Britain's first ever degree in wokery which trains students to work in DEI is slammed as 'gobbledegook'

By ELEANOR HARDING, EDUCATION EDITOR Published: 23:12, 9 August 2026 | Updated: 23:12, 9 August 2026 Students entering Clearing this week can apply to Britain's first ever undergraduate degree in woke politics to pursue careers in DEI. Brighton University is offering a BA in Politics, Sexuality and Gender, which has a 'decolonised approach' and 'covers everything from anarchism to imperialism to environmental politics'. Students will explore 'feminist, queer and trans politics' while being introduced to 'historical and contemporary struggles around sexuality and gender'. Tutors say the 'unique' course is for 'anyone who wants to make a difference', but critics blasted it as 'political radicalisation' and 'woke gobbledegook'. The course listing says it prepares youngsters for a 'range of meaningful careers in equality, diversity and inclusion' – also known as diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) – and working for the 'public and third sector'. The three-year degree, which costs £9,790 annually, most commonly takes students with CCD grades but has historically taken those with grades as low as DDE, according to the official Clearing website. While many similar postgraduate degrees exist – and are often self-funded – this is thought to be the first undergraduate course of its kind. School-leavers will be able to apply for taxpayer-funded student loans for the course, accruing up to £50,000 in debt that will only be fully repaid if they end up being high earners. Students entering Clearing this week can apply to Britain's first ever undergraduate degree in woke politics to pursue careers in DEI (pictured: Brighton University) Brighton University is offering a BA in Politics, Sexuality and Gender (course listing pictured), which has a 'decolonised approach' and 'covers everything from anarchism to imperialism to environmental politics' Dr Jo Kellond, course leader, said on the course website: 'With hard-won equalities under threat around the world, there has never been a better time to study the relationship between sexuality, gender and politics. 'Attacks on reproductive and LGBTQIA+ rights have moved to the centre of political discourse. 'At the same time, exciting social movements are fighting for equality. 'Anyone concerned about sexual politics – and who wants to make a difference – should apply for this course.' Tutors say students will be 'prepared to shape the sexual politics of the future,' in a city which has a 'reputation for radical, environmental and LGBTQI+ activism'. The course includes placements with 'local feminist and LGBTQI+ groups' to provide 'real-world experience'. The only guest speakers from political parties listed on its website are Caroline Lucas, former Green party leader, and Sue Shanks, local Green Councillor. The official Clearing listing says: 'This cutting-edge degree places sexuality and gender at the heart of political study, taking an inclusive and intersectional approach. Students will explore 'feminist, queer and trans politics' while being introduced to 'historical and contemporary struggles around sexuality and gender' (pictured: Brighton University gradautes walking along the seafront) 'You will dive into critical issues like reproductive politics, trans rights, and the rise of 'anti-gender' movements, exploring them through feminist, queer and trans theory.' It adds that students will learn through the 'lens' of 'global challenges' and 'vital issues including climate change, sustainability, equality and inclusivity are embedded across our teaching'. It also says: 'Our decolonised approach to teaching and learning emphasises lived experience, recognising that knowledge is held in communities, not only in academic institutions.' Last night, a Free Speech Union spokesman said: 'Brighton must be truly desperate to offer a degree course in woke gobbledegook. Even students getting DDE in their A-levels aren't dumb enough to fork out over £9,790 a year to listen to a local, pink-haired activist lecture them about their 'lived experience'.' Stephanie Davies-Arai of Transgender Trend said: 'This course is essentially training young people to be trans activists. It is a political radicalisation course. 'It will create a bubble of reinforcement for young people with already entrenched views who don't want to face reality and can't tolerate difference of opinion. 'It will make them unemployable outside the rarefied world of DEI.' Chris McGovern, of the Campaign for Real Education, said: 'DEI is a growth industry and the university is cashing in. 'It is a fake degree that will not be taken seriously by many potential employers. 'Places on the course will be filled by less able and more gullible school leavers. They deserve better. 'These students would be much better off pursuing vocational training.' Compulsory modules for the course include 'Unruly Bodies: Understanding and Contesting Normativity', and 'Gender, Race and the Environment'. Optional ones include 'Queer Writing'; 'Neoliberalism, Imperialism and Resistance'; 'Radical Political Economy and Anarchist Politics'; 'Politics of the Right' and 'Colonialism, Capitalism and Climate Crisis'. Lecturers are described as 'internationally recognised' on issues such as populism, gender studies, the Middle East, environmentalism and migration. Brighton University declined to comment.