RTS names bursary winners

The UK’s Royal Television Society (RTS) has named the winners of its 2016 undergraduate bursaries scheme, designed to widen participation in media and related industries and support talented students from lower income backgrounds seeking to pursue a career in television.

This year’s scheme offers 20 bursaries for TV production and broadcast journalism students and seven bursaries for computing and engineering undergraduates.

Broadcast journalist and TV production bursary winners include Katie Brown; Peter Chapman; Jamie Davidson; Leeford Dean; Aaron Dimes; Shona Fegan; Amber Fisher; Emily Friend; Natasha Graham; Alexander Greensmith; Lee Hodgetts; Lauren Jones; Colin MacRae; Alicia Newing; Lydia Noakes; Timothy Payne; Charlie Schultz; Hannah Spary; Alysha Takoushian and Mark Tran.

Computijng and engineering bursary winners include Ertug Aytug; Keoni D’Souza; Danial Farooq; Embla Hocking; Oliver Hope; James Mailey and Yasmin Voong.

During their studies, each recipient will be given £1,000 a year to help with expenses and living costs. In addition, each beneficiary will receive free membership of the RTS and The Hospital Club – a private members club for those in the creative industries – while studying, and one year’s free membership of the RTS after they graduate. In their final year of study, the RTS will also aim to set up mentoring opportunities with one of its industry members.

“The RTS is committed to supporting UK undergraduates seeking to work in television and its related fields. Since its launch in 2014 we have provided vital support to 45 talented individuals – offering not only the bursary itself but also mentoring and access to contacts within the broadcasting industry,” said RTS CEO Theresa Wise.

“2016 sees us continue this work. The response to our two schemes has been fantastic and it’s hugely exciting to see such a high number of people seeking to work in the TV industry. The calibre of applicants has been outstanding and those applying have demonstrated real ambition and commitment to learning. Due to this we have decided to award two additional bursaries to Computing and Engineering undergraduates bringing the total number of recipients this year to 27. We look forward to following their future career progress and achievements.”