Hansard Society Scholars

Summer

Gain the professional skill set and political experience necessary to prepare for a successful career in leadership roles through our intensive eight-week summer programme…

Inside Westminster: Politics, Policy & Participation

Over eight weeks our summer scholars partake in an academic course, an academic internship placement, a four-day study visit to Edinburgh, and multiple guest lectures, tours, and social events. Join us for an in-depth look at British politics from the inside while enjoying summer in London!

Course Outline

The summer programme includes a two-part highly participatory course. Part I examines the structure and process of British politics, providing an overview of the British political system and allowing engagement with current themes and issues.

Part II provides the cross-cultural and professional context for the internship and helps Scholars develop strategies for using their internship experience and acquired skills for career building.

Assessment in Part I is based on an essay and a final exam. Assessment in Part II is based on blog posts on different themes relating to the internship and contemporary British political issues and a self-evaluation essay on the internship.

Course Materials

Internship

The internship is a major part of the programme, individually tailored to the interests of each scholar. The academic assessment of the internship is incorporated in Part II of the course, including a critical analytical essay of the experience.

Jump to the internship section to find out more about our unique opportunities.

Study Visit and Guest Lectures

A four day study visit to the Scottish Parliament to examine nationalism and devolution and a topical guest lecture series with leading political figures complements the course.

Learn more about our study visits and guest lectures

The London School of Economics

The bespoke courses organised by Hansard Society Scholars are offered in association with the London School of Economics and Political Science. Scholars are enrolled as associate students at the LSE, providing them with full access to the world’s largest social science library collection, and classes are held on the LSE campus. Courses are taught by leading British faculty employed by the Hansard Society, though a senior member of the LSE Government faculty serves as the programme’s external examiner.

It is important to note that Hansard Society Scholars courses are not regular LSE courses and the programme should not be confused with the LSE’s own parliamentary programme.

Spring and Autumn

Build an exceptional professional portfolio through a multi-layered academic programme comprised of taught courses, supervised research and a political internship on our 14 week autumn and spring programmes…

Westminster and the Devolved Legislatures

Over 14 weeks our spring and autumn scholars partake in an academic course, an academic internship placement, a three-day study visit to Cardiff, a four-day study visit to Edinburgh, and multiple guest lectures, tours, and social events. Join us for an in-depth look at British politics from the inside while enjoying a semester in London!

Course outline

Parliament & Politics

This course complements the practical experience of British politics gained in the internship by exploring topical trends and debates in the UK's political arena.

Its aim is to establish a firm bedrock of understanding about the mechanics and institutions of British democracy. These will serve as launching-points for more fundamental discussions about the nature of politics, our expectations of representatives, and the challenges facing a democracy that is in the midst of profound cultural and political change. Assessment is based on 2,000 word essay and a written (essay-format) examination.

Politics & Public Policy

This course analyses current policy issues and seeks to explore how political mechanisms work (particularly but by no means exclusively) in the UK. It examines how political institutions and choices shape policy processes. The course is highly topical and specific policy areas covered each term reflect the national debate. Assessment is based on two policy drafts and a written (essay format) final exam.

Course materials

Internship

The internship is a major part of the programme, individually tailored to the interests of each scholar. The academic assessment of the internship includes a critical analytical essay of the experience.

Jump to the internship section to find out more about our unique opportunities.

Dissertation

A challenging but highly rewarding feature of the semester programme is the 7,000 word dissertation. Scholars choose a topic relevant to their study in London and are assigned a course tutor who acts as their supervisor, guiding and supporting them through the project. This is a unique opportunity for scholars to explore their chosen topics in a much more developed and extensive way and produce a piece of work that has lasting value.

Study visits & guest lectures

Study visits to the Scottish Parliament in Edinburgh and the National Assembly for Wales in Cardiff give spring and autumn scholars a unique opportunity to examine nationalism and devolution from two very different perspectives.

A guest lecture series with leading politicians, media figures and academics, exploring emerging issues in British politics is also included.

Learn more about our study visits and guest lectures

The London School of Economics

The bespoke courses organised by Hansard Society Scholars are offered in association with the London School of Economics and Political Science. Scholars are enrolled as associate students at the LSE, providing them with full access to the world’s largest social science library collection, and classes are held on the LSE campus. Courses are taught by leading British faculty employed by the Hansard Society, though a senior member of the LSE Government faculty serves as the programme’s external examiner.

It is important to note that Hansard Society Scholars courses are not regular LSE courses and the programme should not be confused with the LSE’s own parliamentary programme.

