Hansard Scholars Programme - Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Hansard Society?
The Hansard Society is an independent, non-partisan education and research organisation which exists to encourage better parliamentary democracy and greater public involvement in politics. Established in 1944, and supported by Winston Churchill and Clement Attlee, the Society's principal aim at that time was to promote democratic ideals in the face of encroaching threats from fascism and communism. Over sixty years later, the Society is the largest and most active campaign organisation in UK aimed at strengthening parliamentary democracy, public engagement and political education.
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. The Society is also a member of the Association of American Study Abroad Programmes (UK).
What is the Hansard Scholars Programme?
The Hansard Scholars Programme offers an outstanding opportunity for undergraduate and postgraduate students from overseas to gain academic and practical knowledge of the British political system and current debates in UK public policy. As a Hansard 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 attend courses in British Politics at the London School of Economics & Political Science. You will also have lectures with politicians and other senior figures from a variety of organisations on the cutting edge of the UK public policy agenda, and take an internship at the heart of British politics - be it with an interest group, campaign organisation, research institution, lobbying company, media organisation or the UK Parliament itself.
Are Hansard Scholars able to use the facilities of the London School of Economics?
Yes. 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.
Sounds interesting - am I eligible?
The Hansard Scholars Programme is highly competitive and each semester we are forced to decline a number of very good candidates. It is crucial, therefore, that you provide us with as much positive information about your interests and experience as possible to support your application.
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 politics and public policy, and a commitment to studying in a high-level political environment. Scholars' work is often of a sensitive nature and so personal integrity - in addition to commitment and enthusiasm - is crucial.
- Applicants from the USA must have a GPA of 3.0 or above.
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.
Which Programme should I apply for - the Hansard Scholars Programme (undergraduates) or the Hansard Research Scholars Programme?
As the name suggests, the Hansard Scholars Programme (undergraduates) is designed for undergraduate students and provides Scholars with a sound understanding of the workings of the British political process and the main policy areas.
The Hansard Research Scholars Programme is aimed at postgraduates and young professionals who wish to pursue an area of specific acadademic interest whilst doing a high-profile political internship.
Both undergraduates and Research Scholars study British politics courses at LSE (albeit in different classes) and do internships in their area of interest/ expertise.
I have just graduated from a US university - which Programme is most suitable for me?
The Hansard Research Scholars Programme. It is specifically designed for graduates and young professionals and allows Scholars to further their knowledge of key aspects in British politics and public policy.
How many students participate on each Programme?
There are approximately 20 students on each undergraduate Programme and 10 on the Hansard Research Scholars Programme.
What kind of internship will I do?
The Hansard Society works very closely with Parliament, Government, civil society and the private sector, and has an unparalleled network of political contacts. Past internships have included:
- Houses of Parliament - offices of MPs belonging to the Labour party, the Conservative party, the Liberal Democrats, Plaid Cymru (Party of Wales) and the Scottish National party, and Members of the House of Lords
- The Cabinet Office
- Government Departments
- National Labour Party HQ & Conservative Central Office
- BBC Parliament
- Campaign groups such as Liberty, Amnesty International, and the Women's National Commission
- Lobbying Organisations
- Businesses and Consultancies
The Hansard Society bases internships as closely as possible on information provided to us by each Scholar.
I am a US undergraduate - can I transfer credit to my home university?
Yes. However, all Hansard Scholars are reminded that it is their home institution that determines how credit is awarded, not the Hansard Society or LSE (this is the case for many UK academic institutions). The Hansard Society provides marks that your university can then decide how to use. Universities from the USA typically award 15 credits to students upon successful completion of the Programme:
Parliament & Politics - 3 credits
Politics & Public Policy - 3 credits
Research Project - 3 credits
Internship - 6 credits
It is the responsibility of each student to confirm credit transfer arrangements with his/ her home university before starting the Programme. We are happy to assist in any way we can by providing advice, support and any materials needed (e.g. syllabi).
Where will I stay when I'm in London?
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.
How will I get around London?
Upon arrival, each Hansard Scholar is provided with a London Transport "Oystercard" which provides unlimited travel on the tube network, buses and trains in Zones 1 & 2.
When are the application deadlines?
The deadlines for the Programmes are detailed below but we always encourage applicants to submit their documentation as early as possible.
Autumn 2008 - September 20th-December 13th, 2008
Application deadline:
still accepting applicationsSpring 2009 - January 10th-April 4th, 2009
Application deadline: 1st October, 2008
Summer 2009
May 23rd - August 8th, 2009 (dates tbc)
Deadline: February 1st, 2009
How can I apply to the Programme?
To apply to the undergraduate Hansard Scholars Programme, please click here
To apply to the Hansard Research Scholars Programme, please click here
Will I need a visa?
Yes. The UK Government recently introduced revised visa requirements for overseas students (including US citizens) to do internships in the United Kingdom. You can apply for a Student Visitor visa online three months before the start of your visit at: www.visa4uk.fco.gov.uk
Specific questions about the visa application process should be directed to either the British Council or to the British Consulates in Chicago, Los Angeles and New York (see: www.britainusa.com/visas).
What do the Programme fees include?
The fees for the Hansard Scholars Programme include:
- All tuition
- Self-catering accommodation in central London
- Access to LSE student services, IT facilities, events, public lectures, restaurants and bars
- A calendar of cultural and social events
- Membership of the British Library of Political and Economic Sciences.
- A London Transport Travelcard allowing unlimited travel on public transport throughout Zones 1 and 2
- A political internship in the Houses of Parliament or other prominent political organisation.
- All administration and student support services, including pastoral care and access to the LSE medical facilities.
The current fees are: £6,850 per student
Are any scholarships available?
Yes - but only for the Hansard Research Scholars Programme. These scholarships are available through the UK Foreign & Commonwealth Office's Chevening scheme. Chevening scholarships are available in most countries (but not the US or many EU countries).
The Chevening scholarships cover the Programme fees, travel expenses and visa costs, and successful applicants are provided with a stipend to cover daily expenses whilst on the Programme.
If you are interested in the Chevening scholarships, you must contact the Chevening Officer at your local British Embassy/ High Commission to confirm your eligibility for Chevening. Once your eligibility has been established, you will need to submit all the application documents to the Chevening Officer who will forward them to the Foreign Office in London.
If the Chevening Officer is unfamiliar with the Programme, please email
study@hansard.lse.ac.uk or call +44 207 438 1223.
I see you also run the Hansard Society/ University of Edinburgh Research Scholars Programme - what's this?
Based in Scotland, the Hansard Society/ University of Edinburgh Research Scholars
Programme provides postgraduate students
and professionals with the opportunity to develop applied knowledge of structures of
government and policy processes in the UK, with a particular emphasis
on Scotland, and gain invaluable experience at the heart of the British
political system. For further details, please click
here
I still have a question...
For further details on the undergraduate Hansard Scholars Programme, please click here
For further details on the Hansard Research Scholars Programme, please click here
If you still have a question about the Hansard Scholars Programme, please email
study@hansard.lse.ac.uk or call +44 207 438 1223.