Welcome to
The Robert Peterson Foundation
The Robert Peterson Foundation, established in 2024 in Switzerland, is a non-profit organization dedicated to providing scholarships in the field of strategic external and internal communication for private and public international organizations. The foundation aims to support the intellectual and ethical development of tomorrow’s communications leaders.
The scholarships support students based on financial need and academic merit. Initial scholarships were awarded in 2019 at the Graduate Institute in Geneva. Today, two scholarships per year are awarded to the pioneering, double-degree graduate program between the London School of Economics (LSE) and the University of Southern California (USC) Annenberg School, in Los Angeles. One student per school is supported with a single year of full tuition; additional funds are awarded in London to defray living costs.
The LSE/USC Communications double degree
The joint LSE/USC master’s degree in Global Media and Communications is a unique programme that allows students to study in two of the most globally important media capitals, Los Angeles and London. The first of its kind in the world, it focuses on the impact of globalization on business, communication, culture, media practices, politics and society.
Students interact with experts in digital and global media, international and strategic communications. Dedicated faculty open discussion and project avenues that help students understand, interpret, assess and navigate an ever-changing world. The first year is spent in London; the second in Los Angeles. Students choose courses in communications, journalism, public diplomacy, public. relations, social and digital media. They build skills, research portfolios and an international network essential to future professional leadership. Classes and lived experience shape their ability to succeed long-term at the forefront of advertising, corporate and non-profit organizations, global media and technology.
The Scholarship
The scholarship was established by the Global Communications Development Network (GCDN) in memory of its founder, Robert Peterson, a distinguished public relations professional.
One-year scholarships are available for full-time students pursuing the double-degree masters program jointly offered by LSE and USC. One scholarship per year is offered at each university; students can only be supported for one year, either Year 1 at LSE or Year 2 at USC. To date, xx students have benefited from Robert A. Peterson scholarships.
Eligibility Criteria
- Offer/Acceptance in the full-time MSc in Global Media and Communications LSE/USC Annenberg double degree program.
- Demonstrated focus on a Communications career in a global or market-leading corporation, international organization or NGO.
- Documented financial need.
Application Process: Interested candidates must submit a motivation letter, curriculum vitae, and financial statements by 30 April to the relevant university (see links below). After review, candidates are advised of award decisions near the beginning of June, to be applicable for the upcoming Fall semester.
London School of Economics (LSE) – https://www.lse.ac.uk/study-at-lse/Graduate/fees-and-funding/Robert-A-Peterson-Scholarship
University of Southern California (USC) – Dual degree in Global Media and Communication https://annenberg.usc.edu/academics/global-media-communication-ma
