RTS Bursary Scheme

The dinner was combined with speeches from newly awarded RTS Fellows (an award offered to those who have offered outstanding contributions to the UK television industry). Amongst them were Succession creator Jesse Armstrong, and screenwriters Abi Morgan (The Split) and Jack Thorne (Best Interests). Meanwhile 100 past and present scholars were busy making valuable connections with each other, as well as the TV veterans.

Thirty-four were chosen for the TV Production and Journalism Bursary, including Amelia Nicola, who was awarded the Steve Hewlett Scholarship, and Cerys Horner, who won the Beryl Vertue Scholarship. The latter was introduced last year for a student with an interest in producing.

Ten scholars have received a Digital Innovation Bursary.

Theresa Wise, CEO of the RTS, said: “This year, we have received the highest number of applications to date.

During her early years at school, Catriona Walsh didn’t speak. It might be a surprise, then, for her teachers to discover that she wants to be a TV presenter. This summer, she’s spending her university holiday working as a studio runner and researcher on Blue Peter, upping sticks from her hometown of Derry, Northern Ireland, for Salford’s MediaCity in pursuit of her dream job.

RTS Bursary scholars and alumni share how their lives have changed since applying for the scheme, what they have learned about themselves and the industry, and why they think you should apply.

In late June, Fremantle UK hosted the RTS’s annual summer networking session, welcoming past and present RTS Bursary scholars to their London office. Alongside their personal mentors, the attendees connected and exchanged contacts with each other and industry professionals.

One of the core goals of the RTS is to support the television industry in reflecting the exciting and diverse voices of Britain today which starts by changing the industry from the inside, championing and helping talented students to consider the creative industries.

Current and previous ­bursary scholars attended, together with Fremantle representatives, RTS mentors and other leading industry figures.  

RTS bursaries consultant Anne Dawson said that these opportunities were “so important”, because “they give our students a connection to the industry they wouldn’t otherwise have”.  

The RTS runs three pioneering schemes – the TV Production and Journalism Bursary, the Digital Innovation Bursary and the Steve Hewlett Scholarship.

The RTS’ bursary schemes support young people from lower income backgrounds who are interested in working in the television industry, from production or related subjects through to technology roles.

The bursaries support young people from lower-income backgrounds who want to work in television. A total of 39 bursaries have been awarded across TV production and journalism, technology, and the Steve Hewlett scholarship programme.

“Receiving a bursary from the RTS isn’t just representative of the financial backing, but of the opportunity to be a part of an industry-recognised community of like-minded people,” said Evan Taylor, who studies film at the University of Westminster.