Hansard Research Scholars Programme
The Hansard Research Scholars Programme is a challenging opportunity for graduates and professionals to pursue a specific area of political academic interest whilst undertaking a high-profile internship within the world of British politics.
As a Hansard Research Scholar, you will be part of the Hansard Society, an organisation with an unparalleled reputation in the political world, developed over more than 60 years. You will study British politics at the London School of Economics, have seminars with politicians and intern in an organisation which corresponds with your research interests – be it with an NGO, a government department, a lobbying group or with the UK Parliament itself.
The Hansard Research Scholars Programme is a 12-week (11 weeks in summer), full-time course (split equally between study and internship).
Internship
“The Hansard Scholars were invaluable in my very small staff. I recall many of the Scholars and their valued contribution; I keep in touch with lots of them.”
Rt. Hon Lord Robertson of Port Ellen – former NATO Secretary General & former UK Secretary of State for Defence
As part of the Programme, all Hansard Research Scholars undertake an internship which is individually selected by the Hansard Society to match your interests, expertise and career aspirations. Whether you are analysing the work of government for a campaign group, helping to devise media campaigns for a public affairs consultancy or doing research for an MP, you will get an unparalleled insight into the world of British politics.
Past internships have included:
- Government Departments
- National Labour Party HQ & Conservative Central Office
- BBC Parliament
- Campaign groups (incl. Amnesty International, Liberty and the Women’s National Commission)
- Parliamentary offices of MPs
- Lobbying/ Public Affairs Organisations
- Businesses and Consultancies
- Houses of Parliament - Select Committees, and offices of MPs in the House of Commons and Peers in the House of Lords
London School of Economics
All Hansard Research Scholars are registered as students at the LSE. The LSE is one of the world’s most prestigious universities and is internationally renowned for its teaching and research in the social and political sciences.
Your fee payment entitles you to membership of the LSE Library – the largest collection of social science material in the world; an LSE email account and use of IT facilities; access to student shops, bars, public lectures and social events; and membership of the Student Union.
Research
Every Hansard Research Scholar works on an individually designed research project, over the course of the semester. Together with their Course Leader they will work out a programme of work best suited to meet the aims and objectives of the Scholar. Regular supervision and support is provided for Scholars as they pursue their research. A research paper of approximately 8,000-10,000 words must be submitted at the end of the Programme and this makes up 70% of the final mark (30% is the research journal).
All research papers are assessed by a current member of the LSE Government Department faculty.
Academic Course
“The Hansard Research Scholars Programme is a marvelous opportunity to experience British political life from within. Fascinating classes in a first-rate academic environment combined with hands-on experience in some of the finest political institutions allowed me to broaden my understanding of British politics in the most enjoyable way possible”.
Edon Vrenezi – Kosovo, Hansard Research Alumnus
Academic work (17.5 hours per week) is divided between a specialised course in Democracy & Public Policy, Guest Lectures and supervised research. In the course, Research Scholars will gain:
- an appreciation of the different factors which allow democracy to function, and the ways in which democratic polities can be organised
- an understanding of the way in which political systems shape the policy process
- an ability to evaluate critically the factors shaping political institutions and processes
- an insight into the political system and policy processes of the UK (and to some extent the EU)
Teaching is through seminar classes and presentations will be informal and Research Scholars will be expected to participate fully through comment and questions in the discussion.
Research Scholars will also be required to submit an academic journal (3,000 words) based upon what they have covered and learned during the Democracy & Public Policy course. This makes up 30% of the Scholars final mark (70% is for the research paper).
All classes take place at the London School of Economics and all courses and research papers are assessed by a current member of the LSE Government Department faculty.
There are approximately 10 Hansard Research Scholars on each Programme.
Guest Lectures
Scholars are required to attend a Guest Lecture every other week throughout the Programme. Guest lecturers take place at the Houses of Parliament or at LSE and, in the past, have included:
- Former Cabinet ministers
- MPs and peers from each of the main British political parties
- Political journalists from the BBC and national newspapers
- Experienced lobbyists, campaigners and policy experts
Political Study Visits & Cultural Events
As a Hansard Scholar you will be living in London, one of the social, political, and cultural capitals of the world. From the rich history of the Tower of London and Buckingham Palace to the trading floors and soaring heights of the modern financial City, from the world famous art collections held at the Tate and National Galleries, to the bustling, eclectic street life of Notting Hill, Soho, Islington and Portobello, London is an unforgettable city at the heart of Europe.
The Hansard Society makes sure that you experience the best that London and the UK have to offer. Every semester – at no extra cost – we organise a programme of study visits, day-trips, and theatre trips for all Hansard Scholars. In the past, these have included:
Accommodation
The Hansard Society provides accommodation in apartments in central London for all our Scholars. They include kitchen facilities, furniture and bedlinen. Accommodation is based on Scholars sharing rooms. All apartments are cleaned regularly and are located close to shopping and entertainment facilities in central London.
Programme Dates
Each Programme runs for 12 weeks (in autumn & spring) and 11 weeks (in summer).
Summer 2010
May 15th - July 31st, 2010
Deadline: February 12th, 2010
Autumn 2010
September 25th - December 18th, 2010
Deadline: June 1st, 2010
Who Should Apply?
The Hansard Research Scholars Programme is designed for postgraduate students and professionals who wish to pursue a specific political academic interest whilst doing a political internship placement in UK.