The Internship

The internship is an integral feature of our examination of modern British politics. These academic placements are substantive, challenging and relevant. Scholars are placed in the Houses of Parliament and related bodies providing direct exposure to core political processes and debates…

How does it work?

Upon applying for the programme you will be asked to provide your internship preferences (i.e. Office of a Member of Parliament, Research institute, etc.), political interests, and political leaning. Our Programme Manager will then work to place you in the best fit environment based on those interests. Every effort is made to place scholars in their first or second internship preference. If this is not possible for unforeseeable circumstances or if our Programme Manager believes another office might be a better fit, we will be in touch to discuss this with you in advance.

Though Hansard Society Scholars internships are excellent work experience, they are at their core an academic placement and will be assessed as such. For more information about internship assessments, please refer to the programme of interest above.

What you will gain

The internships provide scholars with the opportunity to apply the theory and context gained in the taught courses to the practical side of political work. Scholars gain hands-on experience of policy research and writing, constituency casework, select committee enquiries, political campaigns and strategic decision-making.

In the internships, scholars undertake work of a local, national and international nature; sit in on debates and committee meetings; attend press conferences and events in and around Westminster; and much more. At the end of the programme scholars will have developed a sharp professional skills set and built lifelong networks.

Types of Internship

Our internships cover a wide range of exciting roles across numerous offices, departments and industries, including, but by no means limited to:

Houses of Parliament

Most scholars choose a placement within the Palace of Westminster, working in the office of a Member of Parliament, a Member of the House of Lords (called a “Peer”) or for a House of Commons or House of Lords Committee. Parliamentary placements tend to provide a mixture of work including, normally, a fair amount of research on local, national or international issues.

Scholars interning for Members of Parliament are often engaged in constituency casework and some administrative work. These scholars are often asked to help research and write press releases and to work on their Member’s website and other social media outlets. Every effort is made to match scholars with MPs or Peers whose political areas of interest are similar to theirs. However, they must be prepared to work across a variety of areas.

Think Tanks, NGOs, Pressure and Campaign Groups

Scholars with a particularly specific focus of interest, such as defence, human rights, international development or poverty reduction to name just a few, are often most suitably placed in think tanks, NGOs, pressure or campaign groups exclusively focused on their specific area. These placements are mainly policy research and event-oriented.

Public Affairs Consultancies and Media Organisations

Scholars can acquire experience of public affairs, government and corporate relations, media management and political intelligence by working for a public affairs consultancy or media organisation. Public affairs and media interns conduct research, assist with client support and undertake event planning.

Business, Financial or Economics Institutes

Scholars may explore public policy from within a business or financial institution and develop an understanding of the intersection of business, government, public policy and society. These placements are primarily research-based and cover areas such as corporate social responsibility, regulation and political economy. A strong background in economics is normally required for placement in these areas.

Law Firms

Many Hansard scholars plan a career in law. London’s legal community provides a rich and varied testing ground for a wide range of specialities. Sometimes, however, interns get a wider exposure and better overview of UK law by interning for a small, general practice that covers several areas of law. Specific areas of interest should be noted on the application.

Study Visits and Guest Lectures

Immerse yourself in British culture. Our programme of guest lectures will introduce you to some the UK's most influential decision-makers…

The programme capitalises on the Hansard Society's exceptional links with the devolved legislatures to provide an exploration at first hand of nationalism and devolution from two very different perspectives. Study visits to the Scottish Parliament in Edinburgh and the National Assembly for Wales in Cardiff are integral features of the Autumn and Spring programmes. The shorter Summer programme includes a visit to the Scottish Parliament in Edinburgh but not the Welsh Assembly in Cardiff.

Edinburgh, Scotland

This four-day study visit includes a tour of the Scottish Parliament and a chance to sit in on First Minister’s Questions as well as lectures by leading Scottish politicians, senior civil servants, academics, media commentators and lawyers. Hansard Society Scholars may also explore Edinburgh Castle or the Palace of Holyroodhouse.

The Royal Mile and the Medieval Old Town, the elegant Georgian New Town, Arthur's Seat, an extinct volcano in Holyrood Park, and the Scottish Parliament itself are all within walking distance of the hotel base. Scholars are encouraged to make the most of their time in Edinburgh to experience Scottish culture!

Cardiff, Wales

For Autumn and Spring programmes, there is also a three day study trip to Cardiff to examine Welsh devolution and politics. Scholars have sessions with academics, Welsh Assembly Members and senior officers of the Assembly. The visit also includes a tour of the Senedd and a city walking tour or a tour of Cardiff Castle.

Though a slightly smaller city, scholars will still find plenty to explore during this visit!

