One World Media programme manager Derek Thorne said there were dozens of excellent, well-researched stories vying for the attention of judges.

"Having worked on the One World Media Student Fund for a number of years, I can safely say that this year's applications were the strongest I have ever seen, and perhaps the strongest we've ever had. In fact, the judges thought a number of these ideas would fare well at a professional level. Phillip's idea was felt to be important and engaging, and it's a big achievement to get funding this year along with the other successful students," said Derek.

Phillip explains what inspired him to apply for the bursary scheme: 

"Like most journalism students, a lot of my time goes into reading, watching and listening to stories. Unsurprisingly, all this 'consuming' just makes me want to get out 'there' and tell my own. I guess therein lies the problem: with so many told, how can I tell my own?

The chance offered to me thanks to One World Media and Leeds Trinity is huge. I can't begin to describe how satisfying it is to have someone else show faith in you for your work.

Late last year we had a conflict journalism workshop by James Brabazon via One World Media and Leeds Trinity. It was one of my highlights at Trinity and I urge everyone to attend any future similar lectures or workshops run by them which we've already seen at Trinity's Journalism Week over the last few years.

For those of you that haven't been to one before, they tour Universities around the country to encourage students - from all journalism disciplines - to go to developing countries and tell stories. It got me thinking: if other students can be sponsored for projects why can't I?

There began my story. I researched a topic and sent off a proposal. My first idea wasn't accepted. I think going into the mountainous borders in southern Turkey / northern Iraq to film female guerrilla fighters was probably a bit much. But I tried again, took a significantly different angle and am now going to Iraqi-Kurdistan to make a documentary on the problems with advancing women's rights. Incredible.

It's very tough to be hugely original when people put the phone down because 'you're just a student'. But for me, it's hugely satisfying to see charitable organisations actually put money into something that gives students both some encouragement and financial assistance to go to unknown places and experience something potentially life-changing. Whatever job you want at the end of your degree, telling prospective employees of these types of experiences can only help you, it just takes thorough research, determination and a little pluckiness. Whatever your personal circumstance is, there's no reason why both undergraduates and postgraduates shouldn't be looking at ways to fund themselves and do what they really want to do.

I'm fascinated about going to Iraqi-Kurdistan, it's somewhere two years ago I'd never had considered be able to go. Hopefully, it's just the start."