The collaboration aims to increase diversity and nations and regions skills development as well as supporting small independent production companies.

At a time of intense global competition in the UK, the partnership across BBC Studios, BBC Film, BBC Scotland, BBC Wales, Children’s and Sport will aim to strengthen the BBC’s relationship with new and diverse talent.

The deal will offer 20 diverse students a scholarship scheme to support their studies, while reinforcing the off-screen diversity talent pipeline.

Through NFTS hubs in Glasgow and Leeds, the deal will provide a strategic educational partner for the BBC to increase skills development in the nations and regions.

The BBC will sponsor 10 NFTS courses, comprised of six MA’s and four diploma courses. They will also be funding up to 20 BBC scholars, each with a commissioning or production mentor.

The BBC’s Chief Content Officer, Charlotte Moore, commented: “The BBC wants to back new talent and be the place they bring their best work. This ambitious new partnership raises the bar on what’s gone before. The NFTS is a world class education provider, whose alumni have gone on to work on some of the most outstanding content of our time.

“This represents a long term, wider BBC commitment to supporting the UK creative sector. Strengthening our creative input to build stronger links with new and diverse talent at the start of their careers is vital. For the NFTS to play a more active role in addressing skills gaps and inform our out of London requirements couldn’t come at a more important time by providing a direct link between new talent and our editorial teams.”

The BBC will sponsor 10 NFTS courses, comprised of six MA’s and four diploma courses. They will also be funding up to 20 BBC scholars, each with a commissioning or production mentor.

Find out more about the courses here.