2024 Scott Trust Bursary

Full Job Description

Six bursaries to help aspiring journalists break into the media.

The Guardian Foundation is this year offering six bursaries for aspiring journalists to study for an MA in journalism. The primary aim of these bursary awards is to assist students who face financial difficulty in attaining the qualifications needed to pursue a career in journalism, and who come from backgrounds that are underrepresented in the media. In particular those from a lower socio-economic background, Black, Asian, minority ethnic, LGBTQ+ and people with a disability. As such we will only accept applications from candidates who meet one or more of these criteria. 

The following courses are eligible for the Bursary, and one bursary is available per institution - there is no limit to the number of universities you would like to be considered for. 

• City, University of London, MA Newspaper Journalism , entry 2:1
• Goldsmiths College, University of London, MA Journalism , entry 2:1
• University of Sheffield, MA Journalism , entry 2:1 
• Birmingham City University, MA Data journalism , entry 2:1 
• Leeds Trinity University, MA Journalism , entry 2:1 
• Manchester Metropolitan University, MA Multimedia Journalism , entry 2:2 

Three out of the six places will be awarded to Black aspiring journalists as part of the Scott Trust Legacies of Enslavement programme . The other three places are open to anyone from a background underrepresented in the media.

To see if you are eligible to apply, please check our FAQ’s page . 

About the bursaries

The bursaries pay all course tuition fees and provide a subsistence allowance of £6,741 minimum towards living expenses. In addition, candidates take part in up to six weeks of work placement at Guardian News & Media and are paired with a Guardian mentor. 

The opportunity also provides the possibility of a paid fixed-term contract at the Guardian, following the successful completion of the scheme. 

Past beneficiaries of the bursary awards have gone on to successful careers at a variety of media organisations, including the Guardian.

Eminent Guardian journalists who have benefitted from this scheme include Gary Younge, Mustafa Khalili, Pippa Crerar, Homa Khaleeli, Tania Branigan, Poppy Noor and Lanre Bakare.

The selection criteria (inclusive of university entrance criteria) are as follows: 

• You will be a graduate in any subject, with the permanent right of residence in the United Kingdom .
• You will have paid or unpaid experience in journalism and built up an impressive portfolio - either news or features-focused (or a combination). This could include blogging in your spare time, writing for student newspapers, video, podcasts, or placements at local newspapers, radio or TV.
• You will be able to demonstrate that without financial support you would be unable to pursue a Master’s qualification.
• You identify as being part of one or more of the following under-represented groups; Black, Asian, minority ethnic, LGBTQ+, disabled, or from a low socio-economic background.
• You will qualify for home fees .
• You have the right to work in the UK at the time of application.
• You will not already have a Masters degree or other postgraduate qualification. 

This scheme is open to those who have already completed their degree and those who are still currently studying. Please note that you must have graduated before the Masters course starts. We do not accept deferred applications. 

Recruitment process:

We hope to hold in-person interviews in mid-late June. If possible, these will take place in-person in Birmingham, Leeds, London, Manchester & Sheffield. Virtual interviews will be considered on a case-by-case basis. 

Under certain circumstances, we can cover part or all of your travel costs to enable you to attend an interview. If you have any questions please get in touch. 

Application process and guidance:

Applicants will need to submit / complete the following:

• CV - no cover letter is needed!
• Up to three pieces of work for consideration published or unpublished. We recommend submitting a variety of work in terms of subject matter and style to best demonstrate your range - we accept written work, videos and podcasts. For multimedia pieces please specify a time stamp and link to be considered.
• Complete the application questionnaire, providing details of your education, career, motivation and financial situation. You will have visibility of these questions once you start your application.
• Diversity information questionnaire (there is the option of selecting ‘prefer not to say’ for all questions).

Applications missing any of these items will not be considered.

If the diversity questionnaire has not been completed you will not be able to submit your application. You will receive a confirmation email when your application has been submitted. If you have any queries or concerns about your submission, please contact us at  

For more information about the application process please visit our frequently asked questions page here . 

All roles at the Guardian Foundation are open for everybody to apply. It is important to us that you feel supported and comfortable throughout your recruitment process, in order to perform your best. Please let us know if there are any changes we could make to the application process to make it easier and more comfortable for you. Please contact Rose on to discuss further so we can work with you to support you through your application.

The closing date for applications is 5pm on 25th March 2024.

The Guardian Foundation is an independent charity which supports media under threat, promotes diversity in the media and empowers children and young people to engage with the news.

For further information please email: