JILeaders 2027 scholarships: Your journalism challenges. Expert support at Media Innovation Studio, University of Lancashire

Working in a news organisation—or building your own? Tackle your challenges with access to leading industry thinkers, expert mentoring, and a global learning community. A few scholarship places remain for the Journalism Innovation and Leadership Programme at the University of Lancashire, starting in January 2027. This one-year, part-time, online postgraduate programme fits alongside your work. You’ll develop your leadership while working on an innovative response to a real challenge facing your organisation or news venture. What you’ll gain Practical frameworks for leading change and developing sustainable journalism. Individual mentoring from an experienced industry leader. Connections with news professionals and entrepreneurs worldwide. Three intensive study weeks, with opportunities to attend in Preston, including a Design Sprint to develop and test ideas with potential users. Who should apply? People in mid- to senior-level roles in news organisations—or building their own ventures—including founders, CEOs, editors, newsroom and commercial executives, product managers and journalists. “I’ve used the programme as a catalyst to shape significant strategic work within my organisation.” - Rebecca Carey, Head of Central Digital Content for all titles at Newsquest and JILeaders participant 2026. Scholarship applications close Monday, 16 November 2026. Apply to the university first, then complete your scholarship application. [Find out more and apply for JILeaders 2027](https://mediainnovationstudio.org/journalism-innovation-leadership-programme/) Supported by Arc XP/The Washington Post, Bright Sites, Chrysalis Leadership, FT Strategies, the Journalists’ Charity, The Media Lab (Jordan) and Tickaroo. Questions? Contact [[email protected]](mailto:[email protected]).