Britain’s leading forum for television and media, the Royal Television Society (RTS), has launched its prestigious bursary schemes for this year and is accepting applications from Thursday 20th February until Tuesday 24th June 2025.
For 2025, the RTS is expanding its Digital Innovation Scheme to include students interested in a career in digital media content production and distribution, including social media, streaming platforms and branded content. Alongside existing sponsors Apple TV+ and STV, digital media charity the Andy Taylor Foundation has joined the Digital Innovation panel to provide support to two scholars who are looking to start their career in digital media. In addition to funding, these scholars will receive a MacBook and an industry mentor from the Andy Taylor Foundation network.
A core goal of the RTS is to support the television industry in reflecting the exciting and diverse voices of the UK today, across all three of the RTS bursary schemes – the TV Production and Journalism (TVPJ) Bursary, the Digital Innovation (DI) Bursary and the Steve Hewlett Scholarship. As part of the TVPJ scheme, one of the exceptional candidates with an interest in producing will receive the Beryl Vertue Scholarship, which was first introduced in 2022.
In addition to the bursary schemes, the RTS’ educational support and offering also includes its recently launched CPD accredited Mini MBA, a unique online higher education course to help to plug the TV business skills gap and fast track careers, which includes more than 80 hours of interactive learning with contributions from inspirational industry leaders. RTS bursary scholars will receive free access to the Mini MBA upon graduation.
Simon Pitts, incoming CEO of Global Media & Entertainment and Chair of the RTS Digital Innovation Panel, said: “I am thrilled that the Andy Taylor Foundation will be joining forces with the RTS Bursary Scheme. Andy was a special person and the vital work of his foundation will greatly enhance our Digital Innovation Panel, which collectively aims to attract and support the next generation of digital media talent in our industry.”
Lara Taylor, founder Andy Taylor Foundation, added: “Andy was a digital pioneer and co-founder of Little Dot Studios. Andy wanted others to enjoy the career he loved. He was driven to increase diversity in the media and that opportunities should be equitable no matter who you are, whatever your background or stage of your career. The Andy Taylor Foundation is honoured to be joining the RTS Digital Innovation bursary scheme and looking forward to supporting students who are passionate about forging a career in digital media.”
The schemes attract widespread support in the form of donations to fund bursaries and industry engagement through mentoring, hosting networking events, and offering internships and work experience. Donations from STV, Apple TV+, All3Media, Steve Hewlett Fund, Hartswood Films, and the Andy Taylor Foundation, as well as in-kind support from many other companies and individuals, have enabled the scheme to grow and flourish.
RTS Bursary Schemes Background Information:
The programmes aim to:
- Increase the diversity and inclusivity of the workforce by recruiting people from diverse backgrounds.
- Demonstrate to scholars that the TV industry can offer them a wealth of interesting and inspiring career opportunities.
- The Digital Innovation bursary aims to address skills gaps in the industry through recruiting scholars studying subjects including but not limited to VFX, IT systems, Engineering, Cyber Security, Virtual Reality, Digital Production and Distribution.
- The Television Production and Journalism bursary aims to address skill gaps in the industry through recruiting scholars studying subjects including but not limited to TV Production, Journalism, Animation, Costume Design and Set Design.
Additional information:
- The RTS runs three main schemes – the TV Production and Journalism Bursary, the Digital Innovation Bursary and the Steve Hewlett Scholarship.
- The RTS introduced the Beryl Vertue Scholarship in 2022. From the pool of applicants being considered for the TV Production and Journalism bursary, one additional scholarship is to be awarded to an exceptional candidate with an interest in producing. The successful scholar will receive additional support and funding from Hartswood Films, the company run by the daughters of the late Beryl Vertue.
- All bursaries are awarded to talented students from lower-income backgrounds studying an undergraduate degree or HND Level 5 or 6.
- The RTS considers candidates studying all subjects: including but not limited to TV Production and Journalism; Humanities and Social Sciences; and STEM related courses, provided that the student demonstrates an evident interest in pursuing a career in television, film or related media industries.
