Feminist Investigative Journalism Scholarship: Your Path to Data-Driven Social Justice Reporting in 2026

Feminist Investigative Journalism Scholarship Offers Path to Data-Driven Social Justice Reporting

The field of journalism is constantly evolving, with new tools and approaches emerging to help reporters uncover truths and hold power accountable. For those passionate about social justice and driven by a desire to expose inequality, a unique opportunity awaits. The Feminist Investigative Journalism Scholarship, offered in partnership with the SOAS MA Global Data Journalism Online program, is designed to equip individuals with the skills needed to conduct impactful, data-driven investigations. This scholarship is more than just financial aid; it’s a gateway to developing a career focused on amplifying underrepresented voices and challenging harmful systems.

Understanding the Feminist Investigative Journalism Scholarship

This scholarship is a collaborative effort between the Institute for Journalism and Social Change (IJSC) and the SOAS MA Global Data Journalism Online program. It aims to support aspiring journalists, researchers, activists, and storytellers who are committed to using investigative and data journalism to address issues of gender justice, protect human rights, and give voice to communities often overlooked by mainstream media. The program emphasizes a feminist and decolonized approach to reporting, encouraging critical thinking about power structures and representation in storytelling.

Value and Benefits of the Scholarship

Recipients of the Feminist Investigative Journalism Scholarship receive substantial benefits that extend beyond academic tuition. The scholarship covers 100% of the tuition fees for the SOAS MA Global Data Journalism Online program, valued at £12,000. This significant financial support removes a major barrier to postgraduate education. Beyond tuition, scholars gain access to invaluable networking and training events hosted by the IJSC, providing opportunities to connect with experienced journalists, editors, activists, and social justice organizations. Furthermore, recipients benefit from dedicated mentorship and career advice from IJSC associates, helping them refine their investigative ideas, reporting strategies, and ethical practices. A key component of the scholarship is the opportunity to work on practical projects intended for publication, allowing students to build a portfolio of impactful work that has previously gained attention from major outlets like Al Jazeera and The Guardian.

The SOAS MA Global Data Journalism Online Programme

The SOAS MA Global Data Journalism Online program, developed with the IJSC, focuses on journalism that is globally aware, data-informed, and committed to social justice. It is particularly suited for individuals who want to understand how journalism can expose injustice, challenge dominant narratives, and support marginalized communities. The program’s online format offers flexibility, allowing students to study from anywhere in the world. This accessibility is crucial for those who cannot relocate due to financial constraints, visa issues, work commitments, or family responsibilities. The program begins in September 2026 and can be completed either full-time in one year or part-time over two years, accommodating diverse student needs.

Why This Scholarship is Important

Journalism serves as a powerful tool for exposing wrongdoing and demanding accountability from institutions. However, communities most affected by injustice are frequently underrepresented in media coverage. This scholarship aims to rectify that by supporting individuals who can bring their lived experiences, ethical reporting standards, and feminist analysis to investigative journalism. It is especially relevant for those interested in reporting on women’s rights, LGBTQI rights, social inequality, Global South perspectives, donor accountability, and human rights issues, using data-driven methods to uncover compelling stories.

Reasons to Apply for the Scholarship

There are compelling reasons for individuals to pursue the Feminist Investigative Journalism Scholarship. Firstly, the program equips students with specialized investigative and data journalism skills, teaching them how to use data, research, and storytelling to expose critical issues. This is essential in modern journalism, which increasingly relies on working with data sets, public records, and collaborative reporting methods. Secondly, the curriculum promotes a feminist and decolonized approach to journalism, encouraging students to question who is represented, whose voices are ignored, and how stories can be told with dignity and context, avoiding the reproduction of harm. Thirdly, the fully online nature of the program makes it accessible to a global audience, enabling study without the need for relocation. Finally, the scholarship values applicants who can translate their lived experiences into impactful journalism, recognizing that personal insight can lead to more profound and urgent reporting. The skills gained can support diverse career paths, including global journalism, investigative reporting, data analysis, NGO work, 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 qualification. Importantly, scholarship applicants must also separately apply and gain admission to the SOAS MA Global Data Journalism Online program. The scholarship award is contingent upon acceptance into the MA program. The application for the scholarship requires completing an online form, submitting a CV, and answering 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 availability of only two scholarships, applicants are strongly advised to prepare their materials well in advance. The application requires thoughtful and specific responses, connecting personal backgrounds and aspirations to the scholarship’s mission of promoting justice-oriented journalism.

Frequently Asked Questions