Assembly funds politics students

About 10 students would do the course each year

The Northern Ireland Assembly is to pay students to do post-graduate degrees in politics.

Almost £500,000 is being allotted to up to 30 students to study at Queen's University Belfast and do work experience at Stormont.

Up to 10 students each year would do the masters course in legislative studies and practice and all would get bursaries of £15,000.

The bursaries would pay their fees and leave over £11,000 for living expenses.

The course is thought to be the first of its kind in the UK or Ireland.

Its aims are to explain the historical and political contexts in which the Assembly operates and a develop a detailed understanding among students of politics in practice.

The Speaker of the assembly, Wiliam Hay, said it was a unique course and a "wonderful opportunity for students".

'Chalk face'

He said it would prepare them for a career in politics and the civil service.

The MA will start as a joint venture with Queens University but the speaker said, in time, it would be broadened out to the University of Ulster.

The course will involve:

• Three months spent in three of the Assembly's business areas

• An original piece of research with the subject to be agreed with the Assembly

• Academic modules to be completed at Queen's.

Queen's vice-chancellor Professor Peter Gregson said the course was ground-breaking.

"It will provide the opportunity for tomorrow's leaders to develop their knowledge of practical politics in a legislative setting, equipping them with a set of analytical, intellectual, organisational and communication skills that will better equip them for the job market.

"The MA will marry the 'chalk board' study of politics with the 'chalk face' of real world politics," he said.

Applicants for the course will be required to have at least a 2.1 Honours degree at undergraduate level in politics, European studies, international studies, philosophy or another relevant subject.

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