Hansard Society Scholars

The Programme

The only programme that offers both work experience in the Houses of Parliament in London and study visits to the Scottish Parliament in Edinburgh and the National Assembly for Wales in Cardiff…

Academic Excellence

Our taught courses provide a rigorous introduction to British politics, parliamentary democracy and policy-making in the UK, from both a current and historical perspective.

On completing the programme, scholars will have gained a comprehensive understanding of the major issues facing democratic institutions and decision-makers, and developed unique critical and comparative skills, preparing them for substantive research as they progress in their studies.

The Internship

For 30 years, bespoke pre-professional internship placements, offering unrivalled opportunities to witness the operation of Parliament and related bodies, have been an integral feature of this rigorous course.

The work in the placements, as in the taught courses, is substantive, challenging, relevant and wide-ranging, enabling scholars to develop invaluable leadership skills and build life-long professional networks.

Living in London

London is a top destination for people from all over the world who are attracted to its mix of exciting city life, unrivalled dramatic and literary culture and a history dating back to ancient Rome.

Scholars are housed in well-equipped centrally-located student accommodation, near to superb transport links and plentiful eating, shopping and cultural venues.

The Hansard Society

The Hansard Society is the UK’s leading parliamentary think tank. Founded in 1944, it is an independent, non-partisan political research non-profit working in the UK and around the world to promote and strengthen parliaments.

The Speaker of the House of Commons and Lord Speaker of the House of Lords are the Society’s co-presidents and the Prime Minister and main party leaders are its Vice Presidents.

Our Alumni

Hansard Society scholars go on to study at world-class institutions and develop illustrious careers in politics and public service, law, academia, business and the media…

What they've said

Find out where former scholars are now

Hansard provided me a rich and challenging semester where I could apply my learning in the classroom to an unforgettable internship experience in the House of Commons. I was immersed in UK and European culture and politics, and surrounded by fascinating people both at LSE and in Parliament. In addition, I consider my dissertation to be one of my greatest academic accomplishments. Thank you Hansard!

Daniel Katz
Brandeis University, Autumn 2010
Where are they now?
Dan currently serves as Chief of Staff to Arianna Huffington at The Huffington Post. Following his term on the Hansard Society Scholars programme, Dan served as chief researcher to former presidential advisor David Gergen at the Harvard Kennedy School.

This perfect combination of coursework and practical experience in a fast-paced, political environment served as a building block to the next steps I took. The Hansard programme instilled in me a curiosity about European Union issues, and I found myself immersed in yet another context as I spent the following semester in Sciences Po in Paris, France learning about European Union economics and politics.

Umang Khandelwal
University of British Columbia, Spring 2014
Where are they now?
Umang now studies at the University of Cambridge. Immediately after studying with Hansard, she earned her Certificate in Social Sciences and Humanities from Sciences Po before graduating as Class Valedictorian from The University of British Columbia.

I am happy to know that I made one of the best decisions of my undergraduate career. Hansard offered me the opportunity to live in one of the most vibrant cities in the world whilst interning in a politically rich and historic environment. The people that I met and the experiences that I had are by far some of my best memories. So if you are considering the Hansard Society Scholars programme, please know that these experiences are life changing and that this decision could be one of the best you’ve ever made.

Michelle Fraling
Cornell University, Autumn 2014
Where are they now?
Michelle is currently in her final semester at Cornell University. Following her term on the Hansard Society Scholars programme, she interned at the White House under the Obama administration.

This program really was one of the best experiences I’ve ever had. Compared to many of my friends’ and classmates’ study abroad schemes, Hansard Society Scholars is far more immersive and challenging (in a good way!). It helped me grow as a student and as a working professional and is a huge part of why I want to return to the UK to study in the future. To anyone looking for a highly engaging and unique study abroad experience, I’d highly recommend it.

Ann Elizabeth Sovereign
University of Alabama, Spring 2015
Where are they now?
Ann Elizabeth will be returning to London in the autumn to earn her LLB. After studying on the Hansard Society Scholars programme, she worked as a researcher for an international girls’ education charity in Nashville.

My internship experience challenged me to research unique policy issues and gain professional experience, while also learning the inner workings of Westminster. My supervisor immediately welcomed me into his work and life, and it seemed each week I was balancing commitments such as attending dinners with parliamentarians or attending concerts and lectures. Hansard’s connections allow you to work with some of the greatest and most revered minds in Parliament.

Joe Theall
Marist College, Spring 2015
Where are they now?
Joe has been accepted to Teach for America and will graduate from Marist College this term. His time on the Hansard Society Scholars programme solidified his interest in pursuing a career in policy making.

Meet the Team

We are committed to providing prospective scholars with the best possible study abroad experience and one they will remember for years to come…

Professor the Lord Norton of Louth, Director of Studies

Director of Studies of the Hansard Society Scholars programme and Chair of the Academic Governance Board, Lord Norton is Professor of Government and Director of the Centre for Legislative Studies at the University of Hull, and a Conservative Peer in the House of Lords. He is one of the UK's leading experts on Parliament and a world authority on constitutional issues.

Lisa George, Programme Director

Lisa has responsibility for the overall and strategic direction of the programme as well as its regulatory compliance. She has extensive experience directing US study abroad programmes in the UK and across Europe and has specialised in the development of pre-professional experiential education abroad.

Active in the field of international education, Lisa is Deputy Chair of the Association of American Study Abroad Programmes (AASAP) UK. Lisa is a native of St Louis, Missouri and a graduate of the University of Virginia.

Thimios Tzallas, Programme Manager

Thimios is responsible for the day-to-day management of the programme. He first joined the Hansard Society in 2013 as a member of the research team.

Thimios has worked in the UK, Greek and European Parliaments and has considerable experience as a publisher of a historical local newspaper in Greece. He graduated with a BA in History and Politics from Panteion University in Greece and an MA in Politics from Westminster University.