About The Bursary Programme
Course Information – MA in Legislative Studies and Practice
Aim
The programme seeks to: develop students' knowledge of the historical and political contexts - regional, national and European - in which the Northern Ireland Assembly operates; develop a detailed understanding among students of legislative practice through work-based learning in the Northern Ireland Assembly; and develop students' analytical, communication and research skills.
Course Content
Two taught modules, one nine-month placement, and a project/dissertation of 15,000 words. The two taught modules will be:
▪ Ireland in Europe
▪ The Government and Institutions of the Devolved Northern Ireland
Please note: the new first semester module, 'The Government and Institutions of the Devolved Northern Ireland' will be taught on Fridays, 3-5pm. The programme involves full-time placements of normally four days per week from September to the end of May plus attendance at weekly seminars which will be scheduled during later afternoon or early evening.
Assessment
Essays, exam, learning journals, themed report, portfolio, dissertation.
Link: Queen's University Belfast | Postgraduate Course Finder for Entry 2012 - Taught Courses
Work Placement Information
Bursary students are based in Parliament Buildings in the Stormont Estate, Belfast and work full-time, Monday to Thursday, and attend Queens University on Fridays. They work in offices within the Clerking and Reporting Directorate and the Information and Outreach Directorate and report directly to Assembly Clerks. They contribute fully to the work of the office and undertake work that allows them exposure throughout the Assembly, to gain experience of the breadth of Assembly business. During this time students undertake original research leading to the development of a dissertation, the subject of which will be agreed with the Assembly.
Link: A Week In The Life
Bursary Information
The Assembly has committed to funding up to 10 bursaries per annum with 7 bursaries awarded in the first two years of the scheme. Each bursary includes a financial award to the student of £12,000.
Link: How To Apply