IJSC Feminist Investigative Journalism Scholarships for MA Students 2026

The Institute for Journalism and Social Change (IJSC) is offering scholarships for MA students interested in feminist investigative journalism. This opportunity allows aspiring journalists to pursue an MA in Global Data Journalism (Online) from SOAS, University of London, while working on impactful cross-border investigative projects. The program is designed for individuals passionate about using their lived experiences to inform their journalism, with a particular encouragement for those from communities historically underrepresented in media, such as women and LGBTQI individuals in the Global South.

Program Overview

The MA Global Data Journalism (Online) is a collaborative effort between SOAS and the IJSC. The IJSC brings together journalists, activists, and researchers to work on projects that promote social justice, with a specific focus on gender justice. This online program allows students to study from anywhere in the world. It emphasizes practical application and aims to equip students with the skills needed for impactful investigative journalism.

Scholarship Benefits

Successful scholarship recipients will have their full tuition fees covered, a value of £12,000. Beyond financial support, the scholarship offers valuable professional development opportunities. These include participation in IJSC networking and training events, as well as mentorship and career advice from IJSC associates and advisors. Scholars will also gain experience working on practical projects intended for publication. Past IJSC investigations have garnered significant media attention from outlets like Al Jazeera, The Guardian, and Mail & Guardian, leading to tangible real-world changes. For instance, an IJSC investigation in 2023 prompted Norway, Denmark, and Sweden to alter their funding practices after it was revealed they were indirectly supporting anti-LGBT groups in Uganda, contradicting their own stated commitments.

Eligibility Requirements

To be considered for the scholarship, applicants must hold a minimum of a 2:2 UK undergraduate degree or its international equivalent. It is important to note that scholarship awards are contingent upon gaining admission to the SOAS MA program. Therefore, applicants will need to separately apply for and be accepted into the MA in Global Data Journalism (Online) before the scholarship can be confirmed.

Application Process

The application for the IJSC Feminist Investigative Journalism Scholarships involves completing an online form. Within this form, applicants will be asked to submit their CV and respond to three essay questions. Each response should be between 300 and 400 words. The questions are designed to assess the applicant’s suitability for the program and their commitment to feminist investigative journalism. They will ask candidates to explain how the scholarship would enable them to apply their lived experiences to impactful journalism, detail their specific interest in investigative and data journalism for gender justice, and provide an example of a story they believe could have been improved with a feminist perspective, explaining why.