The Edinburgh Hansard Research Scholars Programme is a challenging opportunity for graduates and professionals to develop applied knowledge of structures of government and policy processes in the UK, with a particular emphasis on Scotland. It combines masterclasses on democracy and public policy, independent research and a study placement in an organisation involved in public policy in Scotland.
As a Hansard Research Scholar, you will be part of the Hansard Society, an organisation with an unparalleled reputation in the political world, developed over more than 60 years. You will study Democracy an Public Policy at the world-renowned University of Edinburgh, have seminars with politicians and do a study placement in an organisation which corresponds with your research interests be it with an NGO, a Scottish government department, a lobbying group or with the Scottish Parliament.
As part of the Programme, all Hansard Research Scholars undertake a study placement which is individually selected by the Hansard Society 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 Member of the Scottish Parliament, you will get an unparalleled insight into the world of British and Scottish politics.
Study placements are for approximately 20 hours per week and may include:
All Hansard Research Scholars are registered as students taking a fully accredited Postgraduate Certificate in Democracy and Public Policy at the University of Edinburgh. The University of Edinburgh is one of the worlds most prestigious universities, regularly ranked in the top 30 world universities, and is internationally renowned for its teaching and research in the social and political sciences.
Your fee payment entitles you to membership of the University of Edinburgh Library; a University email account and use of IT facilities; access to student shops, bars, public lectures and social events; and membership of the Student Union. Your work at the university will be in total approximately 20 hours per week.
Every Hansard Research Scholar works on an individually designed research project, over the course of the semester, typically connecting scholarly knowledge and policy practice, and where possible connected to the subject matter of the study placement. Together with their Course Leader they will work out a programme of work best suited to meet the aims and objectives of the Scholar. Regular supervision and support is provided for Scholars as they pursue their research. A research paper of approximately 8,000-10,000 words must be submitted at the end of the Programme. All research papers are assessed by a member of the Universitys School of Social and Political Studies. The research paper makes up 60% of the Scholars final mark
The Hansard Research Scholars Programme is a marvellous opportunity to experience British political life from within. Fascinating classes in a first-rate academic environment combined with hands-on experience in some of the finest political institutions allowed me to broaden my understanding of British politics in the most enjoyable way possible.
Edon Vrenezi Kosovo, Hansard Research Alumnus
In addition to the study placements, all Hansard Research Scholars take a specialised course in Multi-Level Democracy & Public Policy in the United Kingdom. In this course, Research Scholars will gain:
All classes take place at the University of Edinburgh. 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 be required to submit a short essay (2,000 words) and a one-hour exam based upon what they have covered and learned during the Multi-Level Democracy & Public Policy course. Together these make up 40% of the Scholars final mark (60% is for the research paper).
There are approximately 10 Hansard Research Scholars on each Programme.
Scholars are required to attend a Guest Lecture (one hour) every other week throughout the Programme. Guest lecturers take place at venues in Edinburgh and will be delivered by politicians, journalists, lobbyists, campaigners and policy experts.
As a Hansard Scholar you will be living in Edinburgh, a world heritage city and the exciting heart of the new, devolved Scottish political system. The Hansard Society makes sure that you experience the best that Scotland 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. These include:
Scholars have accommodation in University postgraduate residences.
Each Programme runs for 13 weeks
For next intake please contact Lindsay Adams.
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.
The Research Scholars Programme is a highly competitive programme for postgraduates and professionals. It is crucial that you provide us with as much positive information about your interests and experience as possible to support your application. All applicants will need to supply the following pieces of documentation:
For an application form, please contact the Hansard Scholars Programme Coordinator, Lindsay Adams, ladams@ed.ac.uk
Hansard Research Scholars Programme fees include:
Current fees are: £6,350 per student. Upon acceptance to the Programme, students must pay a £450 deposit to reserve their place. The balance of fees is then paid in instalments no later than four weeks prior to the start of the Programme. In addition, a £250 refundable damage deposit must be paid against any costs incurred by the Hansard Society Scotland as a result of a Scholars individual actions. This deposit will be refunded approximately eight weeks after the end of the Programme.
This page was published on 21 July 2009