The Royal Television Society (RTS), Britain’s forum for television and related media, has launched its bursary scheme for 2020, further expanding opportunities and eligibility for students across the UK. This year’s scheme opened at the start of February and is accepting applications until 30 June 2020.
Available Bursaries
The RTS offers two bursary schemes (the Technology bursary and the TV Production and Journalism bursary) to talented students from low-income backgrounds, intending to pursue a career in television. Eligibility has been extended to include students taking Higher National Diplomas at level 5 or 6 in Television, Film Production, Journalism or other related subjects for the Television Production and Journalism bursary, and for relevant subjects such as Computer Science, Engineering, Maths or Physics for the Technology Bursary.
The number of bursaries offered in 2020 will reach 40 across both schemes, with STV matching its commitment from last year and generously funding 10 further bursaries for the 2020 intake. All3Media and the Steve Hewlett Memorial Fund also contribute to the bursary schemes. To date, the RTS has 162 bursary students and graduates, with the schemes running since 2014.
Former Awardees
Of the three years of production graduates 75% are now in the industry, working with impressive companies and gaining notable credits to progress their careers. RTS Bursary Scheme alum Dean Massey works as a Camera Operator Editor at Sky News covering both foreign and domestic news stories. Some of his recent work includes Trump’s impeachment, the Australian Bush fires and tensions with Iran in the Middle East.
Theresa Wise, Royal Television Society CEO, said: “We continue to be extremely grateful for the support we receive from the industry through their generous funding and the individuals who offer their time as mentors. It is fantastic to see great creative talent such as Dean entering the industry and we look forward to continuing to grow our community of impressive students and graduates in 2020.”
Dean Massey, 2014 Intake Bursary Graduate added: “The RTS bursary scheme provided an invaluable opportunity to meet industry professionals and network. Without the scheme it would have been difficult to afford to do work experience and make the contacts I have today. It was also great to meet so many other students on the RTS bursary scheme, we all keep in contact and help each other out if we can.”
Simon Pitts, CEO of STV, said: “I met the first ten recipients of the STV bursary scheme last year and I was blown away by their enthusiasm, talent and ambition to work in the creative industries. Expanding this fantastic opportunity to include college students was a no-brainer for us. There’s so much talent out there and this scheme goes to the heart of STV’s diversity and inclusion aims to improve social mobility, encourage talent and provide real opportunities in areas where we need to reach new audiences to stay relevant. I’m really looking forward to spending time with the successful students at our studios.”
How to Apply
Find out more about the Television Production and Broadcast Journalism bursary and apply here.
Find out more about the Technology bursary and apply here.
The RTS Bursary Scheme submission window will open on the 1st of February 2020 and will close on the 30th of June 2020.
Source: www.advanced-television.com and www.rts.org.uk
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