RTS Invests £75k In UK Students

The Royal Television Society (RTS) has announced an investment of £60,000 to support UK students studying television production and broadcast journalism.

The Society has also launched a second undergraduate bursary programme for Computing and Engineering undergraduates that will bring the total amount up to £75,000.

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 totals £15,000 and will offer five bursaries of £3,000 (£1,000 per year) to students studying Computing and Engineering.
The television production and broadcast journalism undergraduate bursary scheme offers 20 bursaries of £3,000 (£1,000 per year).

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, said: "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."

Graeme Thompson, Chair of the RTS Education Committee and Dean of Arts, Design and Media at University of Sunderland, added: "The RTS bursary scheme not only offers recipients support with living expenses but a unique opportunity to get to know and understand the world of television while studying. I would urge everyone planning to study related media and technology courses to look at the RTS scheme and see whether you are eligible to apply."

The deadline for applications is 1 June 2015.

www.rts.org.uk/royal-television-society-undergraduate-bursary

www.rts.org.uk

(IT/JP)