Teaching class in politics in an elite British university for ‘student support through the curriculum’

Social class remains central to British politics and to students’ lived experiences, and yet it is curiously ignored in the teaching of politics. This article examines the relevance of studying class in politics, especially for working-class students at elite universities. It reviews literature showing a US bias and a lack of focus on politics in higher education research. Focusing on a British politics module, it explores inclusive curriculum design, pedagogy, and teacher positionality. It argues that critical pedagogies and curriculum content addressing class and place-based politics can help counteract the hidden curriculum and promote fairness in elite academic environments.