Politics in London

Program Overview

Learn more about this program at the Politics in London Info Session! (Thurs, 11/12 4-4:45pm @ McKenzie 345)

Immerse yourself in current events and unprecedented political changes in the capital of the United Kingdom. Participate in two Political Science courses over a four-week experience that will explore differing perspectives on international government and policies. Meet political party leaders and discuss politics in United Kingdom in the aftermath of Brexit.

With London as your classroom you’ll visit exhibits and sites that will provide context for recent shifts in the political landscape. Potential excursions include the Bank of England Museum, the Tate Britain, a Financial London Walking Tour, and day trips to Manchester and Greenwich. The specific combination of day and weekend trips varies year to year, ensuring each excursion complements your academic focus while broadening your British experience beyond London.

Classes will meet at the GEO London Centre, a beautiful 1721 Georgian townhouse in the heart of central London. This historic gem spans multiple floors, offering a blend of academic spaces and lounge areas. The GEO London Centre is within walking distance of world-renowned museums, theaters, and vibrant dining scenes.

Follow the GEO London Centre on social media to see what students are learning about throughout the year!

Dates and Deadlines

Term	Year	Deadline	Arrival Date	Departure Date
Summer	2027	03/15/2027	07/26/2027	08/21/2027

Hear from Our Students

Navigating London (Literally)

Studying abroad in London was a culture shock in a different way than I had imagined. I spoke the language and looked similar to locals; however, the way I thought about moving through a city couldn… read more

Before You Board...Download These First

Phone booth in London with Big Ben in the background

When I went to London to study politics, the most common piece of advice I heard about my phone was to keep it away or close at all times so it wouldn’t get stolen. However, nobody mentioned how it… read more

Adjusting to Study Abroad

Nathalie and two other program participants with the river behind them and a cloudy sky above

Image Hello! My time abroad so far has been wonderful. It's been great to get out of my comfort zone and explore Europe. The first part of my… read more

Faculty-Led Scholarship Opportunity

Applicants to this program are eligible for program-specific scholarship funds. Award recipients are chosen based on academic merit, financial need, and overall quality of their essay. Individual awards range from $500-$1,500. To be considered, apply to the GEO General Scholarship by the advertised deadline for the term you will be abroad. Students who apply will automatically be considered for all available funding within the General Scholarship, including this program's scholarship funds.

Academic Details

You will enroll in two, four-credit classes while in London. These courses will combine classroom learning with experiential excursions that provide access to important locations and individuals within the political sphere of the United Kingdom and European Union.

PS 488: The United Kingdom in the World Economy (4 credits)

This course introduces competing interpretations and explanations of British domestic and foreign economic policy, drawing on academic work in the fields of international political economy, international economics, and the history of the UK (and to some extent the British Empire).

PS 388: Contemporary British Politics (4 credits)

This course takes place as Britain’s new leader will be establishing his policy priorities – what a marvellous time to look at politics on this side of the Atlantic. We will hear from representatives of the main political parties who will also respond to your questions. We will explore how Britain has ended up with seven PMs in the last ten years and consider the consequences of this tumult. This course will also look at points of similarity and contrast with the United States. Taught by local faculty, Andrew Whitehead.

Both courses are recognized and approved for academic credit at the University of Oregon and can apply to the Political Science major or minor.

Course Equivalencies

UO students: please refer to the UO Course Equivalency Process and the UO Office of the Registrar Course Equivalency Database.

Non-UO students: Actual credit awarded is determined by the relevant department at your university in consultation with the study abroad office. Check with your study abroad advisor for more information.

Faculty and Staff

Dr. Lars Skalnes is a retired Associate Professor in the Department of Political Science at the University of Oregon. He is the author of “Grand Strategy and Foreign Economic Policy: British Grand Strategy in the 1930s,” World Politics 50, no. 4 (1998): 582–616, and, more recently, of “Layering and Displacement in Development Finance: The Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank and the Belt and Road Initiative,” The Chinese Journal of International Politics 14, no. 2 (2021): 257–88 as well as “The Political Economy of Peaceful Change,” in The Oxford Handbook of Peaceful Change in International Relations, eds. T.V. Paul, Deborah W. Larson, Harold Trinkunas, Anders Wivel, and Ralf Emmers (Oxford: Oxford University Press, 2021), 319–36.

Dr. Andrew Whitehead has been, until recently, the Editor of BBC World Service News. The BBC is the biggest radio network in the world, reaching more than forty million listeners around the globe. During his career, he has been a foreign correspondent, a correspondent covering British politics, a news presenter and a creator of award-winning documentaries. Dr. Whitehead has taught courses for GEO's Politics in London program since 2015.

Housing Description

Students will be living in shared housing in Central London. Students will be housed in twin rooms in either apartments or studios with shared living spaces. Housing will be conveniently located in either Zone 2 or Zone 3 in London. Students will be within walking distance of the Tube network, local supermarkets, restaurants and cafes.

The housing will be fully furnished and the cooking spaces will be fully equipped with utensils, plates, glasses and basic cookware. All apartments have Wi-Fi, laundry facilities, linens and 24/7 emergency support.

The program application will have a housing questionnaire to gather information and assist with roommate assignments. Please note that students may share an apartment with students of a different gender.

Budget and Price

2026 Summer

**GEO Program Fees**
Description	Amount
UO Study Abroad Fee*	$500
Program Tuition	$5,682
Housing	$2,640
Local Transportation	$330
Insurance	$98

**Estimated Additional Expenses**
Description	Amount
Estimated Cost to Acquire US Passport	$150
Estimated Airfare from Eugene	$1,000
Estimated Meal Expenses	$1,000
Estimated Cellphone Expenses	$100
Estimated Pre-Departure Physical	$50
Estimated Additional Living Expenses	$500

**Total**
Description	Amount
Sub-Total: GEO Program Fees (Billed to UO Student Account)	$9,250
Sub-Total: Estimated Additional Expenses	$2,800
Total Estimated Cost of Participation	$12,050

Cancellation Policy

Cancellation Date	Cancellation Penalty
Upon acceptance to the program	Student agrees to $500 non-refundable program deposit
12 weeks before program start date	Student is responsible for 50% of total GEO program fees
Program start date or after program begins	Student is responsible for 100% of total GEO program fees

IMPORTANT: The GEO Cancellation Policy is effective from the time a student agrees to pay their non-refundable program deposit or electronically signs the program commitment form, regardless of application or acceptance status. It is essential to read this policy before a potential cancellation takes place, to fully understand the withdrawal and cancellation penalties, and to understand what it means financially to commit to a study abroad program.

To view the program specific cancellation policy dates and penalties, click the term budget dropdown menu.

Students who cancel their participation must notify GEO in writing. Email is acceptable (geoinfo@uoregon.edu). Verbal notification to GEO or notification given to a non-UO campus study abroad office is not sufficient.

For full details, see the complete GEO Cancellation Policy.

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