Hansard Research Scholars Programme

The Hansard Research Scholars Programme is a challenging opportunity for graduates and professionals to pursue a specific area of political academic interest whilst undertaking a high-profile internship within the world of British politics.



You will study British politics at the London School of Economics, have seminars with politicians and intern in an organisation which corresponds with your research interests – be it with an NGO, a government department, a lobbying group or with the UK Parliament itself.
The Hansard Research Scholars Programme is a 12-week (11 weeks in summer), full-time course (split equally between study and internship).



Academic work (17.5 hours per week) 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 the way in which political systems shape the policy process
an ability to evaluate critically the factors shaping 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).


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.
There are approximately 10 Hansard Research Scholars on each Programme.
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
Political Study Visits & Cultural EventsAs 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. In the past, these have included:
Four-day political study visit to Edinburgh, Scotland
Day-trip to the historic city of Oxford and lectures in the world famous Oxford University
Theatre trips to some of the top shows playing in London’s famous West End
Accommodation


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.


Programme Dates
Each Programme runs for 12 weeks (in autumn & spring) and 11 weeks (in summer). Autumn 2009September 26th - December 19th, 2009 Deadline: currently accepting applicationsSpring 2010January 9th - April 3rd, 2010 (dates tbc)Deadline: October 1st, 2009


Who Should Apply?


The Hansard Research Scholars Programme is designed for postgraduate students and professionals who wish to pursue a specific political academic interest whilst doing a political internship placement in UK.


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 particular research area and a commitment to working in a high-level political environment. Research Scholars will often be involved in work of a sensitive nature and so personal integrity – in addition to commitment and enthusiasm – are crucial.


How to Apply?


All applicants must complete an application (see below) and attach the following pieces of documentation:
a short personal statement outlining reasons for applying
a CV/ resume
a sample of written academic work (2,000 words approx.)
two letters of recommendation
university transcript
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.



Para Mayor información: mailto:study@hansard.lse.ac.ukstudy@hansard.lse.ac.uk sard.lse.ac.uk