MA in Journalism Scholarship

Independent News & Media and DCU’s School of Communications have announced the 2014 Veronica Guerin Memorial Bursary at Dublin City University. The bursary is awarded in memory of investigative journalist Veronica Guerin, who was murdered on 26 June 1996, and who served as a member of the governing body of NIHE/DCU from 1982 to 1992. The bursary is for a sum of €8,500 and is intended to meet the cost of fees and some general expenses of a prospective or present student on the MA in Journalism at the School of Communications, Dublin City University who wishes to specialize in investigative journalism. The bursary award scheme was initiated in 2007.

By the deadline, noon on 30th May, 2014, applicants must propose an outline of their major project/dissertation on a topic or in a format relevant to the memory of Veronica Guerin. This, for example, might be a series of five investigative features or an in-depth radio documentary or an academic study of the practice of investigative journalism. The panel of assessors, including representatives of Independent News & Media and DCU’s School of Communications, will make its selection on the overall quality of applications, taking particular account of (a) the rationale and clarity of the proposal; (b) its proposed methodology; (c) the investigation/research plan, including possible sources; (d) academic and/or professional performance to date; and (e) the suggested place of publication for proposals in journalism formats. Applicants may refer to journalism or research they have done that is relevant to their proposal. Applications are invited from individuals who have worked in some capacity as journalists and who wish to be registered on DCU’s Masters in Journalism programme (PAC code DC600) in the academic year 2014-2015. Programme entry requirements are available on the DCU website.

The successful candidate for the scholarship will have a place reserved on the programme in autumn 2014. The place will be confirmed if the applicant demonstrates s/he has the required qualifications, motivation and/or journalism experience. Where a successful applicant has secured additional scholarship funding from another source, this may be taken into account in determining the final level of the Veronica Guerin Memorial Scholarship award. Applications should reach Paul McNamara, chairperson, MA in Journalism programme, School of Communications, Dublin City University, Dublin 9 by noon on Friday, 30 May 2014. The application should include: (1) a concise curriculum vitae; (2) a statement of motivation and suitability for the scholarship (maximum 250 words); (3) an outline of the investigative journalism project or academic dissertation to be undertaken as part of the Masters in Journalism programme (maximum 1,000 words). Please note that canvassing will disqualify.