Hansard Society/University of Edinburgh Research Scholars Programme

  Scotland

Term: Fall, Spring 

Description: The Hansard Society/ University of Edinburgh Research Scholars Programme is a challenging opportunity for graduates and professionals to pursue a specific area of political academic interest whilst participating in an internship placement within the world of British politics.

1. Internship
Two or three days a week will be spent as an intern in a placement arranged by the Hansard Society Scotland, which is broadly relevant to the Scholars research interests. This will mean being linked with either individuals or organisations specialising in the appropriate area, such as NGOs, lobbying organisations, Scottish Executive departments, the Scottish Parliament, the media, MPs or MSPs offices. In arranging placements, the Society will take into account Scholars interests, expertise and career intentions.

2. Academic Programme
Research Scholars will attend a weekly seminar in Multi-Level Democracy & Public Policy in the United Kingdom given by Edinburgh academics with a track record of bridging scholarship and practice.

Many, though not necessarily all, the sessions will focus on questions of government and public policy of particular relevance in Scotland. Sessions will be attuned where possible to the interests of each particular group of Research Scholars, to encourage them to make connections between academic analysis and their experiences, and may vary from semester to semester. All classes will be held at the University of Edinburgh.
Research Scholars will be expected to prepare for and contribute to seminar discussion, and will be assessed through a short course essay and a one-hour examination. Essay and examination will each count for 20% of the final assessment.

In addition, Research Scholars will be required to attend one seminar weekly among the wide range of research and visiting speaker seminars offered by the School of Social and Political Studies or other Schools with relevant interests, including Management and Law.

4. Research Project
Each Research Scholar will work on an individually-designed research project with the aim of bringing scholarly analysis to bear on a policy issue. A subject and a plan of action will be chosen together with the course leader, and designed where possible to allow cross-fertilisation with the subject matter of the internship. A project supervisor will be allocated, and a project of 8-10,000 words must be submitted. This will account for the final 60% of the final assessment.

5. Additional
Scholars will be registered with the University of Edinburgh, giving them access to all University facilities including computer labs, library and the Student Union.
The unique resources at our disposal mean that we are able to offer a programme that combines rigorous academic courses with the practical experience of political internships. In addition to this, Research Scholars are able to gain an insiders view of current political issues in Britain through the many eminent guest lecturers who play a part in the Programme each semester.

Highlights: Research Scholars will participate in the calendar of visits organised throughout the semester by the Hansard Society Scotland. Each semester, the group will spend a week in London where they will visit the Houses of Parliament and meet politicians from the main political parties. The Hansard Society Scotland will also organise a political study trip to Glasgow as well as social activities such as theatre trips.

- All tuition and registration at the University of Edinburgh
- Access to University of Edinburgh student services, IT facilities, events, public lectures, restaurants and bars.
- Self-catering accommodation in Edinburgh .
- A calendar of cultural and social events
- Political study visits to London (four-day) and Glasgow (one day)
- An internship in the Scottish Parliament or other prominent political organisation.
- All administration and student support services.

Experience Required: no

This Program is open to World Wide Participants.

Participants Travel to Scotland Independently

Typically Participants Work Independently

Application Process Involves:

• Letters of Reference
• Resume
• Transcript
• Written Application

Post Services Include:

• Alumni Network

Hansard Scholars Programme's Mission Statement: The Hansard Society is the UKs leading independent, non-partisan political research and education charity. We aim to strengthen parliamentary democracy and encourage greater public involvement in politics. At the heart of our work is the principle that civic society is most effective when its citizens are connected with the institutions and individuals who represent them in the democratic process. We inform decision makers and the public through debate and discussion, training, research, providing accessible resources and analysing the scope of new technology in engaging the public.

Year Founded: 1944