The Royal Television Society (RTS), a forum for television and related media and an educational charity promoting the art and science of television – is investing a further £60,000 to support UK students studying television production and broadcast journalism as it opens its undergraduate bursary scheme for 2015.
It has also launched a second undergraduate bursary programme for Computing and Engineering undergraduates.
Simon Pitts, chair of the RTS technology bursaries and managing director, online, pay TV, interactive and technology, ITV, said: “Competition to recruit highly skilled computing and engineering graduates is strong. Many are unaware of the career opportunities that television and broadcast services have to offer and this has led to skills shortages. By extending the RTS undergraduate bursary scheme into these areas we will help to future proof the industry.”
The new technology fund, which totals £15,000, will offer five bursaries of £3,000 (£1,000 per year) to students studying Computing and Engineering on some of the top courses at British universities. The television production and broadcast journalism undergraduate bursary scheme offers 20 bursaries of £3,000 (£1,000 per year). All of the bursaries are aimed at students in less affluent circumstances and are about widening participation and skills in media and related industries.
Bursary recipients will also receive free membership of both the RTS and The Hospital Club while studying, one year’s free membership of the RTS post-graduation and, in the final year of the course, help to set up a mentoring or placement opportunity.

Theresa Wise, RTS CEO, commented: “It’s important that we safeguard the future of British television by helping talented young people to get a foot on the career ladder. By offering these bursaries we are providing vital financial support and mentoring to individuals whose skills might otherwise be lost from the television industry.”
Details of the accredited courses eligible for the scheme, bursary guidance notes can be found via the RTS website. The deadline for applications is 1 June 2015.
