The University partnered with the Guardian Foundation in March 2023 with an aim to increase diversity and representation in the media. The bursary scheme provides opportunities to higher education for people from disadvantaged backgrounds, Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic backgrounds, the LGBTQ+ community and people with a disability. It also offers fully funded tuition fees, living expenses, mentoring and work placements at the Guardian.

As a child Mimi had ambitions of becoming a journalist, but instead opted to study history at undergraduate level as she felt it was a “safer” option. However, after graduating, she rediscovered her love for writing whilst working in a communications role, in which she was able to develop skills and a strong portfolio of work which helped her secure a place on the Scott Trust Bursary scheme.

Attracted to Leeds Trinity due to the Centre for Journalism’s reputation for providing high-quality practical learning opportunities, Mimi quickly advanced her skills and confidence as a journalist through pitching ideas and gathering content for busy news days and the support of her lecturers. Originally feeling most comfortable with written work, Mimi also developed a “real love” for TV and radio production, both mediums in which she’d like to pursue a career.

Upon completing her coursework in September, Mimi started a nine-month internship at the Guardian, offered as part of the Scott Trust Bursary Scheme, where she is now applying her newly honed talents while sampling more of what journalism has to offer in different areas of the newsroom.

Mimi Ibrahim said: “I am so grateful I got on to the Scott Trust Bursary Scheme because it made pursuing a career in journalism possible for me. I had the best year of my life at Leeds Trinity – I had so much fun, I learnt a lot, I grew a lot both personally and professionally, and I had some fantastic course mates around me. In my opinion, the opportunities for journalism and media students at Leeds Trinity are the best on offer. My favourite element was the news days, that’s when I really felt like I was a journalist and as though I was learning the most. They pushed me out of my comfort zone and the support from all the lecturers was great. They all have their own individual specialties, and I appreciated every conversation I had with them. I really felt as though they had my best interests at heart, and the time and effort they put into everything never went unnoticed. I definitely have an affection for Leeds now, and I really enjoyed every second of my course.”

Andrew Glover, Programme Leader for MA Journalism at Leeds Trinity University, said: “The most satisfying part of Mimi’s time at Leeds Trinity was how she appreciated the skills developed during her degree made her perfectly qualified and able to tackle roles and jobs in a professional working environment at The Guardian. This is so important – we must remain relevant and in tune with industry requirements. I am pleased the pilot year of the Scott Trust Bursary scheme at Leeds Trinity worked as well as it did – Mimi performed brilliantly, and I have no doubt she will excel in the media industry.”

Leeds Trinity University’s Centre for Journalism has the number one Journalism offering in the UK, according to the Guardian University Guide 2025.

For more information on the Journalism courses at Leeds Trinity, visit the University’s Journalism webpage.