More regional editors are set to benefit from a journalism leadership programme thanks to increased Google funding.

The Google News Initiative has extended its support of the University of Central Lancashire’s journalism innovation and leadership programme.

Google will fund 15 scholarship places on the 2024 course, a part-time, 30-week programme which aims “to shape the next generation of diverse news media leaders”.

Applications are now open for the postgraduate certificate course, which counts a number of regional editors among its alumni.

Matt Cooke, pictured, head of Google News Lab, said: “We’re announcing another year of funding and support for this innovative and experimental course, making it the fourth consecutive year the Google News Initiative has participated.

“We hope the next cohort of participants will benefit from studying with UCLan and contribute towards the growing alumni of industry professionals who have completed the course.

“We’re grateful to the expert trainers and mentors who’ve made this possible. We look forward to seeing the university build for the future and provide opportunities for journalists from across the industry.”

Professor Peter Lloyd, dean of the School of Arts and Media at UCLan, added: “UCLan has been training journalists since 1962 and has always ensured that its teaching reflects this fast-paced and ever-changing industry.

“We are delighted to receive this continued backing from the Google News Initiative.

“It is key industry partnerships like this that help us remain so successful and this is reflected in our Guardian Good University Guide 2023 League Table ranking of number one in the North West and still amongst the very best in the UK.”