Funding opportunities for MA degrees in journalism
Loan and scholarship funding is available for some students taking taught postgraduate degrees at Sheffield - some exclusively for journalism students. Read on to find out more.
The Department of Journalism Studies believes journalism can only fulfil its duties to a democratic society when it is equipped to represent a plurality of voices. We are deeply committed to ensuring that students from a wide range of backgrounds have the opportunity to study with us.
We work with our faculty and community to promote higher education to groups where participation is lower, and we strongly support the funding opportunities below which address this imperative.
Download this information as a PDF booklet
University of Sheffield funding sources
The Dan Walker Journalism Scholarship
Degree course: MA Broadcast Journalism
Students: home fee paying
Value: £10,000
Deadline: 23 June 2021
As well as £10,000 in funding, the scholarship includes personal mentoring from the BBC's Dan Walker, who completed our Broadcast course to prepare for his career in journalism.
Two awards are available. The scholarship is open to high-achieving students and those from social groups that are underrepresented in higher education. Click through below to find out more.
The Dan Walker Journalism Scholarship
Sheffield Postgraduate Scholarship
Degree course: all
Students: home fee paying
Value: £10,000
Deadline: 10 May 2021
The University of Sheffield awards more than 100 scholarships to students who either:
- belong to a group that's underrepresented in taught postgraduate study; or
- achieve a first in their undergraduate degree
Hit the link below to find out whether you can apply.
Sheffield Postgraduate Scholarship
Alumni Rewards
Degree course: all
Students: University of Sheffield graduates
Value: up to 20% of tuition fee
Deadline: see link below
The University of Sheffield offers a fee reduction to postgraduate students who have taken an undergraduate degree at the University.
International Merit Postgraduate Scholarship
Degree course all
Students international
Value 25% of tuition fee
Deadline 17 May 2021
In 2021 the University of Sheffield will offer 150 merit awards to international postgraduates. Check the link to see if you're eligible.
International Merit Postgraduate Scholarships
International Postgraduate Taught Scholarship
Degree course all
Students Africa; east, south and south-east Asia; Latin America; EU and EEA
Value £2,000
Deadline 18 June 2021 (to accept your offer of a place on a course)
Discounts of £2,000 will be applied by the University of Sheffield to all postgraduate tuition fees for international students who meet the criteria. See the website for more information.
International Postgraduate Taught Scholarships
External funding sources
Postgraduate student loans
Degree course: all
Students: home fee paying
Value: tbc for 2021 (was £11,222 for 2020)
Deadline: see link below
Repayable loans similar to those available for undergraduate study are available for taught postgraduate study. Terms and values differ for students from the UK's four constituent nations – check the website for more information.
Scott Trust bursaries
Degree course: MA Journalism
Students: UK
Value: £6,000 + tuition fees
Deadline: 2 May 2021
The Scott Trust Ltd, owner of Guardian Media Group plc, offers bursaries at the University of Sheffield each year for aspiring journalists to study for a postgraduate qualification in journalism. These awards actively seek applicants from groups who are underrepresented in the profession. Some of our former students who received Scott Trust bursaries include:
- Homa Khaleeli, commissioning editor, Guardian G2
- Michael Savage, political correspondent, The Times
- Helia Phoenix, editor, Welsh Assembly website
BAFTA Scholarship Programme
Degree course: MA Broadcast Journalism
Students: UK
Value: up to £12,000
Deadline: 26 May 2021
This award from the British Academy of Film and Television Arts (BAFTA) also offers mentoring support from a BAFTA member and free access to BAFTA events around the UK.
Journalism Diversity Fund
Degree course: MA Journalism
Students: UK
Value: tuition fees + some living expenses
Deadline: several cohorts through the year; check website for details
The Journalism Diversity Fund seeks to widen the social make-up of professional journalism. The fund offers financial support to students who may be unable to pay for NCTJ training courses.
The George Viner Memorial Fund
Degree course: all
Students: all
Value: various
Deadline: tbc for 2021
The George Viner Memorial Fund was set up by the National Union of Journalists specifically to help broaden the ethnic diversity of journalists working in the media in the UK and Ireland. We will post information here if the awards become available again in 2021.
The Orwell Society Bursary for Journalism
Degree course: all
Students: UK
Value: £3,000
Deadline: 9 April 2021
The Orwell Society offers a bursary of £3,000 for the best application which demonstrates an understanding of George Orwell's work and approach to journalism.
The Aziz Foundation Scholarship
Degree course: all
Students: British Muslims
Value: tuition fee
Deadline: 31 March 2021 (cycle 1), 16 July 2021 (cycle 2)
This scholarship offers financial and professional support to British Muslims who are dedicated to bringing positive change to society. The postgraduate scholarships are for students with career aspirations in law, media, journalism or policy.
Aziz Foundation Scholarship
Postgraduate taught scholarships
Explore scholarships for postgraduate taught courses starting in 2022, including:
- 100+ scholarships worth £10,000 each for home fee-paying students
- 125 scholarships worth 25 per cent of the tuition fee for international students