Academic Course

“The Hansard Research Scholars Programme is a marvellous 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 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 how political systems shape the policy process
• An ability to critically evaluate the factors that shape 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).

Although classes are held on the LSE campus, this course is independently organised and administered by the Hansard Society and is taught by Dr Peter Catterall, Lecturer in History at Queen Mary, University of London. Research Scholars are enrolled as associate students at the LSE, which gives them full access to the LSE Library and related student facilities. The dissertation is externally examined by a member of the Government faculty at the LSE.

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.

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

London School of Economics

The Hansard Research Scholars Programme is organised in association with the London School of Economics & Political Science. As a Hansard Research Scholar you will therefore be entitled to full access to LSE facilities. This includes: membership of the LSE Library (the largest collection of social science material in the world); IT and network access; entrance to LSE public lectures and events; membership of the Student Union, including student societies.

N.B. The internship component of the programme is organised by the Hansard Society independently of the London School of Economics' own internship programme.

The Hansard Society is registered with the UK Government's Department for Business, Innovation & Skills (BIS) as an education & training provider, and is accredited by the British Accreditation Council.