This Scholarship is aimed at political leaders of the future. It is designed to allow one or two New Zealanders to take part in the Hansard Scholars Programme where students gain both academic and practical knowledge of the British political system.

The Hansard Society is an independent educational charity which brings together MPs, Peers, academics, journalists, parliamentary staff, corporate affairs managers and others with an interest in the political process from across the political spectrum to promote effective parliamentary democracy.

According to the society, “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. As well, students 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 our programme each semester.  Students also participate in a series of educational and cultural visits.”

The academic part of the programme is based at the London School of Economics (LSE), while the internships are based in Westminster. Scholars spend one day a week in classes and three days a week in their internship.

Internships take place in either the House of Commons or the House of Lords, where students are assigned to an individual Member of Parliament, or within other political organisations such as party headquarters, interest groups or media organisations.

The Scholarship provides a budget return airfare from an international airport in New Zealand to London and fees including:

• all tuition and full LSE accreditation;
• a calendar of cultural and social events;
• self-catering accommodation in central London;
• a London Transport Travelcard covering London Underground and buses;
• all administration and student support services.

Medical and travel insurance is recommended and is the responsibility of the Scholar.

The Chevening Hansard Scholarship is funded by the British Foreign and Commonwealth Office and managed in Wellington on behalf of the British High Commission by the British Council New Zealand.

Programme Details

The basic programme for Chevening Hansard Scholarship is made up of:

Internship: Scholars are assigned placements designed to allow them to pursue research and make contacts in their specific area of interest. This means being linked with either individuals or organisations specialising in an appropriate area, such as the offices of Members of the Houses of Parliament, administrative offices within Parliament, or other organisations outside Parliament, such as broadcasting media and NGOs.

Research: The Hansard Society appoints a research Supervisor whom the Scholar is required to meet regularly over the course of the semester. Together, the Scholar and Supervisor set a programme of work that best meets the aims and objectives of the Scholar. A 5,000-word research essay must be submitted at the end of the semester.

Classes: Scholars are expected to attend the Hansard Society guest lecturer series held on Mondays throughout the semester.  They are welcome to attend the two classes run for Hansard Scholars, but will not be expected to submit coursework.  As well, Scholars will attend a weekly seminar in which they will discuss and explore their experiences and research at an academic level. All classes are held at the London School of Economics

Study Visits and Cultural Events: Scholars will take part in a calendar of visits organised throughout the semester by the Hansard Society. In the autumn and spring semesters, the groups spend a week in Edinburgh where they visit the Scottish Parliament and meet politicians from the main Scottish parties. The summer groups travel to Bruges, Belgium where they study the European Union at the College of Europe. Every semester the Hansard Society organises a study trip to Oxford and social activities such as theatre trips.

Accommodation: Accommodation is provided in self-catering apartments within central London. Scholars share twin bedrooms, and kitchen and bathroom facilities with other students participating in the Programme.

Scholars will be registered with the London School of Economics, giving them access to all LSE facilities including computer labs, library and the Student Union. Scholars will also be provided with a London Transport travelcard.

Scholarship Conditions

1. the award is open to individuals working in politics who are members of an elected New Zealand political party and parliamentary staff. Applicants should have an undergraduate degree - some background in the study of political science and/or public policy is preferred;
2. two references, one of which will be from a member of the applicant’s political party or, in the case of Parliamentary staff, from the Clerk of Parliament, must be sent directly to the British Council New Zealand;
3. applicants will be interviewed by a selection panel and should be ready to advise that panel on how they would expect their experience and research to benefit their work on return to New Zealand;
4. on their return to New Zealand, Scholars are expected to submit a 1,000 word report on their project to the British High Commission and to give a presentation on their research conducted in the UK.

Application process

We are not inviting applications for the Hansard Scholarship in 2006.
The next application round will be in September/ October 2007. Please contact Nicky Johnson for more information.