Secure £15,000 funding with the David McClure Public Interest Journalism Fellowship 2026–2031. Apply now for investigative & long-form journalism.
Overview of the David McClure Journalism Fellowship
The David McClure Public Interest Journalism Fellowship is a prestigious, fully funded opportunity supporting investigative and long-form non-fiction journalism. Hosted by the Oxford International Centre for Publishing (OICP) at Oxford Brookes University, this Fellowship honours the legacy of investigative journalist David McClure. Each year, one Fellow receives £15,000 to complete a public interest investigation that holds power accountable and serves society.
This Fellowship empowers journalists and writers to conduct time-intensive, independent, and high-impact research that might otherwise be impossible due to funding constraints.
About David McClure
David McClure was a respected journalist, author, and news producer whose career focused on forensic investigations and public accountability. He exposed decades of institutional privilege, particularly surrounding the British Royal Family’s finances, resulting in two landmark books:
- Royal Legacy: How the Royal Family Have Made, Spent and Passed on Their Wealth (2014)
- The Queen’s True Worth: Unravelling the Public & Private Finances of Queen Elizabeth II (2020)
McClure’s investigative work reshaped public understanding of royal wealth and earned extensive media coverage globally. He passed away in June 2022, leaving a legacy of rigorous public interest journalism.
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Fellowship Details
- Award Amount: £15,000 per Fellow
- Number of Fellows: 1 per year
- Duration: Five years (2026–2031)
- Start Date: September annually
- Funded By: David McClure Trust Fund
- Host Institution: Oxford International Centre for Publishing (OICP), Oxford Brookes University
- Focus: Single long-form public interest journalism project of contemporary relevance
The Fellowship provides the time, resources, and institutional support needed to complete ambitious investigative projects, increasing the likelihood of impactful publication.
Eligibility Criteria
- Open to journalists, authors, and non-fiction writers worldwide
- No restrictions on age, nationality, career stage, or background
- Diversity is welcomed; selection prioritizes public value and merit
- Projects should demonstrate research progress (priority for ongoing investigations)
- Applicants do not need a supervisor; this Fellowship supports independent projects
Important: Projects already underway are highly encouraged, but new investigations may also apply with a clear plan.
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Benefits of the Fellowship
- £15,000 funding for investigative journalism
- Institutional support from Oxford Brookes University
- Recognition tied to David McClure’s investigative legacy
- Time and financial freedom to pursue in-depth public interest journalism
- Greater opportunity for publication and public impact
- Covers research expenses including travel, archival access, legal review, and data procurement
This Fellowship ensures that journalists can focus on producing work that is vital to society, independent of commercial or political pressures.
Duration and Tracks
- Duration: One long-form journalism project per Fellow, over a single cycle of funding
- Track: Investigative or long-form non-fiction journalism
The Fellowship’s flexibility allows projects in various topics, as long as they are original, unbiased, rigorously researched, and publicly relevant.
Required Documents
Applicants must submit the following:
- Completed application form
- 1,500-word project pitch including:
- Synopsis of the investigation
- Aims and objectives
- Public interest relevance
- Key research conducted so far
- Progress update
- Why Fellowship support is essential
- Detailed fund allocation plan
- Curriculum Vitae (CV)
- References: Two letters demonstrating leadership, integrity, or public impact
Shortlisted candidates will participate in an online interview.
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Application Process
- Prepare application documents (pitch, CV, references)
- Submit via official application portal
- Ensure your investigation aligns with public interest and demonstrates progress
- Deadline: 31 May annually
- Interviews: Conducted in summer
- Fellowship start: September
Apply now through the Official Fellowship Application Portal to secure this fully funded opportunity.
The David McClure Public Interest Journalism Fellowship 2026–2031 is a rare chance to secure £15,000 funding and pursue journalism that makes a tangible impact. Don’t miss this opportunity to advance your career, complete a critical investigation, and serve the public good.
Start your journey today, apply now and join the legacy of investigative excellence established by David McClure.