If you’re passionate about digital marketing and dreaming of pursuing a master’s degree, there’s an incredible opportunity waiting for you at DCU Business School.

More than just financial support, this scholarship is about carrying forward the legacy of a visionary in Irish media—John Thompson.

The John Thompson Scholarship is now open for applications, offering full tuition coverage for one student enrolling in DCU’s full-time MSc in Digital Marketing program.

Whether you’re from the EU or beyond, this is a chance to learn at one of Ireland’s top business schools without the weight of tuition fees.

Who Was John Thompson?

This scholarship isn’t just about funding—it’s a tribute to John Thompson, one of Ireland’s most influential newspaper executives.

Over his 30-year career, John played a key role in launching and growing some of the country’s best-known publications, including U Magazine, The Sunday World, and The Irish Farmers Journal.

He held top leadership roles such as Chief Executive of Associated Newspapers Ireland (publishers of the Irish Daily Mail and Irish Mail on Sunday), and Managing Director of Independent Star Limited (Irish Daily Star).

John strongly believed that journalism and marketing go hand in hand—both disciplines spark consumer interest and drive success.

This belief is at the heart of the scholarship’s mission.

Bridging Digital Marketing and Media

The aim of the John Thompson Scholarship is to encourage students—especially those from business, journalism, or even broader educational backgrounds—to explore digital marketing in a way that’s deeply connected to media and online journalism.

It’s a unique opportunity to study marketing through a more holistic lens, understanding how content and storytelling fuel digital engagement.

How to Apply for the Scholarship

Before applying for the scholarship, you’ll need to apply for the MSc in Digital Marketing program at DCU Business School.

Once you’ve submitted your application for the course, you can then move forward with the scholarship process.

If you need help during the course application, feel free to contact the DCU Global Office.

They’re available to assist with your application and can also let you know about other scholarships you might qualify for.

You can find their contact details here: www.dcu.ie/global

Steps to Apply for the John Thompson Scholarship

After receiving an offer to join the MSc program, here’s what you’ll need to do to apply for the scholarship:

Prepare a CV
Write a statement of motivation and suitability (maximum 250 words)
Include your academic transcript or proof of your final degree result

Once everything is ready, email your application to the Group Head for Marketing at DCU Business School at: [email protected]

Note: You can only receive one scholarship from DCU Business School, so make sure this is the one you’re applying for.

Final Thoughts

The deadline for applications hasn’t been officially announced yet, so if you’re interested, don’t wait too long to get started.

This scholarship is more than a financial award—it’s a chance to be part of a meaningful legacy while building your future in digital marketing.