Feminist Investigative Journalism Scholarship: A Path to Impactful Reporting

The field of journalism is constantly evolving, and with it, the tools and approaches used to uncover truth and hold power accountable. For those passionate about social justice and driven to expose inequality, the Feminist Investigative Journalism Scholarship presents a unique opportunity. This scholarship, offered through the Institute for Journalism and Social Change (IJSC) in partnership with the SOAS MA Global Data Journalism Online program, is designed to equip individuals with the skills needed for impactful, data-driven investigative work. It specifically champions journalism that advances gender justice, protects human rights, and amplifies underrepresented voices.

Understanding the Feminist Investigative Journalism Scholarship

This scholarship is more than just financial aid; it’s a comprehensive program aimed at fostering a new generation of journalists. It supports individuals who wish to pursue the SOAS MA Global Data Journalism Online degree while simultaneously honing their abilities in investigative reporting, data analysis, and cross-border storytelling from a feminist perspective. The IJSC, a collaborative body of journalists, activists, and researchers, provides a supportive environment for powerful investigations and joint projects. The scholarship is geared towards those who see journalism as a potent instrument for achieving justice and social change.

Key Benefits and Value of the Scholarship

Recipients of the Feminist Investigative Journalism Scholarship gain access to a wealth of resources that extend beyond academic learning. The scholarship covers the full tuition fees for the SOAS MA Global Data Journalism Online program, valued at £12,000. This removes a significant financial barrier for many aspiring postgraduate students. Beyond tuition, scholars benefit from invaluable networking and training events organized by the IJSC. These events offer direct connections with experienced journalists, editors, researchers, and social justice organizations, creating a strong professional network.

Furthermore, mentorship and career advice are provided by IJSC associates and advisors. This guidance is crucial for developing investigative story ideas, refining data journalism skills, and navigating the ethical complexities of reporting. A particularly strong component of the scholarship is the opportunity to work on practical projects intended for publication. Past IJSC investigations have garnered international attention from major outlets like Al Jazeera and The Guardian, demonstrating the real-world impact such work can achieve. These projects have even influenced policy and funding practices, highlighting the tangible outcomes of rigorous, justice-oriented journalism.

The SOAS MA Global Data Journalism Online Programme

The SOAS MA Global Data Journalism Online program, developed in collaboration with the IJSC, focuses on journalism that is globally aware, data-informed, and committed to social justice. It is ideal for students aiming to understand how journalism can challenge dominant narratives and support marginalized communities. The online format ensures accessibility for individuals worldwide, allowing them to study remotely without the need for relocation. This flexibility is particularly beneficial for those balancing study with work, family, or other commitments. The program begins in September 2026 and can be completed either full-time in one year or part-time over two years.

Why This Scholarship is Important

Journalism serves as a critical tool for exposing injustice and ensuring institutional accountability. However, communities most affected by injustice are often underrepresented in mainstream media. This scholarship aims to bridge that gap by supporting individuals who can bring lived experience, ethical reporting practices, and feminist analysis to investigative journalism. It is especially relevant for those interested in reporting on women’s rights, LGBTQI rights, social inequality, and global perspectives, using data-driven methods to uncover and present compelling stories.

Reasons to Apply for the Scholarship

There are compelling reasons for aspiring journalists to apply for this scholarship. Firstly, the program offers specialized training in investigative and data journalism, teaching students how to craft evidence-based stories that expose societal issues. This includes working with data sets, public records, and digital research tools, which are increasingly essential in modern investigations. Secondly, the curriculum emphasizes feminist and decolonized approaches to journalism. This perspective encourages critical thinking about representation, power dynamics, and historical context, ensuring that stories are told with depth and sensitivity, avoiding the reproduction of harm.

Thirdly, the fully online delivery of the program makes it accessible to a global audience, overcoming geographical and logistical barriers. This allows students to engage in meaningful cross-border projects from their own locations. Finally, the scholarship values the integration of lived experience into journalism. It recognizes that individuals who have directly experienced or witnessed injustice can bring unique insights, urgency, and a deeper understanding to their reporting. This can lead to more authentic and impactful storytelling. The skills gained can support diverse career paths, including global and investigative journalism, data analysis, NGO work, human rights advocacy, and policy research.

Eligibility and Application Process

To be eligible for the Feminist Investigative Journalism Scholarship, applicants must meet the academic requirements for the SOAS MA Global Data Journalism Online program, typically a minimum of a 2:2 UK undergraduate degree or its international equivalent. Importantly, scholarship applicants must also separately apply for admission to the MA program, as scholarship awards are contingent upon acceptance into the degree. The application for the scholarship involves completing an online form that requires a CV and responses to three written questions, each between 300 and 400 words. These questions focus on how lived experience can be applied to journalism, specific interests in investigative and data journalism for gender justice, and an analysis of a story that could have been improved with a feminist approach.

Application Deadline

The deadline to submit applications for the Feminist Investigative Journalism Scholarship is 6pm GMT on May 31st, 2026. Given the limited number of scholarships available, applicants are strongly encouraged to prepare their materials well in advance. Crafting clear, specific, and personal responses that directly address the scholarship’s objectives is essential for a strong application.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Feminist Investigative Journalism Scholarship?

It’s a scholarship for the SOAS MA Global Data Journalism Online program, designed to train journalists in data-driven investigative reporting with a focus on gender justice and human rights.

What does the scholarship cover?

The scholarship covers the full tuition fees for the SOAS MA Global Data Journalism Online program, valued at £12,000.

Who is eligible to apply?

Applicants must meet the academic requirements for the SOAS MA program and separately apply for the scholarship, demonstrating their interest in feminist investigative journalism.