NEW for Autumn 2018: Brussels, Belgium

One of the hallmarks of Hansard Society Scholars is its relevance and contemporaneity. Scholars study and experience British politics at first hand whether it is at the Palace of Westminster or at the Scottish Parliament and the Welsh National Assembly during the study visits. As the Brexit negotiations continue to dominate and indeed convulse the British and the European political establishments, we have added a third study visit to the Autumn 2018 programme. In addition to the usual study visits to the Welsh Assembly in Cardiff and the Scottish Parliament in Edinburgh, our Autumn 2018 Scholars will also take part in a 2 day trip to Brussels to study Brexit from the other side of the Channel!

We will meet with Members of the European Parliament (British and non-British) and members of the European Commission. In order to set the scene and provide context, we will have sessions with British academics and experts in London prior to the study visit. The cost of the visit, return fares on Eurostar and one night in a hotel, are included in the programme fee. (It takes less than 2 hours to travel from London to Brussels, so we will travel out early in the morning, have 2 full days and one night in Brussels, and travel back the next evening.)

Depending on what happens with the UK Government's Brexit negotiations with the EU in the next few months, this may be a one-off addition to the usual Hansard Society Scholars programme schedule. We hope you will join us for this unique experience, as well as for another spectacular semester of political engagement and learning in the UK!

Guest Lectures

Our guest lecture series introduces scholars to leading figures in politics, the media, law and academia, providing real life insights into pertinent topics shaping the political agenda. These sessions provide scholars with an invaluable opportunity to learn more about the political process from within through informal presentations and Q&As, where scholars are expected to make the most of the opportunity to ask questions of our exceptional speakers!

Where They've Been

See where our scholars go on their study visits!

Autumn 2013 scholars with Speaker of the House of Commons, John Bercow.

Autumn 2015 scholars visit the European Parliament offices in Edinburgh.

Summer 2018 scholars and programme staff at the European Parliament offices in Edinburgh.

Summer scholars pose with Edinburgh Castle in the background.

Faculty

Our faculty are leading British academics who combine exceptional experience of scholarship, research and practical political participation…

Professor the Lord Norton of Louth, Director of Studies

Director of Studies of Hansard Society Scholars, 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.

Professor Peter Catterall, Lecturer, Politics and Public Policy

Professor Catterall has written extensively on British constitutional issues, party politics and the media. Apart from editing the journal National Identities, his current research interests range from the development and operation of British Cabinet committees to the role of the Leader of the Opposition in Westminster systems. Professor Catterall is professor of History and Policy at the University of Westminster.

Dr Paul McVeigh, Lecturer, Parliament and Politics

Politics and International Relations lecturer for 16 years at the University of Portsmouth, Dr. Paul McVeigh’s teaching and research interests include British Politics, Political Economy, Globalization and European Integration. Dr. McVeigh has extensive media experience, speaking on numerous public platforms during the EU Referendum campaign, and has also worked in both the US Congress and Westminster.

Academic Governance Board

Academic oversight of Hansard Society Scholars has up until recently been provided by the Academic Governance Board, a body of experienced and highly esteemed academics and Parliamentary practitioners whose role it has been to guide, assist and support the Scholars team in maintaining academic excellence and rigour, and in exercising best practice in study abroad. This Board has recently been disbanded to be replaced by a larger Academic Advisory Council with a broader range of expertise and capacities. The new Council will, like its predecessor, provide academic oversight of the programme, but it will also support the Scholars team in updating its curriculum to meet changing models and trends in international education and to encourage greater academic innovation.

Academic Credit

At the end of the programme, each scholar receives an academic transcript from the Hansard Society and a ‘Certificate of Completion’ from the London School of Economics and Political Science…

At the end of the programme, each scholar receives an academic transcript from the Hansard Society and a ‘Certificate of Completion’ from the London School of Economics and Political Science. A duplicate transcript is also sent to the home credit-granting institution. The transcript shows grades in the British percentage format but the LSE UK – US conversion scale is shown on the reverse side.

It is up to each home credit-granting institution to determine how these grades and hours are converted and posted on the permanent transcript but the Hansard Society recommends the following credit hour values to US institutions:

Autumn and Spring programmes:
- Each of the two taught courses = 3 or 4 hours each (for a total of 6 or 8 hours)
- Supervised dissertation = 3 or 4 hours
- Integral and assessed internship = 6 or 8 hours
- A total of 15-20 credit hours depending on the home institution.
Summer programme:
- The two part taught course and the integral and assessed internship form a block worth a total of 6 or 8 credit hours depending on the home institution.