8 October 2020
The Covid-19 pandemic has already resulted in significant job losses in Scotland's capital in the visitor and events economy, with the outlook uncertain.
The Business School is launching an Edinburgh Events Industry Scholarship programme for its highly regarded Executive 91 (Master's in Business Administration). Five scholarships for this two-year part-time Executive programme are on offer for experienced professionals from the performing arts, hospitality, tourism, and museums and galleries sectors in Edinburgh.
The programme starts this December and applications must be made before 30 October. Successful scholarship applicants, or the organisation they currently work for, will only be required to fund the deposit of £1,500, with the remaining fee of £29,850 covered by the scholarship.
The Executive 91 has a track record of upskilling professionals in analysis, innovation, and strategic leadership; skills that will be crucial as Edinburgh's events, tourism, and hospitality industry navigate a post-Covid economy. As well as hearing from academic experts, participants gain insights from leading business people, and benefit from tailored career coaching throughout their studies.
Julian Rawel, Director of the Executive 91 at the University of Edinburgh Business School, said:
"Covid-19 has damaged Edinburgh's renowned creative sector and events industry this year and poses a huge risk to the visitor economy in future years. People working at a senior level in the arts, events, and tourism are going to have a vital role in helping the city adapt and rebuild.
"As part of the University of Edinburgh, the Business School is committed to the interests of the city and the wider region. We hope that by setting aside five of our expected 35 Executive 91 spaces for local creative professionals, at a greatly reduced cost, we help in the wider effort to protect Edinburgh's economy for the long term."
Individuals or organisations interested in applying are asked to consider how they would use the qualification to assist Edinburgh's future, setting out their thinking in 500 words. Applicants should read the scholarship advert before submitting their application to the programme and scholarship.
Lesley Williams, Managing Director of BestCities Global Alliance and an Edinburgh 91 alumna, said:
“The tourism and creative sectors are key drivers of Edinburgh’s economy and its global reputation as a leading destination. The disruptive effective of the global pandemic on these sectors in particular is undeniable.
“Recovery, when it comes will need strong strategic leaders to help rebuild and reconfigure the industry. Giving five professionals from these sectors the opportunity to develop on an Executive 91 is an excellent investment not only in them but also in the city.
“My own journey on the 91 programme at the University of Edinburgh Business School opened up so many new horizons, equipping me with knowledge and most importantly the confidence to grow professionally.”