Hansard Society Scholars

Who We Are

Established in 1986, Hansard Society Scholars educates future leaders and supports the Hansard Society’s mission to strengthen parliamentary democracy both in the UK and globally…

Hansard Society Scholars

We pride ourselves on our high standards and the academic and professional excellence of our scholars. A programme of the Hansard Society, the UK’s leading political research and education think tank, Hansard Society Scholars is uniquely positioned in the world of British politics. We believe that the health of representative democracy rests on the foundation of a strong Parliament and an informed and engaged citizenry, and we are therefore committed to providing scholars with the education and support they need to become global leaders.

Hansard Society Scholars welcomes undergraduates from across the globe who thrive under pressure, desire to be part of a bustling metropolis, and seek to bolster their academic and professional standing. Our scholars go on to complete degrees in a variety of fields at some of the world’s most prestigious universities and have successful careers in politics, government and public service, law, business, journalism, and more.

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 Society is named for the Hansard Parliamentary Record, which publishes proceedings of the British Parliament. The Speaker of the House of Commons and Lord Speaker of the House of Lords are the Society’s co-presidents.

In 2019 the Society will be celebrating 75 years as a universally recognized independent and non-partisan authority on Parliament and democracy. Its work is devoted to exploring the evolution of representative democracy, educating citizens (particularly young people), connecting citizens with parliamentarians and policy-makers, and convening debate on topical political issues.

Visit the Hansard Society's website for more information.

What We Offer

Hansard Society Scholars is 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

Undertake a rigorous and rewarding introduction to British politics, parliamentary democracy, and policy-making in the UK, from both a current and historical perspective taught by academics from leading British institutions. The programme is delivered in association with the world-renowned London School of Economics and Political Science*.

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 and professional careers.

*The courses are not regular LSE courses and Hansard Society Scholars should not be confused with the LSE’s own parliamentary programme.

The Internship

Through the Society’s exceptional networks, developed over 75 years working in and around Westminster and more recently the devolved legislatures, Hansard Society Scholars undertake a bespoke academic internship placement, offering unrivalled opportunities to witness the operation of Parliament and related bodies from the heart of British politics in Westminster. An integral feature of this challenging course, placements are based on scholars’ interests, career goals, previous coursework, and skills.

When combined with academic coursework, internships provide a valuable educational experience and allow scholars to engage actively with UK politics, 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 and Hansard Society Scholars grants you the opportunity to call this city home.

Scholars are housed in well-equipped centrally-located student accommodation, near to superb transport links and plentiful eating, shopping and cultural venues. Engage with London as a local, and immerse yourself in all of the beauty, history, and culture this city has to offer!

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…

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. She 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.

Lisa Schappert, Assistant Programme Director

Lisa has primary responsibility for Scholar pastoral support and communications, including the programme’s social media strategy. She also works with the Programme Director on marketing and recruitment, and alumni development.

Lisa joined the Hansard Society in 2019 and previously worked at UCL in undergraduate student recruitment and widening access. She graduated with a BA in Sociology from SUNY Cortland, New York, USA.

Having done a semester abroad (in London), Lisa is keen to support Scholars in making the most out of their study abroad experience.

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.

Contact Us

Need more information? Have a case-specific question? Get in touch! We're here to help …

The Hansard Society offices are open 9:30am – 5:30pm, Monday to Friday

Phone: +44 (0)20 3925 3979
Email: contact@hansardscholars.uk

Connect with us

Where you can find us

Hansard Society
Suite 1.17, 1st Floor
Millbank Tower, 21-24 Millbank
London SW1P 4QP
United Kingdom

Embedded content: https://goo.gl/maps/B2Q6U6g6apDt226z6

Policy and Legal

Official and legal policies Hansard Society Scholars adheres to…

Privacy Policy

This policy sets out how the Hansard Society uses any personal data you provide to us through Hansard Society Scholars, what your rights are in relation to that data, and how you can exercise your rights. The full policy can be found here: Hansard Society Scholars Privacy Policy

Title IX

Hansard Society Scholars has a zero tolerance approach to sexual harassment and assault. We encourage students on our programme to report any unlawful or unwelcome advances or discrimination to the appropriate parties. The programme will act quickly, effectively, and impartially to address claims of sexual harassment and discrimination and to remedy any effects of inappropriate acts towards our participants.

In compliance with the US Title IX laws and regulations, we are dedicated to the adherence of our own Title IX policy (in conjunction with our US partners) found here: Hansard Society Scholars Title IX Policy

Equal Opportunities

Hansard Society Scholars is committed to equal opportunities in respect of its admissions and all aspects of programme provision, including teaching, examining and student services. The Hansard Society does not discriminate against any applicant on the grounds of race, nationality, ethnic origin, religious or political belief, gender, sexual orientation or disability. Nor does it discriminate on the basis of age or marital status, notwithstanding compliance with UK immigration law. The Hansard Society at all times seeks to prohibit any form of discrimination and ensure that its staff, students and stakeholders treat others with respect.