The Hansard Scholars Programme offers an outstanding opportunity for students to gain both academic and practical knowledge of the British political system. Combining rigorous academic courses with the practical experience of political internships, the program enables scholars to learn about British politics while working right in the heart of it. The Hansard Programme aims to provide scholars with knowledge and experience that will make them effective leaders in their chosen field.
Spring 2008
January 12th-April 5th, 2008
Application deadline: August 1, 2007
IMPORTANT: There may still be time to apply for the Spring 2008 Hansard Scholars
Program. Please call Marist International Programs for more information.
Autumn 2008
September 20th - December 13th, 2008 (dates to be confirmed)
Application deadline: April 1, 2008
While interning, all students enroll in two lecture courses - Politics and Parliament and Politics and Public Policy. Scholars must also undertake an individual Research Project of their own choosing. Each of the lecture courses require scholars to attend a weekly seminar, produce a 2,500 word essay, and take a 3-hour exam at the end of the semester. Credits are awarded by the London School of Economics for both courses, in addition to credits for the successful completion of an internship placement.
Hansard Scholars take internships at the heart of the British political system. As a Hansard Scholar you may work for a Member of Parliament in the House of Commons or a Peer in the House of Lords, writing speeches, carrying out research, and attending parliamentary meetings; you may work in the parliamentary clerks' office - with unprecedented access to the behind-the-scenes workings of Parliament; or for the BBC, researching articles and analysing the work of the Government; or for a campaign group, helping to devise and run media campaigns on key social and political issues. You may work in the national headquarters of a political party or for one of the other many organisations and businesses which drive forward the policy agenda in the UK and beyond.
All placements are individually selected by the Hansard Society to match your interests, expertise, and career aspirations. Internships last approximately 250 hours in total. Academic credit is awarded upon successful completion, subject to a performance evaluation.
Students registered on the Hansard Scholars Programme are also registered with the London School of Economics. LSE was founded in 1895 by members of The Fabian Society, who planned an institution that would teach an impartial study of society. Today, LSE is one of the most internationally respected institutions in its field, and offers a high standard of facilities for scholars from across the globe. Every year, around 3,000 overseas students attend LSE, coming from over 120 different countries.
Scholars are housed together in private self-contained apartments, rented by the Hansard Society. Up to six Scholars may be housed in one apartment, sharing twin rooms, bathroom and kitchen facilities. All the apartments are within London's central "zone" and within reasonable traveling distance of both the LSE and Parliament.
