ABOUT TV PhD
Question: What is TV PhD?
Answer: TV PhD is a programme which gives AHRC-funded PhD students the opportunity to learn more about the TV industry and attend the Edinburgh Television Festival, one of the television industry’s most important events. It is designed to give you the tools to work either with or in the TV industry following your PhD.
Question: When does TV PhD take place?
Answer: TV PhD takes place via Zoom over three consecutive Thursdays in June (6th, 13th, 20th). You will then attend the Edinburgh TV Festival which will require being in Edinburgh from Tuesday 22nd to Friday 25th August. You will need to be able to make all of these dates to take part in the programme.
Question: How much does it cost?
Answer: TV PhD is funded by the AHRC and free to participants – this includes a pass for the Edinburgh Television Festival and accommodation in Edinburgh.
ELIGIBILITY
Question: What are the eligibility requirements for TV PhD?
Answer: TV PhD is only open to PhD Students who are currently being funded by the AHRC through an AHRC Doctoral Training Partnership (DTP), Centre for Doctoral Training (CDT) or Collaborative Doctoral Partnership (CDP). The student must be within their AHRC funding period and must have the consent of their supervisor in order to apply.While the scheme is open to students at all stages of their PhD, it may be more beneficial to students who are nearer to the completion of their PhD.
Question: Can I apply if I’ve applied before and been unsuccessful?
Answer: Yes, candidates for our programmes are often successful after multiple tries.
APPLYING
Question: When can I apply?
Answer: Applications for TV PhD are open now and will close on Monday 3rd April at 10am.
Question: How do I apply?
Answer: The application form is available on our website and is made up of three sections: personal information (including a CV), application questions, and monitoring information. You can choose to submit your answers to the application questions as either a written, audio or video response. All answers are marked to the same criteria regardless of format.
If you do decide to submit an audio or video response you should upload your answer as a private link on a platform such as YouTube or Vimeo and post this link in the entry box. Links need to be accessible until the end April so we can assess your entry.
Question: What are you looking for in an application?
Answer: Across your answers and at interview we will be looking for evidence of the following things:
- An understanding of how your research and/ or your career might benefit from the programme
- A genuine interest in television and the TV industry
- A commitment to fully participating in the programme should you be selected
Question: What are the stages of the application process?
Answer: After the online application, successful candidates will be invited to interview with the TV Foundation team. These will take place via Zoom on the 24th, 25th and 27th April.
BEING ON THE PROGRAMME
Question: What kind of things will I experience as a TV PhD delegate?
Answer: As well as receiving a full pass for the Edinburgh TV Festival, which gets you all the advantages of a full Festival delegate, we also produce a bespoke programme specifically for TV PhD. The sessions are different every year but are designed to introduce you to the various ways you might engage with the TV industry and give you an introduction to developing ideas for television.
Question: How does the mentoring programme work?
Answer: You will have the opportunity to sign up for our mentoring programme at a time that suits you following your participation in TV PhD. You will then be paired with an industry mentor who will work with you on your TV goals for one year after you are paired.
Question: I have individual access requirements – will I be able to take part?
Answer: We are committed to making our programmes and the Festival as inclusive as possible. You can see the Festival’s accessibility policies
here. If there are any reasonable accommodations you require to be able to participate in the assessment process or in the programme we will make them and cover the associated costs. If you have any questions about access or inclusion please email
talentschemes@thetvfestival.com.