BU selected to offer journalism bursaries

12 February 2010

Postgraduate journalists studying at the Media School now have the chance to apply for financial support.

Students applying to join BU’s highly respected MA Multi-Media Journalism course in September 2010 will have the opportunity to seek financial assistance in the form of a new bursary.

The Scott Trust, owner of the Guardian Media Group which publishes The Guardian and Observer newspapers, has selected BU as one of only 10 UK universities to share bursaries to enable aspiring journalists to study for a postgraduate qualification.

The primary aim of these awards is to assist students who face financial difficulty in attaining the qualifications needed to pursue a career in media. The Scott Trust is keen to reflect the society it serves and recognises that certain groups are under-represented within media. The Trust therefore encourages students from diverse social and/or ethnic backgrounds to apply.

The two bursaries pay for tuition fees and provide a subsistence allowance of £5,000. Successful applicants will also be offered work experience placements within the Guardian Media Group.

BU’s MA Multi-Media Journalism is accredited by the Broadcast Journalism Training Council and was the first course in the UK to explore the full potential of multi-platform news publishing, equipping students with the skills to cover any news story for the web, television and radio.

Our graduates have secured positions in national, international and local broadcast news, national and local newspapers and national magazines. Students have worked for the BBC, Sky, The Guardian, Marie Claire, CNN and The Irish Times to name just a few.

Phil MacGregor, Course Leader of the MA Multi-Media Journalism, said: “The bursary helps students who are ultra-talented but cannot find the money to realise their dreams. The media needs people from a variety of backgrounds – especially now the University sector is so cash-driven, and equality of opportunity is becoming such a marginal concept.”

Karen Fowler-Watt, Associate Dean (Journalism and Communication) added: "The MA Multi-Media Journalism is a leader in its field and BU is proud to be one of only 10 universities to share the Scott Trust bursaries. This link with the Trust highlights our commitment to providing opportunities for students who want to become multi-media journalists and the editorial leaders of tomorrow."

The deadline for applications is 1 March 2010. For further details, please consult the links below.