Hansard Scholars Programme, London

  England

• London: 
London

Term: Fall, Spring, Summer 
Dates: Please Visit our Website for updates

Description: The Hansard Scholars Programme brings overseas students to London, England for internships at the heart of British politics. Scholars are assigned an internship placement with a Member of Parliament in the House of Commons, a Peer in the House of Lords, a parliamentary clerk or one of many other leading political organisations at the cutting edge of the UK political system, including think tanks, human rights organisations, campaign groups, lobbying firms, law firms, research organisations and policy centres. Hansard Scholars spend 3 days a week working in their internship placement, undertaking research and providing general support.

Scholars also undertake 2 lecture courses, designed to provide a good background knowledge for the internship experience. In addition, students work on an individual research project of their own choosing. The Programme is run in association with the London School of Economics & Political Science (LSE) and a total of 15 credits are awarded on successful completion of the Programme.

Highlights: The Hansard Scholars Programme is a unique opportunity for undergraduates and graduates alike to work and study at the heart of the British political system and to learn first hand about political issues and debates. In the past, Hansard Scholars have interned with decision-makers and officials from the highest levels of Government, Parliament, business and the media.

In addition to the core academic lectures, the Programme includes a schedule of guest lecturers who speak to Scholars on some of the most up-to-the-date issues in UK politics. Past guest lecturers have included former Conservative and Labour Cabinet Ministers, MPs, Peers, political journalists, lobbyists, lawyers, and policy experts from Britain and Europe.

The fees also include registration and tuition at the London School of Economics. This entitles you to membership of the British Library of Political Science (the largest collection of social science material in the world); an LSE email account; use of the LSE IT facilities; membership of the Student Union; and access to student shops, bars, restaurants, public lectures, as well as many facilities offered by the other colleges of the University of London.

Each semester also includes a number of cultural events and excursions including theatre trips and political study visits to Oxord and Edinburgh. The four-day Edinburgh visit includes a tour of the Scottish Parliament and lectures on Scottish law and politics from a number of high profile speakers. Scholars will have the opportunity to debate current issues surrounding Europe and international politics.

Degree Level: Bachelors Degree (Undergraduate)

Qualifications: The Hansard Scholars Programme is open to both undergraduates and graduates. A minimum GPA of 3.0 is required.

Previous experience of internships and/or studying British Politics is not necessary. Candidates should display genuine interest in politics, enthusiasm, and the necessary integrity to work at all levels of Government and Parliament, as well as other British political organisations.

Experience Required: no

This Program is open to Worldwide Participants.

Participants Travel to England Independently

Scholarships are Available. Scholarships are available for the Spring and Summer 2010 Hansard Research Scholars Programmes through the UK Foreign & Commonwealth Office's Chevening scholarship scheme. The scholarship covers the Programme fees, international travel costs, visa expenses and a stipend to cover living expenses whilst in London. For further details, please click here. Chevening Scholarships are offered in most countries but not the United States of America or European Union countries.

Application Process Involves:

• Letters of Reference
• Other
• Resume
• Transcript
• Written Application

Post-Program Services Include:

• Alumni Network

Hansard Scholars Programme's Mission Statement: The Hansard Society is the UK's leading independent, non-partisan political research and education charity. We aim to strengthen parliamentary democracy and encourage greater public involvement in politics. At the heart of our work is the principle that civic society is most effective when its citizens are connected with the institutions and individuals who represent them in the democratic process. We inform decision makers and the public through debate and discussion, training, research, providing accessible resources and analysing the scope of new technology in engaging the public.

Year Founded: 1944