Academic Courses

“The Hansard Scholars Programme offers opportunities that are one in a million, providing experiences that cannot be topped. The courses are rigorous but rewarding, engaging and relevant to modern day political life in the UK and beyond.”
Joshua Greiner – Purdue University, Hansard Alumnus

Academic work is divided between courses, guest lectures and supervised research.

Parliament & Politics

This course examines the context, procedures and politics of British parliamentary democracy. Learning outcomes:

• Knowledge of British political institutions and the evolution of the British constitution
• An insight into Parliamentary practice and procedure
• An awareness of the interaction between Parliament and other institutions and bodies
• Familiarity with political science approaches to the study of British politics
• An appreciation of current debates and controversies in British politics

Politics & Public Policy

This course analyses current policy issues, including the economy, civil liberties and foreign policy. Learning outcomes:

• A broad understanding of politics and policy in the United Kingdom
• the ability to apply theoretical frameworks to contemporary political debates
• an introduction to the history and institutions of the European Union
• an insight into the comparisons and contrasts between institutions and policy issues in the UK, Europe and the US

Assessment for each course is through a 1,500 essay and a three-hour examination.

Dissertation

Scholars also pursue an individual research project. The paper is an opportunity for Scholars to develop their own ideas on a topic which interests them and must be 8,000 – 10,000 words in length.

Guest Lectures

Scholars are required to attend a Guest Lecture every other week throughout the Programme. Guest lecturers in past semesters have included:

• Former Conservative and Labour 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

Credits

All Hansard Scholars are reminded that it is their home institution that determines how credit is awarded, not the Hansard Society or LSE. 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

London School of Economics

All Hansard Scholars are registered as associate 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.

All classes take place on the campus of the London School of Economics and all courses and research papers are externally examined by a current member of the LSE Government Department faculty.  However, the courses are independently organised and administered by the Hansard Society. 

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