Hansard Society/ University of Edinburgh Research Scholars Programme

If you’re interested in learning first-hand about the fascinating world of Scottish politics and studying British politics at Edinburgh's world-famous University, the Hansard Society/ University of Edinburgh Research Scholars Programme is what you're after!

The Hansard Society/ University of Edinburgh Research Scholars Programme offers an outstanding opportunity for postgraduate students and professionals to develop applied knowledge of structures of government and policy processes in the UK, with a particular emphasis on Scotland, and gain invaluable experience at the heart of the British political system.

This really is a fascinating time to be involved in politics in Scotland. Tony Blair’s final days in office coincided with the Scottish National Party’s historic showing in the 2007 Scottish parliamentary elections. Operating as a minority government, the SNP has now published its promised White Paper on Scottish independence. The Scottish Labour Party has a new leader, Wendy Alexander, and has allied itself with the Liberal Democrats and Conservatives in pressing for more powers for the Scottish Parliament. All eyes in Westminster, Cardiff and Belfast are now on Scotland, none more so than those of Gordon Brown, the new Prime Minister and a Scot himself!

As a Hansard Research Scholar you will be part of the Hansard Society, an organisation with an unparallelled reputation in the political world, developed over more than 60 years. Based in the beautiful city of Edinburgh, you will study Democracy & Public Policy at its world-renowned University, and enjoy an internship which corresponds with your research interests.

You might be based at the sharp end of representative government at party headquarters, or in the office of a Member of the Scottish Parliament (MSP). You might be helping to cover political developments as they emerge for a newspaper, news agency, or broadcast news channel. You might be in the policy unit of a major pressure group or think tank or NGO, drafting briefings and aiming to make the views of your organisation heard by decision makers in the Scottish Government and beyond.

Internship

The Hansard Scholars were invaluable in my very small staff. I recall many of the Scholars and their valued contribution; I keep in touch with lots of them.”

Rt. Hon Lord Robertson of Port Ellen – former NATO Secretary General & former UK Secretary of State for Defence

As part of the Programme, all Hansard Research Scholars undertake an internship which is individually selected by the Hansard Society Scotland to match your interests, expertise and career aspirations. Whether you are analysing the work of government for a campaign group, helping to devise media campaigns for a public affairs consultancy or doing research for an MSP, you will get an unparalleled insight into the world of Scottish politics.

Internships are for three days (20 hours) per week and, in the past, have included:

• Offices of Members of the Scottish Parliament (MSPs)
• Offices of Scottish Members of Parliament (MPs)
  
• Scottish Government Departments
  
• Political party HQs
  
• Campaign groups
  
• Lobbying/ Public Affairs Organisations
  
• Businesses and Consultancies
  

University of Edinburgh

The University of Edinburgh is one of the world’s most prestigious universities and is internationally renowned for its teaching and research. All class take place at the University of Edinburgh where all Hansard Research Scholars are registered as students. Registration includes full use of IT facilities; access to student shops, bars, public lectures and social events; and membership of the Student Union.

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.

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.

Study Visits & Cultural Events

Research Scholars will participate in the calendar of visits organised throughout the semester by the Hansard Society Scotland. Each semester, the group will spend four days 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.

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 ‘insider's view' of current political issues in Britain through the many eminent guest lecturers who play a part in the Programme each semester. 

Accommodation

Accommodation will be provided by the University of Edinburgh in university apartments within central Edinburgh. 

Dates

Autumn 2008
September 20th-December 13th, 2008

Who Should Apply?

The Hansard Society/ University of Edinburgh Research Scholars Programme is designed for postgraduate students and professionals who wish to pursue a specific political academic interest whilst doing a political study placement in UK.

The Programme assumes no previous knowledge of British politics or any experience of working in politics. 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.

Please click here to download a copy of the Hansard Society/ University of Edinburgh Research Scholars Programme application form (pdf format)

Please click here to download a copy of the Hansard Society/ University of Edinburgh Research Scholars Programme application form (Word format)

All applications should be sent to:

Hansard Society/ University of Edinburgh Research Scholars Programme
Hansard Society Scotland
Thorn House, 5 Rose Street
Edinburgh E2 2PR
United Kingdom
 
Fees

Hansard Society/ University of Edinburgh Research Scholars Programme fees include:

• All tuition and registration at the University of Edinburgh
• Access to University of Edinburgh student services, IT facilities, events, public lectures, restaurants and bars.
• A calendar of cultural and social events
• Self-catering accommodation in Edinburgh .
• An internship in the Scottish Parliament or other prominent political organisation.
• All administration and student support services.
  

Current fees are: £6,350 per student with payment being made in instalments as follows:

• Non-refundable deposit of £450 to guarantee a place on the Programme
• £3,400 payment eight weeks before the start of the Programme
• £2,500 (+ £250 returnable accommodation damage deposit) four weeks before the start of the Programme

Withdrawal & Refund Policy   

• If an applicant withdraws 31 days or more prior to the first day of the Programme, the applicant will receive 100% of the total Programme fee paid less the deposit of £450.
• If an applicant withdraws 30 days or less prior to the first day of the Programme, the applicant will receive 50% of the Programme fee paid less the deposit of £450.
• If the applicant withdraws on or after the first day of the Programme, the applicant will not receive any refund of Programme fees.

If you have any further questions about the Hansard Society/ University of Edinburgh Research Scholars Programme, please email: hansard.scotland@hansard.lse.ac.uk or call +44 131 243 2750