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 (17.5 hours per week) is divided between courses, guest lectures and supervised research.
Parliament & Politics
This course examines the
constitutional and political process in Britain, including the role of
Parliament, the Prime Minister and the Civil Service, and the
policymaking process.
Politics & Public Policy
This course analyses current policy issues, including the economy, civil liberties and foreign policy.
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.
London School of Economics
All Hansard 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.
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.
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
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
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. These include: