£6,000 bursary launched in honour of Times journalist

A£6,000 bursary will be available in September 2023 for a young foreign reporter studying on MA International Journalism (MAIJ) at City.

The bursary is launched in memory of foreign correspondent and foreign editor of The Times, Richard Beeston.

The Richard Beeston Bursary Trust was established in 2014 after the journalist’s untimely death from cancer. With the help of James Harding among others, Beeston’s widow, Natasha Fairweather, founded the bursary in an effort to assist talented young journalists pursuing careers in foreign news. The recipient may also have the opportunity to do work experience at The Times.

Ms Fairweather said: “I am happy that we are partnering with City University to provide this award in memory of my husband. The Richard Beeston Bursary Trust has provided a springboard for a number of young journalists who have gone on to work for the Financial Times, The Guardian and The Washington Post

“We are looking for a candidate who strives for journalistic excellence and can also demonstrate fnancial need,” Ms Fairweather added.

As well as its an annual award for the MAIJ programme, the Richard Beeston Trust will also award a £6,000 bursary to young foreign correspondents at a later stage of their career. This additional bursary will offer the chance to spend six weeks abroad reporting on a foreign news story in collaboration with The Times. Applicants must have two years of journalism experience and be under 30 at the time of the closing date. Recent City alumni would be ideal candidates for this opportunity to pursue an international story of their choice.

“There are two main benefts to the MAIJ bursary,” Ms Fairweather reiterated. “It will allow the winning students time to develop their skills within an established institution, as well as providing work experience opportunities at The Times.”

Suzanne Franks, professor and funding organiser at City, expressed gratitude towards Mr Beeston’s family for providing City students with the opportunity. “I am delighted that the Richard Beeston Trust is offering this generous support, intended to help a young upcoming journalist at City. We are very grateful to all the trustees,” she said.

The bursary is open to any international student accepted onto the MAIJ course for the coming academic year.

The deadline is 1 May 2023 and applications should be submitted to richardbeestonbursary@gmail.com. Candidates can visit richardbeestonbursary.com for more details.