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Scottish Parliament Internship, UC Center Edinburgh
This is a unique, full-time internship program offering a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to study the culture of another country from within its political governing body. Specifically, this program allows you to further your political knowledge and experience by working closely with a member of the Scottish Parliament (MSP) in Edinburgh, Scotland. Students of all disciplinary backgrounds are welcome in this unique new program.
 
The Scottish Parliament passes laws on issues delegated by the UK Parliament ("devolved issues") and scrutinizes the work of the Scottish government. You’ll take part in meaningful hands-on work with individual MSPs and their staff. You will be dealing with matters from constituent concerns to parliamentary questions and motions; and aiding your MSP in preparing for issues on national legislation. Matters handled by the Scottish Parliament are:
 
Agriculture
Education and training
Environment
Gaelic
Health
Housing
Law and home affairs
Local government
 Natural and built heritage
Planning
Police and fire service
Sports and the arts
Statistics and public records
Tourism and economic development
Transport


Students attend classes with UC students only.

Course Opportunities

All participants enroll in the following 18 UC quarter units:

Special Study 197 (10 units):  Internship, working closely with your assigned Member of Scottish Parliament (MSP) for a minimum of 25 hours per week.

  • Subject areas Political Science, International Relations, or History.
  • Interns submit a short self-evaluation at the close of the program, to be endorsed by their MSP.

Special Study 192A (4 units):  Directed readings designed to contextualize your internship experience, focusing on the history and functioning of the Scottish Parliament.

  • Subject areas Political Science or International Relations.
  • The academic coordinator will facilitate readings, varying each term, and group discussions. 
  • Interns will complete a cumulative journal connecting academic readings to their daily Parliament experiences.

Special Study 192B (4 units):  Directed readings through which interns explore contemporary Scottish legal and political institutions in the historical contexts of Scottish nationalism, the UK, and the European Union.

  • Subject areas Political Science, International Relations, or History.
  • Consulting with the academic coordinator, interns will explore one topic in depth, culminating in a 10-15 page research report.

 

Subject area listings do not indicate that these units will satisfy specific major or other degree requirements at any particular campus.  All students must work with their home campus academic departments to identify potential requirements that could be fulfilled through these units, and any criteria necessary to satisfy that requirement (particularly in developing their research report for 192B). 

 

Use the following resources to learn about courses on EAP:

​See the job description for Scottish Parliament interns.

Units

You are required to enroll in three special studies for a total of 18 units, as described above.  Special Studies 192A (4 UC quarter units) and 192B (4 units) must be taken for a letter grade.  Special Study 197 (10 units) may be taken on a P/NP or letter grade basis.

Language of Instruction

English


Language Study

None


Internships, Research, and Independent Study

Internship is the focus of the program. Concurrent additional internships, research, or independent study are not possible.
 

Duration

​Go to the Participants section to see current or past calendars.
 
Fall :  
​September to late December

Spring :  
​January to late May

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Housing

​You will choose your own housing in the city of Edinburgh. A variety of accommodation is available; you can make arrangements before arrival or stay in a hotel and find housing after you arrive. EAP will provide information on housing that is near the Parliament.

On-site Support

​This program is overseen by the EAP Study Center in Edinburgh. A UC faculty consultant, local staff, an academic coordinator, and an internship coordinator at the Scottish Parliament all help interns understand and enjoy Scottish culture and provide assistance with academics, safety, health, and other needs.

​See the EAP Program Guide (PDF) for program-specific details about host institutions, program structure, and courses; academic culture and conduct; internships, research, & independent study; units, exams, and grades; orientation; housing; and information about the intensive language program (if applicable).

Host Institutions

UC Center Edinburgh

Host Institution
The Edinburgh Study Center (ESC) supports the University of California EAP students in the year and semester programs at various universities based in Scotland, Ireland, and Northern England. In addition, the ESC coordinates the UCEAP Scottish Parliament Internship program. ESC works closely with the London Study Center to coordinate exchange programs in the United Kingdom and Ireland.
 
ESC is located on the University of Edinburgh campus in central Edinburgh, in an area famous for its academic tradition and history. The center acts as a liaison point between the University of California EAP and host universities in the U.K. and Ireland.
 

Estimated Cost

​
Participation in UCEAP is a great value! The cost of studying abroad on UCEAP programs is typically less than that of non-UC study abroad programs. The dollar figures listed in the chart represent: 1) the amount of the fees that are paid directly to UCEAP in the current year, and 2) an estimate of the amount needed to cover personal living expenses in this location. Personal travel and entertainment are not included here.
 
Don't forget that you take your financial aid with you and the amount of your financial aid package will take into account the estimated TOTAL COST of this experience, as it is estimated below.
 
These expenses are estimated for 2012-13. Amounts will vary for 2012-13 participation due to potential changes to UC fees, exchange rate fluctuation, etc. Non-Resident Fees apply: If you are subject to out-of-state tuition at your UC campus, you will pay the same fees on UCEAP. For a more detailed breakdown of 2012-13 payment information, visit the Participants Portal and select the appropriate program. 
 
Here’s what is included in the estimate:
  • Predeparture expenses (health clearance, student visa, etc.)
  • Round-trip airfare
  • UC fees
  • Accident and medical insurance
  • On-site orientation
  • Room and board
  • Optional excursions
  • Books and other incidental expenses
  • Local transportation
  • Automatic transfer of credits and grades to your UC transcript

Estimated EAP Costs*

Options Cost
  • Fall
  • Spring
  • $16,700
  • $17,400
*Based on most recent costs to the nearest $100.

Scholarships

UCEAP scholarships for the 2012-13 academic year are available. Please visit our scholarships overview page for general information and details  regarding eligibility requirements and application deadlines.

Application Requirements

Class Level:

Junior, Senior

Language Prerequisites:

None

GPA:

3.00 cumulative GPA at the time of application and maintained through the end of the last term prior to departure.
GPA Note: 3.0 in Major

Minimum Criteria:

 All applicants must also have:
  • Serious academic goals and a clear plan for integrating EAP studies into the student's UC degree program
  • Social and cross-cultural sensitivity; maturity; ability to adapt successfully to a different environment and an new education system; ability to assess and exhibit appropriate behavior in a variety of situations
  • A willingness to abide by program regulations
  • An endorsement by the Campus EAP Selection Committee and completion of all campus-specific requirements (an interview may be required)

Deadlines

Application deadlines and information on the application process are available through your Campus EAP Office. Supplemental predeparture materials will be required for many programs, including, but not limited to, host institution applications, visa and housing applications, medical clearances, etc.

For participation in the program, you must meet all deadlines and submit complete application materials.

Visit your Campus EAP Office for more information: