DOUBLE MONEY: Educational Charity The Royal Television Society Opens Newly Expanded 2019 Mentor-Led Bursary Scheme

The 2019 bursary scheme opened today for application until 30th June 2019, and for the first time not only will applications be open to individuals starting their course of study in 2019, but also to students who began their degree in 2018.

The number of bursaries offered for 2019 will increase substantially with STV funding 10 additional bursaries each year for students studying in Scotland.

To date, the RTS has 125 bursary students and graduates, with the scheme running since 2014. Over the past four years, the total money pledged to the schemes has doubled, with this year’s total being approximately £149,000.

STV to fund 10 new bursaries for students studying in Scotland

Total money pledged to the schemes doubled

List of eligible courses substantially increased making five times as many students eligible to apply

The Royal Television Society (RTS) has relaunched its bursary scheme for 2019, significantly expanding opportunities through offering more bursaries to a much wider range of courses across the UK. The 2019 bursary scheme opened today for application until 30th June 2019, and for the first time not only will applications be open to individuals starting their course of study in 2019, but also to students who began their degree in 2018.

The number of bursaries offered for 2019 will increase substantially with STV funding 10 additional bursaries each year for students studying in Scotland. In addition to this generous funding, STV will provide mentors for bursary students and incredible internship opportunities at STV News, STV Productions and STV Digital. STV join All3Media, Disney and the Steve Hewlett Memorial Fund who also contribute to the bursary schemes.

The RTS offers two mentor-led bursary schemes for eligible applicants from a household with a total income of £25,000 or below for the Television Production and Journalism bursary and £30,000 or below for the Technology bursary. The Television Production and Journalism bursary is for individuals studying, or about to study, television or film. For the first time this year applications will also be accepted from students wishing to study a ScreenSkills accredited higher national diploma. The Technology bursary accepts applications for Computer Science, Engineering and Electronic Engineering courses and for the first time this year Physics and Mathematics students may also apply.

To date, the RTS has 125 bursary students and graduates, with the scheme running since 2014. Over the past four years, the total money pledged to the schemes has doubled, with this year’s total being approximately £149,000. In addition to the financial contribution, the students receive RTS membership and are paired with an industry mentor providing invaluable support throughout their studies. The Technology bursary students have the invaluable opportunity to take part in a ‘Summer Tour’ of the industry, visiting nine television and broadcasting infrastructure companies including BBC, ITV, Channel 4, Youview, Virgin Media, Arqiva, STV and The IET.

Theresa Wise, Royal Television Society CEO says “RTS Futures and our bursary schemes are extremely important to us as we strive to encourage and guide new talent from low income and diverse backgrounds into the industry. We are delighted that STV has agreed to fund 10 additional bursaries, helping us expand our opportunities and grow our community of students and graduates supported by the Royal Television Society.”

Simon Pitts, CEO of STV, said “It’s a hugely exciting time for Scotland’s creative industries and this new investment from STV will see students from right across Scotland become part of a unique network of emerging creative talent.

With the fantastic support of the Royal Television Society the aim of the new STV Bursary Programme is to develop an even stronger and more diverse pool of creative talent in Scotland, make it easier for people to launch careers in television whatever their backgrounds, and help drive Scotland’s future creative economy.”

Florence Watson, Bursary Recipient 2014, said “Applying to the RTS bursary before university was one of the best decisions I ever made. The mentoring and support I have received, both at university and since graduation has provided me with opportunities that would otherwise be inaccessible. The financial reward allowed me to buy a camera and take internships that I won’t have been able to afford without the help of RTS. I am now working full time as a script editor on Channel 4’s Hollyoaks something I never thought achievable before university.”

About The Royal Television Society
From glamorous award ceremonies to lively debates, the RTS embraces all aspects of television, and is open to anyone with an interest in the medium.

As an educational charity, we encourage and celebrate work in television and its related fields, from finding out how the nation’s favourite shows are made in our Anatomy of a Hit series, to celebrating burgeoning talent at our annual Student Awards.

The industry’s most talented individuals give us an insight into the work that goes into making cutting edge contemporary TV. From Government ministers and CEOs to workshops with great runners, our events look at every part of the business.

Our annual Television Journalism, Programme, Craft and Design and Student Awards, celebrate achievements across the broadcasting industry.

Education is key to what the RTS does. Each year, we offer Television Production and Technology bursaries to help those from less affluent backgrounds get a foothold in the industry and Masterclass sessions bring together students, academics and industry heads.

RTS Futures, which is aimed at those in their first two years of employment, organises an exciting roster of discussion, training and social occasions. Recent events have included workshops on learning to format shows and how to survive as a freelancer, and expert panels explaining how to be the best researcher and how to make it on-screen.

Each year global television leaders gather to discuss what the future holds for television at our London Conference or the RTS Cambridge Convention.

Alongside our engaged community of over 4,800 full members, the Society is supported by Britain and the world's biggest broadcasters, producers and consultants, including Principle Patrons BBC, Channel 4, ITV and Sky.

Originally founded as the Television Society in 1927, the Society was granted its Royal title in 1966 and HRH The Prince of Wales became Patron of the RTS in 1997.

Today, 14 regional and national groups curate lively events and awards around the UK and Ireland, from Glasgow to Galway.