A GLOUCESTERSHIRE student has been awarded a prestigious Royal Television Society (RTS) scholarship, recognising her talent and supporting her next steps into the industry.

Karina Whelan, a third-year Film and TV Production student at the University of Gloucestershire, received an RTS bursary after submitting a powerfully written application and impressing at multiple stages of interviews. Writing to the RTS, she expressed her passion for TV, her personal background as a young carer and her experience as a neurodivergent student navigating education.

The bursary provides financial support, industry mentoring, and access to RTS events, connecting scholars with leading professionals across the film and television sector. Karina is one of only 30 undergraduate students selected for the TV Production and Journalism Bursary (TVPJ).

Karina Whelan said: “The RTS bursary is already opening huge doors for me. The financial support means I can fully engage with my studies and take on creative projects and placement opportunities without the financial pressure.

“It has also given me access to valuable networking opportunities. The RTS has already enabled people in the industry to see my work and signpost me towards opportunities where my projects will have the strongest impact.”

Adam Batchelor, Academic Course Leader for Film and TV Production at the university, said: “We are incredibly proud of Karina. The Beryl Vertue Scholarship awarded by the RTS is a testament to her talent, her dedication to TV and film production, and her commitment to telling the stories of underrepresented communities.

“The Scholarship is a well-deserved recognition of her potential, and we look forward to supporting her throughout her studies and into her future career.”

Karina added: “The University of Gloucestershire has been incredibly supportive in helping me build the skills, confidence and creative ambition needed to pursue this career.

“Experiences such as relaunching the LGBTQIA+ Society, serving as Chair of the Student Council and being elected the LGBTQIA+ Welfare Representative, combined with the support of my lecturers and peers, have helped me develop a strong voice as both a student and a filmmaker.

“The University has encouraged my creativity, supported my personal development, and helped me turn my lived experiences into storytelling that feels meaningful and impactful.”

Following her exceptional application to the RTS and interest in a producing career, Karina was also chosen as the only student to receive the for the Beryl Vertue Scholarship, named in honour of the acclaimed producer, as part of the TVPJ scheme.

Karina added: “I aspire to become a producer working in both documentary and drama, with a particular focus on telling stories that bring visibility to underrepresented communities.”

In addition to the key benefits she receives from the TVPJ bursary, the Beryl Vertue Scholarship gives her additional mentoring opportunities with professionals from companies such as Hartswood Films, founded by Beryl Vertue in 1979 and now led by her daughters Sue and Debbie.

You can find out more about opportunities in the industry with the University of Gloucestershire by visiting its website.