Hansard Society scholars are aspiring global leaders who engage with policy issues at local, national and international levels and build lasting networks abroad. Alumni of this selective and rigorous programme go on to pursue highly successful careers in politics and public service, the law, civil society, academia and commerce. They have included state governors, attorney generals, diplomats, heads of faculty at world-leading universities and business leaders.

The programme takes a holistic and highly interactive approach to the study of parliamentary democracy and modern British politics. In addition to working in Westminster, scholars examine nationalism and devolution first hand during the integral study visits to the Scottish Parliament in Edinburgh and the National Assembly for Wales in Cardiff, providing a truly comparative experience.

Learn about topical issues from senior politicians

Regular guest lectures, as well as invitations to high profile events at Westminster, enable scholars to learn about the topical issues of the day from senior politicians, media commentators, prominent academics and experts.

Our bespoke political science courses are taught by academics from leading British institutions and are offered in association with the London School of Economics and Political Science. Scholars have full access to the LSE’s world-renowned social science collection.*

Administered by the UK’s leading parliamentary think tank, Hansard Society Scholars is unique among study abroad political internship programmes. Through the Society’s exceptional links with the Palace of Westminster and the devolved legislatures, the programme provides an unrivalled opportunity to undertake pre-professional work experience with key figures in British politics. Taken alongside academic courses that underpin the programme, the placement challenges scholars to understand and apply theoretical concepts and research within a working environment.

All of this and more takes place in one of the world’s greatest capital cities, steeped in history and tradition and rich in culture, yet modern and vibrant. There is something for everyone in London.

We hope you will enjoy reading about the experiences of some of our recent scholar alums in our new ‘Westminster Calling’ blog, starting with the discovery of a whole nation by Melanie Zook! Our application process has been redesigned to make the experience as simple as possible. All application materials can be submitted online, but the option to mail us your documents is still available. Please feel free to contact us if you have any questions.

* This Programme should not be confused with the LSE’s own Parliamentary Internship scheme.