Find out what this course is like by previewing some of the course steps before you join:
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How Parliament works in nearly 60 seconds
videoThis video is a fun and speedy introduction to how Parliament works.
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A guide to the House of Commons Chamber
videoIn this video, the former Serjeant at Arms, Lawrence Ward, guides you through the Chamber of the House of Commons.
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A day in the House of Commons Chamber
videoFind out what happens in a day in the House of Commons Chamber.
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