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The Internship Programme

Frequently Asked Questions

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Answers to some of the most frequently asked questions about the Internship Programme are below. If you still have questions, please feel free to contact us, or use the 'contact an intern' facility. Or you could try asking at the Internship Message Board.

 

Questions:

graphic: bullet  When can I intern with a Member of the Scottish Parliament (MSP)?
graphic: bullet  How many interns are on the programme?
graphic: bullet  How is the internship structured?
graphic: bullet  Do I have any choice in which party or which MSP I work with?
graphic: bullet  When will I meet my MSP for the first time?
graphic: bullet  How many credits do I get?
graphic: bullet  What kind of project am I supposed to do for the MSP?
graphic: bullet  Where do I live in Edinburgh?
graphic: bullet  Will I have time to enjoy Edinburgh?

graphic: bullet  Q: When can I intern with a Member of the Scottish Parliament (MSP)?

A: The Edinburgh University Political Internship Programme offers the opportunity to intern with an MSP during two periods every year, from beginning of January to mid-April; and from beginning of September to mid-December.

graphic: bullet  Q: How many interns are on the programme?

A: The programme has a ceiling of 20 interns per period in order to safeguard efficient tuition and placement.

graphic: bullet  Q: How is the internship structured?

A: The first five weeks focus on three classes, four hours each week, on 'British Politics', 'Scottish Politics', and 'Scottish Society and Culture'. After that, the interns spend 10 weeks in Parliament, working full-time with an MSP and his/her staff.

graphic: bullet  Q: Do I have any choice in which party or which MSP I work with?

A: All applicants are asked to state their party political preferences during the application process. In weeks 2 and 3 the interns have an interview with the Director of Studies to determine (a) the policy area(s) the intern would like to do research in, and (b) the party and perhaps even individual MSPs the intern would like to work with. Not all MSPs want to, or can, take interns, so choice is limited. And experience shows that interns have had an interesting and rewarding time in all political parties. The programme also tries to distribute interns fairly among the parties.

graphic: bullet  Q: When will I meet my MSP for the first time?

A: Introductory interviews are arranged for weeks 4 and 5 of the internship so that the actual interning with the MSP can smoothly start at the beginning of week 6.

graphic: bullet  Q: How many credits do I get?

A: The internship provides students with 70 credits. 30 credits result from the three courses (essays, exams & course presentations), and 40 credits are given for the research project (final report for MSP and Director of Studies, plus journal).

graphic: bullet  Q: What kind of project am I supposed to do for the MSP?

A: A research project agreed between MSP, intern and Director of Studies. Research projects can cover a wide range of subjects and topics (see the list on the index page of this web site). Many entail a comparative element - looking at best practice in other self-governing regions or small states. There is always an element of document research; surveys might be undertaken, and evidence and opinions gathered from sources inside and outside of the Scottish Parliament. The research project is the backbone of the internship, other daily or occasional 'duties' might be added - but we make it clear to MSPs that interns are not additional filing clerks and coffee makers… Contributing to the policy-making process gives the interns a touch of ownership in the evolving Scottish Parliament.

graphic: bullet  Q: Where do I live in Edinburgh?

A: The University offers student accommodation in Kincaid's Court (only a stone's throw from the Parliament) and in Pollock Halls (still within walking distance).

graphic: bullet  Q: Will I have time to enjoy Edinburgh?

A: The internship is a serious academic programme - interns are expected to be on a steep learning curve! - and working in the Parliament can be pretty intensive. Still, there certainly is time to partake of the rich diversity of leisure and cultural activities on offer in Edinburgh.

 

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