Feminist Investigative Journalism Scholarship: A Path to Justice-Focused Reporting

The field of journalism is constantly evolving, with new opportunities emerging for those passionate about uncovering truth and driving social change. One such significant opportunity is the Feminist Investigative Journalism Scholarship, a program designed to empower individuals dedicated to using data-driven reporting and investigative techniques for social justice. This scholarship, offered in partnership with the Institute for Journalism and Social Change (IJSC) and the SOAS MA Global Data Journalism Online program, aims to support aspiring journalists, researchers, and activists. It specifically focuses on amplifying voices and advancing gender justice, LGBTQI rights, and the stories of underrepresented communities.

Understanding the Feminist Investigative Journalism Scholarship

This scholarship is more than just financial aid; it’s a comprehensive program for individuals eager to develop specialized skills in investigative journalism, data analysis, and feminist reporting. The partnership between the IJSC and SOAS MA Global Data Journalism Online provides a unique blend of academic rigor and practical application. The IJSC, a collaborative body of journalists, activists, and researchers, brings real-world investigative experience to the program. This scholarship is particularly valuable for those looking to build careers in human rights reporting, gender justice advocacy, NGO communications, and cross-border investigative projects.

Scholarship Value and Benefits

The Feminist Investigative Journalism Scholarship offers substantial benefits designed to support students both academically and professionally. The primary benefit is the full coverage of tuition fees for the SOAS MA Global Data Journalism Online program, valued at £12,000. This removes a major financial barrier for postgraduate study. Beyond tuition, recipients gain access to invaluable IJSC networking and training events. These events connect students with experienced journalists, editors, and social justice organizations, fostering crucial professional relationships.

The SOAS MA Global Data Journalism Online Programme

The SOAS MA Global Data Journalism Online programme, developed in collaboration with the IJSC, centers on journalism that is global in scope, data-informed, and committed to justice. It is ideal for students who want to understand how journalism can expose wrongdoing, challenge prevailing narratives, and support marginalized populations. The online format offers flexibility, allowing students to study from anywhere in the world, making it accessible to a diverse range of applicants who may not be able to relocate for study.

The program begins in September 2026 and can be completed either full-time over one year or part-time over two years. This structure accommodates individuals balancing study with work, family, or other commitments. With only two scholarships available, applicants are encouraged to prepare thorough and compelling applications that highlight their passion and potential.

Why This Scholarship is Important

Journalism serves as a critical tool for exposing injustice and holding institutions accountable. However, communities most affected by injustice are often underrepresented in mainstream media. This scholarship aims to address this gap by supporting individuals who can bring lived experience, ethical reporting practices, and feminist analysis to investigative journalism. The program is particularly relevant for those interested in reporting on women’s rights, LGBTQI rights, social inequality, Global South perspectives, and donor accountability.

Reasons to Apply

Applying for the Feminist Investigative Journalism Scholarship offers several compelling advantages. Firstly, it provides specialized training in investigative and data journalism, equipping students with the skills to uncover evidence-based stories using data, research, and digital tools. Secondly, the program emphasizes feminist and decolonized approaches to journalism. This means critically examining how power, history, and identity shape narratives, and striving to tell stories with greater inclusivity and context.

The online delivery of the program is another significant benefit, offering accessibility to a global applicant pool. Finally, the scholarship values the integration of lived experience into journalism. It recognizes that individuals who have experienced or witnessed injustice can bring unique insights and urgency to their reporting, leading to more impactful stories. The skills gained can support diverse career paths, including global journalism, human rights advocacy, and policy research.

Eligibility and Application Process

To be eligible for the scholarship, applicants must possess a minimum of a 2:2 UK undergraduate degree or an international equivalent. Crucially, applicants must also separately apply to the SOAS MA Global Data Journalism Online program, as scholarship awards are contingent upon admission to the MA program. The application for the scholarship requires submitting a CV and responding to three written questions, each between 300 and 400 words.

The application questions are designed to assess an applicant’s understanding of lived experience in journalism, their specific interest in gender justice through investigative and data journalism, and their critical thinking about media representation. The deadline for applications is 6pm GMT on May 31st, 2026. Given the limited number of scholarships, applicants should focus on crafting clear, specific, and personal responses that align with the scholarship’s mission.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Feminist Investigative Journalism Scholarship?

It’s a program that helps aspiring journalists and activists develop skills in investigative journalism and data analysis to report on social justice issues, particularly gender justice and LGBTQI rights.

What does the scholarship cover?

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

Who is eligible for this scholarship?

To be eligible, you need at least a 2:2 UK undergraduate degree or its international equivalent, and you must also apply and be accepted into the SOAS MA Global Data Journalism Online program.