Edinburgh Napier University

Witherby Publishing Group has launched a publishing scholarship for both the postgraduate publishing programmes at Edinburgh Napier University and the Centre for International Publishing and Communication at the University of Stirling for the 2020-21 academic year.

The Witherby Publishing Group Scholarship has been established to support individuals from under-represented or disadvantaged backgrounds to undertake a postgraduate degree in Publishing.

The scholarship recipients will each receive a £3,000 payment towards their tuition fees for the MSc Publishing (Edinburgh Napier) or MLitt Publishing Studies (Stirling) degrees. Each scholarship also provides a publishing placement with Witherbys.

The Witherby Publishing Group Scholarship has been a year in the planning. Conceived at the 50th anniversary of publishing at Edinburgh Napier in June 2019, Witherbys generously stepped forward as funder. Edinburgh Napier and Stirling are the only two universities in Scotland offering publishing at postgraduate level and so, in the spirit of diversity, equitability and inclusion, the scholarships are being offered at both universities. 

Iain Macneil, Witherby Publishing Group’s CEO, commented: “Witherbys is dedicated to supporting the future of publishing in Scotland and offering financial support to students aligns with the strong sense of community and social responsibility that is at the heart of Witherbys. We are looking forward to assisting students in achieving their academic qualifications and providing vital experience in the publishing industry.”

Avril Gray, Associate Professor of Publishing & MSc Publishing Programme Director at Edinburgh Napier University, said: “MSc Publishing is thrilled to offer this new scholarship. The idea was one I’ve had for a long time and I'm enormously grateful to Witherbys for their generosity in providing placements at both universities offering publishing in Scotland. Witherbys has been our industry partner for many years, providing placements and guest lectures, and employing many of our alumni, notably Gillian Macrosson, Managing Director, and co-ordinator of the Scholarship at Witherbys.

“I'm truly delighted that the Witherby Publishing Group Scholarship will help individuals who might not otherwise have had the opportunity to undertake a postgraduate degree. At Edinburgh Napier University we are committed to the principle of fairness in access to higher education, and to promoting inclusivity and diversity at all levels of publishing.”

Frances Sessford, Programme Director for the MLitt Publishing Studies at the University of Stirling, said: “Stirling Centre for International Publishing & Communication is delighted to work with Witherbys in its aim to increase diversity and inclusivity in the workforce. This initiative further enhances the already strong links between the industry and our publishing programmes.”

Full details of the scholarship and Edinburgh Napier's publishing programme can be found here.