The Royal Television Society Britain’s Leading Forum For Television And Related Media Opens Bursary Schemes For 2020

This year’s scheme opened today and is accepting applications until 30 June 2020. 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.

The Royal Television Society (RTS), Britain’s leading 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 today and is accepting applications until 30 June 2020. 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. For more information on eligibility please visit RTS.

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 Trumps 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.”

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.

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.

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 5,000 full members, the Society is supported by Britain and the world's biggest broadcasters, producers and consultants, including Principal 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, 15 regional and national groups curate lively events and awards around the UK and Ireland, from Glasgow to Galway.

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 how 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.