Engaging research with politics: takeaways from our trip to parliament

Students from the 2024 Spring School reflect on their experience on the course and what they learned on the trip to parliament, including the importance of making politics accessible to the general public and engaging research with the political process.

What was your experience of visiting Parliament?

The visit to Parliament gave me an immersive view of the work that MPs and peers do. As an A-level Politics student, having the chance to experience the environment firsthand strengthened my understanding of the policy-making process and its importance. We got to meet a representative from an MP’s constituency office, which gave us the opportunity to ask what it is like to work in the world of politics and to support members of their constituency. Altogether, the Parliament trip taught me more about the structure of the UK government, how a bill is passed, and how MPs and other political representatives work to maintain a positive relationship with the public.

Through the Centre for Longitudinal Studies (CLS) spring school, I learned how findings from longitudinal studies can inform policy, now and in the future as more data is collected. For example, new birth cohort studies of babies born in 2020 will in the future help us understand the long-term effects of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Written by Amelka

What part of the spring school did you enjoy most?

The Centre for Longitudinal Studies (CLS) Spring School 2024 has helped me absorb an immense amount of new knowledge in a short time. I found the presentations from university lecturers engaging, and that the tasks and activities provided were both useful and enriching.

My favourite part of the spring school was the incredible trip to Parliament, where we got to learn more about how policy is made by the leaders of our country, how debates are conducted, and how the political system has evolved over time. The visit summed up all that we had learned throughout the course, from creating our own policy proposals to understanding the importance of government policy and precise decision-making. Visiting Parliament brought our studies to life, highlighting the real-world impact of effective governance on society. The trip also offered a deep dive into British history, as we delved into the history of the British monarchy and legislative process. Walking through rooms once occupied by former monarchs was fascinating and enriched my understanding of our country’s heritage.

After the tour, we enjoyed a delightful meal at a restaurant, courtesy of UCL. This provided a perfect end to the day, allowing us to relax and bond with friends we made during the course. It was a memorable experience that combined education, history, and camaraderie.

Written by Angelle

My favourite part of the summer school was our unforgettable trip to Parliament. Our visit to Parliament was a fun and educational experience that brought together politics, history, and democracy. After exploring this colossal building where significant political decisions are made, I had a sense of connection to the history of our country and the democratic process. As I walked further and further through the Parliament building, I was amazed at the symbolism of the decoration. I was

captivated by the intricate patterns and colours of red (representing the House of Commons), green (representing the House of Lords) and gold (representing the Monarchy) used everywhere in the building. All the rooms I entered made me want to learn about the historical events and figures that have had huge influence on the laws and legislations of today. This experience was also an important reminder to keep myself informed about politics and laws.

Written by Iqlaas

The most interesting thing I did during the Centre for Longitudinal Studies (CLS) Spring School was visiting the Houses of Parliament, as it gave me an insight into how parliamentary democracy works. It further helped me understand the roles of the House of Commons and the House of Lords and their significance in parliamentary debates and decisions.

Although I am not somebody who is particularly attentive to the world of politics, the visit to the Houses of Parliament certainly made me more interested in Politics – in part due to it being a very historic venue and architecturally very appealing to the eye.

The opportunity to see and hear from a range of people working in politics certainly broadened my understanding of different viewpoints and the complexities of political decision-making. The chance to visit one of the most iconic buildings in the world is a memorable experience, creating lasting memories and a deeper appreciation for the country’s heritage. Overall, I thoroughly enjoyed visiting the Houses of Parliament due to how it offers a unique blend of education, history and inspiration.

Written by Yussif

What would you like to communicate with your peers about things you learnt on the summer course?

A highlight of the Spring School was our visit to the UK Parliament, where we learned about the structure and functions of the UK’s political system. The trip included a guided tour of the Parliament buildings, where we visited significant sites such as the House of Commons and the House of Lords. We also attended a workshop on the legislative process, which provided a detailed walkthrough of how a bill becomes law. This workshop covered everything from drafting and proposing legislation to the various stages of debate, amendments, and voting. Understanding this process gave us a comprehensive view of how research evidence can be integrated at different stages to shape and influence policy outcomes effectively.

Overall, the CLS Spring School not only enhanced my knowledge of longitudinal research and its impact on policy but also provided me with valuable insights into the workings of the UK political system. This experience enriched my understanding of the interplay between research and policy, and I look forward to expanding my knowledge in the future.

Written by Priksha