Edinburgh TV Festival offers Arts and Humanities Research Council (AHRC)-funded students access to the world of television.
AHRC-funded PhD students are offered the unique opportunity to apply for the TV PhD scheme, delivered by Edinburgh TV Festival.
Successful applicants to the TV PhD scheme will have the opportunity to attend the festival, one of the television industry’s most important events.
An opportunity to network and develop skills
Those successfully enrolled on the programme will also have the chance to participate in a bespoke programme of sessions.
They can receive training to help them to develop skills, make contacts and increase their knowledge of the television industry, as well as benefiting from a festival pass.
The scheme is open to AHRC doctoral students who are interested in working in, or with, the television industry. This could include:
- conducting research into television or media more broadly
- conducting research in other topics and providing their expertise to broadcast projects.
Previous speakers on the TV PhD programme include:
- Patrick Holland (BBC Director of Factual)
- Bill Locke (Head of Specialist Factual, Lion TV)
- Simon Willgoss (Head of Development, Nutopia)
- Carolyn Payne (Commissioning Editor, National Geographic).
How to apply
Applications for the 2021 scheme open on 3 February 2021 and close at 10am on 16 April 2021. Applicants should expect interviews to take place via video call week commencing 3 May.
It should be noted that the scheme is not an opportunity to undertake research.
Find out more information and apply now on the Edinburgh TV Festival website.
TV PhD – Bridging the gap between Academia and Industry – Arts and minds (AHRC blog website)
Turning ideas into action
Paul Meller, Associate Director, Programmes, AHRC said:
AHRC’s PhD students are conducting a wide range of fascinating research projects, many of which have huge potential for television.
This opportunity offered by Edinburgh TV Festival offers students the chance to think about their research in a fresh way, sparking creativity and potential for exciting collaborations.
The interactive nature of the programme means that PhD students will not only feel more informed about how the television sector works, but they will gain the contacts and insight they need to turn ideas into action.
Bringing talents and skills to the TV industry
Sarah Vignoles, Talent Schemes Director, Edinburgh TV Festival, said:
I’m constantly delighted and inspired by the variety and depth of expertise our TV PhD cohorts bring to the table. Now entering the fourth year of the scheme I can’t wait to see what this year’s applicants will have to offer and help them explore how they could bring their talents and skills to the TV industry.
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