We are delighted to announce the launch of the John Smith Centre's second course for University of Glasgow students.
Not just politics as usual: The John Smith Centre guide to making change offers students from across the University a unique opportunity to hear from practitioners whose work relates to campaigning and politics, and to gain practical experience of creating a campaign for change.
Students who take the course will engage with journalists, campaigners, politicians, civil servants, lobbyists, trade unionists, and business leaders to discuss who has power and how change is brought about. They will also choose, strategise and create the materials for a campaign, giving them hands-on experience of the practical skills needed to push for change.
Dr Joe Greenwood-Hau, Course Lecturer, said:
“Not just politics as usual is a groundbreaking course that gives students studying any subject hands-on experience of campaigning, the skills needed to bring about change, and direct engagement with experienced political practitioners. By taking the course, you will develop your teamwork, negotiation and communication skills, encounter varied perspectives on power and change, and develop your very own campaign.”
The course is part of the University of Glasgow’s Curriculum for Life programme, new elective courses that give students the opportunity to learn with others on different degrees, tackle real-world challenges, and develop skills for their futures. The course is organised around a weekly one-hour guest speaker and Q&A session, and two-hour small-group seminars. The guest speakers will offer insights into their work and how it relates to politics before answering students’ questions. The seminars will focus on the skills needed to campaign for change and engage with politics. Through simulations and practical tasks, students will gain understanding and hands-on experience of creating campaigns, negotiating across divides, and communicating with diverse audiences.
The course runs in the first semester in Academic Year 2026/27 and is available to:
- Year 2 undergraduate students in the College of Arts & Humanities
- Year 2 MA Social Science students
- Year 1 and 2 BSc/MSci students in the College of Science & Engineering
- Year 1 and 2 BSc Psychology and Life Science students in the College of Medical, Veterinary, and Life Sciences
Places are limited, so make sure to enrol early via MyCampus using course code SPS1012 to secure your spot!
