Research by the Royal Irish Academy and the British Council in Ireland found that minority groups and people from disadvantaged backgrounds are under-represented in Higher Education, with research from the Data and Marketing Association finding an entrenched lack of ethnic, socio-economic and gender diversity within the wider marketing industry. Although the barriers to entry for these communities differ, socioeconomic background remains a consistent barrier for all. The Breakthrough Scholarship aims to encourage individuals from these under-represented communities into the marketing industry.

The first pillar of the Breakthrough scholarship, to break the barrier in access to third-level education, TU Dublin will offer the chosen candidate a full scholarship to the Masters in Digital Marketing in the 21/22 academic year; this includes tuition - over €8,500 in course fees are fully paid as part of this award.

Speaking about the Breakthrough Scholarship, Dr Mary Meaney, Registrar and Deputy President of Technological University Dublin (TU Dublin), said, “We are a young University, but for more than a century, our legacy institutions have provided accessible learning opportunities to the communities that we serve. Building on this rich heritage, TU Dublin is proud to have the most diverse community of students and staff in Irish Higher Education. However, we are acutely aware that more work is needed to ensure that traditionally underrepresented groups across many industries are supported as they take the first steps in their careers. The Breakthrough Scholarship has removed the financial and social barriers that often stifle young careers, empowering a remarkable student to break into the competitive but hugely rewarding industry of Marketing Communications.’’

The second pillar of the scholarship will give the candidate the opportunity to put the skills they learn into practice, giving them valuable work experience and the opportunity to build industry contacts. THINKHOUSE, a leading independent global youth marketing company, will offer the selected student a role at the agency with a graduate salary. The candidate will work one day per week during the academic year, designed to flex around academic commitments followed by a full-time work placement from April-June 2022.

Claire Hyland, Head of The Youth Lab at THINKHOUSE, said, “For the last 20 years, we have developed our niche as experts in youth marketing and communications, and on that journey, we’ve become an advocate and voice for young people and their values. From fighting for marriage equality to creating campaigns to support refugees in Ireland, THINKHOUSE has a long heritage in working toward a more diverse and inclusive society. We want to do our bit to challenge inequality in education and support greater diversity in the marketing and creative communications industry, through action and real support. This programme is about helping to reset student’s lives for the better; to create opportunities and pathways that didn’t exist before; to tell new stories. We can’t wait to see what emerges from this venture for someone.”

Accommodation is the third crucial pillar of the programme. In order to make this opportunity feasible and accessible for all, GSA Group will offer the successful recipient free accommodation in their Uninest Student Residence near the TU Dublin Campus in Grangegorman for the entire academic year. Speaking on the programme, Niamh Banks, City Manager Dublin, Uninest Student Residences, said, “We know that finding the right accommodation can be a real pressure point for students. For many, accommodation concerns can dictate the educational opportunities available. It can be make or break. A quality education relies on having access to classes, space to study and a place you feel safe. As a global organisation, equality, diversity, and inclusion are central to our approach in all we do. We are so proud to be able to support this important, life-changing initiative with our partners.”

As this programme is built on the concept of equal opportunity, applications are open to anyone. However, the scholarship is specifically designed to provide opportunity to disadvantaged and under-represented groups. The targeted outreach programme and recruitment campaign will reflect this by focussing on these communities. By providing the candidate with a graduate wage and removing the financial strain of college fees and rent, this programme has the potential to completely transform someone's life and change their future trajectory.

More information about the Digital Marketing Course is available here, and read the Breakthrough Scholarship Brochure.

How to Apply

Applicants should have a minimum of 2.1 honours business degree; other applicants will be considered based on their experience, attitude and aptitude. Shortlisted candidates will be required to attend an interview in August. To apply for this scholarship, candidates must commit to both the programme and the role in THINKHOUSE, and be a successful candidate for both.

To apply, send a CV and a cover letter to chelsea.hollywood@tudublin.ie with ‘Breakthrough Scholarship’ in the subject line of the email. The deadline for applications is August 6th 2021.'