England: Hansard Scholars Programme

Type of Program: Semester or Short-Term
City: London
When Offered: Fall, Spring, or Summer

The Hansard Scholars Programme is highly competitive, but for outstanding students with a keen interest in politics and public policy, it is an extraordinary window into the inner workings of the British government.

As a Hansard Scholar, you’ll take two lecture courses and complete an independent research dissertation at the London School of Economics and Political Science, one of the most prestigious institutions in the world. Complementing your course work, you’ll also take an internship position at the heart of the British political system. Hansard Scholars do research and write speeches for members of Parliament and the House of Lords, work behind the scenes at the BBC, assist political parties and campaigns, and work at other governmental and political organizations directly involved in shaping British public policy.

You’ll live with other Hansard Scholars in a flat in central London—a city rich with cultural, political, and educational resources and opportunities in and of itself. The Hansard Scholars Programme arranges study visits to Scotland, Belgium, and Wales; day trips to Oxford, Bath, Brighton, and Greenwich; and outings to theatrical performances at London’s famed West End. And you’ll have plenty of freedom to explore the city on your own.

Application and Study Abroad Deposit Deadlines

FOR SPRING 2012: Application and $300 application fee due September 30, 2011 and March 2, 2012 for fall 2012 applications. Additional deposit of $200 is due November 4, 2011 for spring 2012 applications and April 6, 2012 for fall 2012 applications (applied to student's Goucher account toward tuition fees).

Eligibility and Prerequisites:

Students must have declared a major and taken prerequisite courses.  Students must have completed three semesters in college-level residence.  Students must have a GPA of 3.0 or higher to apply.  Students must have completed one of the following Goucher courses to be eligible: PSC 224, PSC 225, or PSC 221.