Applications are now open for the Feminist Investigative Journalism Scholarship 2026, a fully funded opportunity offered through the Institute for Journalism and Social Change in partnership with SOAS University of London.
The scholarship supports students enrolling in the SOAS MA Global Data Journalism Online programme and is designed for aspiring journalists, researchers, activists, storytellers, and advocates who want to use investigative journalism to expose injustice and drive social change.
With a strong focus on gender justice, women’s rights, LGBTQI rights, and marginalized communities, this opportunity goes beyond academic study. It combines full tuition support, mentorship, professional networking, and hands-on investigative journalism experience.
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About the Feminist Investigative Journalism Scholarship
The Feminist Investigative Journalism Scholarship aims to empower people who want to use journalism as a tool for accountability, human rights advocacy, and systemic change.
The scholarship is linked to the SOAS MA Global Data Journalism Online programme, which is delivered in collaboration with the Institute for Journalism and Social Change (IJSC). The programme focuses on investigative reporting, data journalism, global storytelling, and socially conscious reporting practices.
Unlike many scholarships that only provide financial support, this programme also offers students access to professional journalism networks, mentoring opportunities, collaborative investigations, and publication-focused projects.
This makes it an excellent opportunity for people interested in careers such as:
- Investigative journalism
- Data journalism
- Human rights reporting
- NGO communications
- Gender justice advocacy
- Social justice media
- Research and policy advocacy
- Cross-border investigative reporting
Scholarship Benefits
Successful applicants for the Feminist Investigative Journalism Scholarship 2026 will receive several major benefits.
1. Full Tuition Coverage
The scholarship covers 100% of tuition fees for the SOAS MA Global Data Journalism Online programme.
The total tuition value is £12,000, removing one of the biggest financial barriers to postgraduate education.
2. Access to Networking and Training Opportunities
Recipients will gain access to IJSC networking and training events where they can connect with:
- Journalists
- Editors
- Researchers
- Activists
- Media professionals
- Social justice organizations
These connections can help students build strong professional relationships and future career opportunities.
3. Mentorship and Career Guidance
Students will also receive mentorship from IJSC associates and advisors. This support can help participants strengthen their:
- Investigative reporting skills
- Data journalism techniques
- Story development
- Ethical journalism practices
- Career direction
- Publishing opportunities
4. Practical Journalism Projects
One of the strongest parts of the scholarship is the opportunity to work on practical investigative projects for publication.
Previous IJSC investigations have received international attention from media outlets such as Al Jazeera and The Guardian.
Some investigations have even contributed to policy and funding changes related to human rights and LGBTQI advocacy.
About the SOAS MA Global Data Journalism Online Programme
The programme begins in September 2026 and is delivered fully online, allowing students to study remotely from anywhere in the world.
Students can choose between:
- Full-time study: 1 year
- Part-time study: 2 years
The flexible online format is especially useful for applicants balancing work, activism, family responsibilities, or freelance journalism.
The programme emphasizes:
- Data-driven storytelling
- Investigative journalism
- Feminist reporting
- Decolonized journalism approaches
- Global perspectives
- Cross-border collaboration
Why You Should Apply
The Feminist Investigative Journalism Scholarship is ideal for applicants who want to create meaningful impact through journalism.
Students will learn how to investigate complex issues using:
- Public records
- Data analysis
- Digital research tools
- Cross-border evidence
- Collaborative reporting methods
The programme also encourages students to think critically about power, representation, inequality, and media narratives.
Applicants with lived experience connected to injustice, discrimination, inequality, or underrepresented communities are especially encouraged to apply. The scholarship values perspectives that can help journalism become more ethical, inclusive, and impactful.
Eligibility Requirements
To qualify, applicants must have:
- A minimum 2:2 UK undergraduate degree, or
- An equivalent international qualification
Applicants must also separately apply for admission into the SOAS MA Global Data Journalism Online programme. Scholarship awards are conditional upon gaining admission into the programme.
Application Process
Applicants must complete the online scholarship application form and submit:
- Their CV
- Responses to three written questions
Each written response should contain 300–400 words.
The questions focus on:
- How the scholarship will help applicants use their lived experience in journalism
- Their interest in investigative and data journalism for gender justice
- An example of a story that needed a stronger feminist reporting approach
Because only two scholarships are available, applicants should ensure their responses are thoughtful, personal, and well-structured.
Application Deadline
The deadline for the Feminist Investigative Journalism Scholarship 2026 is:
6pm GMT on 31st May 2026
Applicants are encouraged to prepare their materials early and avoid rushed submissions.
Conclusion
The Feminist Investigative Journalism Scholarship offers more than financial support. It provides aspiring journalists and advocates with the skills, mentorship, networks, and practical experience needed to investigate injustice and tell impactful stories.
For students passionate about gender justice, human rights, investigative reporting, and data journalism, this fully funded opportunity at SOAS can open doors to meaningful global work and long-term career growth.
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