Leeds Trinity University is supporting efforts to increase diversity and representation in the media by partnering with The Guardian Foundation to offer a space on its MA Journalism degree, fully funded by the Scott Trust Bursary scheme, for a second consecutive year. 

Aimed at people from a lower socio-economic background, Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic (BAME) backgrounds, the LGBTQ+ community and people with a disability, the scheme offers fully funded tuition fees, living expenses, mentoring and work placements at the Guardian, as well as an opportunity for a fixed-term contract with the Guardian commencing after graduation. 

Introduced in 1988, the Scott Trust Bursary Scheme has provided opportunities to over 140 students from underrepresented backgrounds so far. The scheme became available to Leeds Trinity for the first time in the 2023/24 academic year with a place offered on the University’s MA Journalism programme, supporting the University’s commitment to advancing and promoting equity and social justice. Leeds Trinity is one of three universities in the north of England, and one of seven nationally, to offer a place via the scheme. 

Mimi Ibrahim was the first recipient of the bursary to complete the one-year degree at Leeds Trinity and is due to graduate in December. Having successfully completed her university coursework, Mimi will soon start a nine-month placement at the Guardian, working in different areas of the newsroom and further developing her journalistic skills. 

This year, Sundus Abdi will become the second student to study at the University through the scheme. Inspired by her desire to expand her knowledge of the world and a love for storytelling, Sundus has had a strong desire for a career in journalism since childhood. She achieved her undergraduate degree at the University of Birmingham and gained real-world experience through the Guardian’s Positive Action scheme, which enabled her to work in a newsroom alongside seasoned professionals. 

Sundus Abdi said: "Receiving the Scott Trust Bursary is a pivotal opportunity for me to grow as a journalist and be a part of a network of talented journalists. Without the financial support from The Guardian Foundation, I wouldn’t be able to break into journalism and start my career. I’m incredibly excited to pick up multimedia skills during my MA at Leeds Trinity and to apply them during work placements at The Guardian." 

Andrew Glover, Programme Leader for MA Journalism at Leeds Trinity University, said: “Leeds Trinity University’s Centre for Journalism participated in a thorough selection process before being accepted by the Guardian Foundation to the Scott Trust Bursary scheme, and I am pleased the pilot year worked as well as it did. Mimi Ibrahim performed brilliantly and I have no doubt she will excel in the media industry. 

“I am delighted that Sundus Abdi has been successful this year. Every applicant for the bursary must go through a series of interviews and tasks, and Sundus produced a fantastic portfolio of published work. I look forward to working with her this academic year.” 

Kelly Walls, Executive Director at The Guardian Foundation, said: “I’m delighted to welcome Sundus onto the Scott Trust Bursary scheme. Over the years, the bursary scheme has assisted over 140 students from backgrounds underrepresented in the media, offering funding and experience at a level unmatched by any other UK journalism scholarship. We are committed to removing barriers to entry into journalism, so it's great to be able to work with Leeds Trinity for a second year. Sundus will be joining a long list of previous recipients who have gone on to become accomplished journalists at the Guardian, Financial Times, BBC and more." 

Leeds Trinity University’s Journalism offering is ranked number one in the UK in the Guardian University Guide, reflecting an outstanding reputation for vocational training, professional work placements and mentoring opportunities. For more information about courses available at the Centre for Journalism, visit the Leeds Trinity University website.