Become a Hansard Scholar in Scotland!

If you’re interested in doing a unique political internship in Edinburgh and studying British politics at its world famous University, the Autumn 2008 Hansard Society/ University of Edinburgh Research Scholars Programme will begin in September, just after Edinburgh's famous International Festival.

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 May 2007 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!