Science Journalism Studentships

What are the Science Journalism Studentships?

The Master of Arts in Science Journalism at City University London is unique in the UK educational sector and one of a very small number of similar courses across the world. The MA has been running since 2009 with UK, EU and international students.

The course gives students a thorough grounding in the best practices in health, science and environmental journalism, while teaching them to be critical consumers of scientific information.

The studentships offer financial support for two students per year to undertake a postgraduate qualification in Science Journalism (MA) at City University London, starting in September 2012:

• one UK/RoI studentship for a student covering tuition fees (£9000) plus a grant of £12 000 to cover basic living expenses
• one international studentship for a student covering tuition fees (£18 000) plus a grant of £12 000 to cover basic living expenses and £1000 towards a return flight (for eligible countries, see 'How do I apply?').

Each studentship will last one academic year.

How do I apply?

The Wellcome Trust Science Journalism Studentships are open to the following:

• UK/RoI studentships are open to applicants who are citizens of and resident in the UK or the Republic of Ireland
• international studentships are open to applicants who are citizens of and resident in India, Thailand, Laos, Vietnam, South Africa, Malawi or Kenya.

To be eligible, you must be applying for admission onto the Science Journalism MA starting in September 2012.

The studentships will be awarded on the basis of your suitability for the MA (determined by your application documents) and the benefits to you of winning a studentship. The decision will be made by a committee of staff from City University London and the Wellcome Trust.

To be considered for a Wellcome Trust Science Journalism Studentship, you must be applying for admission onto the Science Journalism MA at City University London. If you have not yet applied, please complete an application for this course according to the instructions on the City University website (click the 'How to Apply' button).

Please also submit the following two articles:

• a statement of 300 words outlining why you should be the recipient of a Wellcome Trust studentship
• an essay or feature of 500 words entitled: What is the role of a science journalist in the 21st century?

If you have already submitted an application for the Science Journalism MA, you are welcome to apply separately for a studentship. Please enclose your full name and contact details, as stated in your MA application, and email your articles to journalism@city.ac.uk with the subject line 'Wellcome Trust Science Journalism Studentships'.

If you are successful in being awarded the studentship but subsequently decline your offer of admission onto the MA course, the award of the studentship will be withdrawn and awarded to another applicant.

Applicants who hold bursaries or sponsorships awarded by other organisations are not eligible for the studentship.

What projects have been funded?

This is the first year of the Science Journalism Studentships.

Deadlines and contacts

The applications deadline is 12.00 noon GMT on 31 July 2012.

A selection committee will meet in August 2012 to select the studentship winners, and the winners will be announced shortly afterwards.

The studentship will only be awarded to an applicant who has firmly accepted their offer through payment of the deposit. (Your deposit will be refunded if you are awarded one of the studentships.)

If you are interested in making an application, please contact Josie Barnes at City University:

Josie Barnes
Postgraduate Programme Administrator
City University London
T +44 (0)20 7040 8574
E josie.barnes.1@city.ac.uk