Sir Samuel Brittan Fellowship

About us

The Financial Times is one of the world’s leading news organisations, globally recognised for its authority, integrity and accuracy, with a mission to deliver quality information and services worldwide.

At the FT, curiosity thrives and ambitious thinking is rewarded. Here, you’re given the chance to reach millions, create work that matters and deliver impartial journalism in a polarised world.

In our warm, collaborative culture, you’ll connect with a diverse community of experts who support your growth, career aspirations and wellbeing.

Your future at the FT will be filled with opportunities that challenge and inspire you. With no fixed path, you’ll discover new skills and forge a career that can take you anywhere.

Build a newsworthy career at the FT.

Our commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion 

We believe in the power of unique perspectives and want all voices in our organisation to be heard, respected and valued. A supportive workplace is one where employees feel they can be themselves and operate to their full potential. We are committed to removing barriers for everyone, with a focus on addressing those faced by underrepresented groups.

The Role

This six-month fellowship, set up to honour the memory of Sir Samuel, is aimed at aspiring economic journalists or early career applicants with expertise and interest in economic themes and thinking. 

As the FT’s economics commentator for almost half a century, Sir Samuel’s columns and articles shaped the political life and economic debate in the UK and beyond. As the FT wrote in his obituary, “the central theme of much of Brittan’s writing was his belief in free markets. He believed in the connection between economic, personal and political freedom. He sought to persuade the open-minded reader that the right kind of market economy could be an instrument of human freedom”. He died in October 2020, aged 86.

The Fellowship:

• Six-month paid internship at the FT’s London headquarters

• Split into a three-month stint in the leader writing team and a three-month stint with the economics team

• Opportunity to write FT editorials on a wide range of themes

• Attend the daily leader conference where the FT editorial board discusses the burning issues of the day

• Be exposed to the FT’s core news operation

• Expected to file news stories as well as economic analysis pieces for the home page and newspaper

Who we are looking for:

• Expertise and interest in economic themes and thinking

• Ability to explain complex themes in simple and striking terms

• This will typically require a degree in economics, but we are happy to consider graduates from other fields provided they can demonstrate their ability to write engagingly and incisively about economic issues

• All applicants must have the right to work in the UK

The fellowship is funded jointly by the Financial Times and by Sir Samuel’s family. The fellow will receive a monthly bursary of £2500.

How do you apply?

• CV

• Cover Letter

• Unpublished article or column of no more than 600 words, examining an economic issue of current interest. It should be written in a spirit that reflects the work of Sir Samuel himself

The deadline for applications is 11pm on 15 July 2025. 

Shortlisted candidates will be invited to take part in a panel interview. The selection panel is chaired by the FT’s chief economics commentator Martin Wolf.
 

The use of AI

Original reporting, great writing and intelligent commentary lie at the heart of FT journalism.  Our readers trust us to produce quality journalism that is accurate, fair and insightful. This is why FT editorial staff do not use artificial intelligence (AI) tools to write articles or create other reader-facing content. For specific and pre-approved cases, AI can be harnessed for certain tasks, such as assisting data research for investigations.  

We expect applicants to the FT newsroom to refrain from using AI in their test submissions, and any written materials should be a genuine reflection of their own knowledge, skills and experiences. We encourage candidates only to employ AI as a tool to help with research and interview readiness for a role. 

Candidates should be aware that the use of AI throughout the application process is monitored to ensure a fair and transparent hiring process for all.

What’s in it for you? Our benefits

Our benefits vary by location but we are committed to providing best-in-class perks across all our offices. These include generous annual leave, medical cover, inclusive parental leave packages, subsidised gym memberships and opportunities to give back to the community. Full details of our benefits are available here.

We’ve embraced a hybrid working model (three days per week onsite) that fosters trust and remote adaptability while encouraging in-person camaraderie and peer learning. Additionally, we are open to accommodating specific flexible working pattern requests for all roles where feasible.

Accessibility

We are a disability confident employer and Valuable 500 signatory.

Please let us know if you require any reasonable adjustments/personalisation as part of the application process or to enable you to attend an interview. If you would like to discuss your requirements or have any questions, email talent@ft.com and a member of our team will be happy to help.