Clegg Scholar
Job Overview
Apply for the 2024 BMJ Student Clegg Scholarship
Do you want to gain insight into how a medical journal is run, get involved in creating engaging educational material, and learn how to get published? If so, then apply for The BMJ Student Clegg Scholarship!
We are looking for four students who are studying medicine within the UK or European Union who will spend 16 days with us, remotely, between April and May 2024. There may also be the opportunity to spend time in The BMJ office in London. We welcome students at any stage in their medical school career, including those who want to join us as part of their medical elective.
As a Clegg Scholar, you will learn more about The BMJ and BMJ Student by meeting members of the team, learning about different article sections, and getting involved in the running of the journal. The content of the placement is flexible, with opportunities to be involved in writing, editing, pitching article ideas, and researching content aimed at students. You will also have an opportunity to create social media and multimedia content for our channels. You may virtually attend and report from press conferences or perform interviews. There’s a lot to choose from and explore!
As this is predominantly a virtual placement, we will not be reimbursing travel or accommodation. However, we pay all Clegg Scholars a grant of £1200 (€1380). Experience with writing or editing may be beneficial, however we welcome all applicants irrespective of previous experience. We are looking for candidates who are motivated, familiar with The BMJ and BMJ Student, and full of great ideas.
On completion of the scholarship, certificates will be provided for your portfolio.
At BMJ we take equal opportunities very seriously; diversity and inclusion are more than just words, they are an organisational priority. We strongly encourage applications from under-represented groups, and we are a Disability Confident Committed employer.
Views from previous Clegg Scholars:
Joy Hodkinson — 2022 Clegg Scholar:
I initially felt intimidated by the prospect of applying for the Clegg Scholarship as I didn’t identify as a ‘writer’ or ‘journalist’ and was surprised to be offered the position. I hope that anyone that resonates with these feelings isn’t discouraged from applying – the whole team at the BMJ have been welcoming, supportive, and enthusiastic to help us learn. The internship has also been exceptionally flexible, with freedom to explore my interests and a timetable that accommodates my placements. I’m immensely grateful for my time as a BMJ Clegg Scholar.
Judith Ugwuja — 2023 Scholar:
Diving into academic writing was like entering a new universe for me. As a creative writer with a love for literature, the polished and structured vibe of academic writing had always felt like an alien language to me. The Clegg scholarship turned out to be my interstellar journey, satisfying my curiosity about the medical field and beyond. Witnessing the journey from an idea to a published piece was like discovering the secret sauce of the writing world. Each section’s meticulous detail and attention were awe-inspiring. I found myself in a community of inquisitive, kind, and clever minds and I revelled in it. Now, I strut with confidence in academic writing and understand the intricacies of running a journal as renowned as the BMJ. From crack-of-dawn huddles to manuscript marathons and quirky social media posts, it was truly a thrilling experience. Seriously, I cannot sing its praises enough.
To apply:
Click apply (on the right hand side) and create an account (if not already done so). In the section where you're asked to upload your CV, please upload the following items as one document:
A covering letter (maximum 400 words) stating why you would be suitable for the position. Please make clear the dates between April and May 2024 that you are available, which medical school you are attending, and which year you are in.
Your CV (maximum 2 pages).
An article you’ve written, aimed at students, in the style of BMJ Opinion—see guidance here - on a topic you would want to publish if you were a Clegg scholar.
An outline of an idea for one Sharp Scratch episode (maximum 500 words). Please present your rationale for the episode, a bullet point plan that outlines three topics of conversation, and a suggestion for an expert guest.
A social media plan for BMJ Student (maximum 300 words). Please outline what you would do if you were responsible for BMJ Student’s social media presence in 2024 in order to increase our audience and maximise engagement from medical students.
Please send any questions to the current Editorial Scholar, Éabha Lynn (elynn@bmj.com).
The closing date for applications is 9am on Monday 8th January 2024. We will interview shortlisted candidates by video call in February 2024.