The Programme assumes no previous knowledge of British politics or any experience of political internships. More important is that applicants show a genuine interest in particular research area and a commitment to working in a high-level political environment. Research Scholars will often be involved in work of a sensitive nature and so personal integrity – in addition to commitment and enthusiasm – are crucial.
How to Apply?
All applicants must complete an application (see below) and attach the following pieces of documentation:
- a short personal statement outlining reasons for applying
- a CV/ resume
- a sample of written academic work (2,000 words approx.)
- two letters of recommendation
- university transcript
Applicants whose first language is not English (or whose previous degree was not taught in English) are required to provide evidence of proficiency in the English language.
The following qualifications are acceptable to the Hansard Society:
- TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) with normally a minimum score of 603 in the paper test, 250 in the computer-based test or 100 in the internet based test.
- IELTS (International English Language Testing System) with normally a minimum score of 6.5.
- Cambridge Certificate of Proficiency in English
- Other qualifications may be considered.
Download the Hansard Research Scholars Programme Application Form in pdf format.
For further details, please contact the Hansard Scholars Programme Coordinator at study@hansard.lse.ac.uk or by phone on +44 207 438 1223.
Programme Fees
Hansard Research Scholars Programme fees include:
- All tuition
- Access to LSE student services, IT facilities, events, public lectures, restaurants and bars.
- A calendar of cultural and social events
- Membership of the LSE Library
- Self-catering accommodation in central London
- A London Transport Travelcard allowing unlimited travel throughout Zones 1 and 2.
- A study placement in Westminster or other prominent political organisation.
- All administration and student support services.
Current fees are:
- Summer 2010: £7,450 per student
- Autumn 2010: £7,450 per student
In order to ease the process of applying for a UK visa (for which proof of payment or ability to pay is required), we recommend that you pay the programme fee in full as soon as possible. The fee of £7,450. includes housing costs. Scholars will be required to pay a £250. refundable accommodation damage deposit in adiditon to the programme fee; this deposit is returned 6-8 weeks after the programme has ended as long as there has been no damage to the student flat.
Withdrawal & Refund Policy
- If an applicant withdraws 31 days or more prior to the first day of the Programme, the applicant will receive 100% of the total Programme fee paid less the deposit of £450.
- If an applicant withdraws 30 days or less prior to the first day of the Programme, the applicant will receive 50% of the Programme fee paid less the deposit of £450.
- If the applicant withdraws on or after the first day of the Programme, the applicant will not receive any refund of Programme fees.
Chevening Scholarships
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.
For further details on the Chevening scholarship, please click here
The Hansard Society is registered with the UK Government's Department for Innovation, Universities & Skills (DIUS) as an education & training provider, and is accredited by the British Accreditation Council.
HANSARD RESEARCH SCHOLARS PROGRAMME STAFF
Professor the Lord Norton of Louth FRSA, AcSS - Director of Studies
Lord Norton of Louth [Philip Norton] was appointed Professor of Government in 1986, making him - at the age of 35 - the youngest professor of politics in the UK. In 1992, he also became Director of the Centre for Legislative Studies and he is currently the Vice Chair of the Political Studies Association. In 1998, he was elevated to the peerage, as Lord Norton of Louth. He is currently a member of the Select Committee on the European Union, was Chairman of the Commission to Strengthen Parliament, which reported in 2000 and has been Chair of the Houses of Lords Constitution Committee (2001-2004).
Lord Norton is author or editor of 26 books and has also published over 65 book chapters, over 100 articles in scholarly journals and in excess of 225 short articles for parliamentary and other magazines. He has delivered over 100 papers to conferences around the globe and is an internationally recognised expert on the British Parliament and on comparative legislatures. Lord Norton has been described in The House Magazine - the journal of both Houses of Parliament - as ‘our greatest living expert on Parliament.'
Lisa George - Director, Study and Scholars Programme
Lisa George is the Director of the Study and Scholars Programme (run in association with the London School of Economics) and is responsible for the marketing and development of the Society's range of political education and training programmes. Lisa works closely with senior politicians, civil servants, journalists and other key political players to develop bespoke political training programmes within Parliament. She also oversees Hansard Society Scotland and is developing and expanding the Society's corporate sponsorship scheme.
Lisa joined the Hansard Society in June, 2009. Prior to joining the Society, she spent many years working for one of the first study abroad programmes to provide political (and other) internships for North American students, first as London Programmes Director and later as European Programmes Director. She has also worked for an NGO for which she organised political training programmes and provided in-house editorial support. Lisa received her Bachelor of Arts degree in Government and Speech Communications from the University of Virginia, USA. Contact Lisa at l.george@hansard.lse.ac.uk.
Ivanna Chakma - Programme Coordinator
Ivanna is responsible for the coordination of the Hansard Scholars Programme and is the main point of contact for Hansard Scholars during their time in London.
Before joining the Hansard Society in 2006, Ivanna worked in the Mayor's Office at the Greater London Authority (GLA). She was involved in several high-profile Mayoral initiatives, including the successful bid for London 2012 Olympic Games project and the London Summer of Sport initiative.
Ivanna graduated from the London School of Economics in 2001 with a BA in History with Government before completing a postgraduate diploma in Law at BBP Law School in London.
Dr Peter Catterall - Lecturer in Democracy & Public Policy
Peter 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.
For full details on Hansard Society staff, please click here