Bengaluru: The prestigious Chevening South Asia Journalism Fellowship (SAJP) is now accepting applications for mid-career journalists from South Asian countries, including Afghanistan, Bangladesh, India, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, and the Maldives.
The fellowship, which is hosted by the University of Westminster and funded by the UK Foreign, Commonwealth, and Development Office; offers a 8-week fellowship programme that provides an opportunity to deepen the participants’ understanding of the role of media in governance.
Programme structure
Fellows will undertake a bespoke 8-week fellowship titled ‘Good Governance in a Changing World: the Media, Politics and Society’. The programme explores the different ways in which the media play a part in holding democratic processes to account, including government, the civil service and security, as well as the broader political system in both the South Asia region and the UK.
During this programme, fellows will explore the range of approaches taken by the UK and the South Asia region, and then use that knowledge to direct discussions that tackle the big issues challenging the field. Fellows will be challenged to discuss evidence-based context for key policy debates, understand international positions (including appreciation of UK approaches), supply practical experience, and encourage dialogue on key issues.
The curriculum focuses on the ways in which the media are held responsible, and the wider context within which political institutions operate. The ethics of reporting are at the heart of all debates.
The programme will run from May-June and during this time fellows will participate in lectures, visits, and discussions that introduce them to key UK academics, media, and political figures in the field. They will also meet peers in some of the UK’s top media organisations, as well as organise a symposium on a topic of their choice in the final week.
Eligibility Criteria
To apply, the journalist must:
– Be a citizen of Afghanistan, Bangladesh, India, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, or the Maldives
– Have at least seven years of work experience as a mid-career journalist in the political or economic sectors
– Hold a postgraduate qualification or equivalent professional experience
– Have a good working knowledge of English
– Not hold British or dual citizenship