Paid pathways • 5–12 week experiences • Creative & business tracks • London, Salford & UK-wide hubs
United Kingdom • Early Careers • Creative, production, business, and inclusion-focused roles
The BBC doesn’t run a single, one-size-fits-all “Creative Diversity Internship” every year. Instead, there are several **legitimate routes** that give you **paid**, diversity-focused access to the BBC or BBC Creative (its in-house agency): targeted **summer diversity internships**, **BBC Creative U (12-week masterclass)**, **apprenticeships & taster experiences** via BBC Early Careers, and **partner pathways** that prioritise under-represented talent. This guide maps each route, explains **eligibility**, **pay**, **timelines**, and gives a **step-by-step application plan** with portfolio templates, interview prep, and conversion tips.
All routes into BBC Creative & diversity-focused roles
1) Summer diversity internships (business & creative)
Recent cycles include short, paid internships targeted at under-represented groups (e.g., **5-week** summer placements with bursary pay). Typical placements sit in business or commercial teams that collaborate closely with creative, production and distribution.
- Real work outputs over a short, intensive block (often late June–July).
- Open to applicants meeting one or more diversity criteria (e.g., ethnicity, disability, socio-economic background) + right to work in the UK and 18+.
- Multiple BBC hubs: London, Salford/Manchester, Cardiff, Glasgow, Belfast.
2) BBC Creative U (12-week masterclass)
A structured, cohort-based **12-week advertising masterclass** hosted by **BBC Creative** (the BBC’s in-house agency) to **improve the diversity of talent entering advertising**. You’ll learn copy, art direction, strategy, production, and pitch craft from practitioners, often culminating in a showcase.
Graduates build portfolios and network with BBC Creative teams and partner agencies.
3) BBC Early Careers: apprenticeships & ‘GET IN’ taster experiences
Alongside internships, the BBC’s Early Careers arm offers **paid apprenticeships** in Production, Journalism, Digital/Tech/Data, Engineering & Operations, Business, plus short **‘GET IN’** tasters for 16–18s. These are not “internships” but are **salaried** routes into creative careers, with formal training.
4) Partner pathways (diversity-first)
The BBC collaborates with organisations that **specialise in placing under-represented talent** into paid opportunities across the creative industries. Cohorts and employer lists vary each year, but these partners often include large UK schemes and sector-specific networks.
What to do: Track each route. Set alerts for “BBC Creative”, “Summer Internship”, “Apprenticeship”, and cohorts like “Creative U”. Where a diversity criterion is listed, read it carefully and check if you qualify.
Who it’s for (eligibility snapshots)
Core profile
- 18+; right to work in the UK for the duration of the placement.
- Current student or recent graduate (some schemes accept career-changers).
- Genuine interest in creative, advertising, production, or media business.
Diversity & inclusion focus
- Some summer internships and masterclasses are prioritised for under-represented talent (e.g., Black, Asian and minority ethnic backgrounds; disabled candidates; low-income/working-class background).
- Apprenticeships are open to all and paid; tasters have age/location criteria.
Important: Eligibility, selection criteria and locations **change by year**. Always follow the current job advert or cohort page for definitive rules.
Pay, benefits & locations
Internships (short placements)
- Expect **paid** short placements (e.g., ~5 weeks in summer) with a **weekly bursary**; London allowances may apply.
- Some schemes support travel/accommodation where relocation is required.
- Outputs: a defined project or placement deliverable you can add to your reel/CV.
Apprenticeships (salaried)
- **Salaried** roles paid at least the **National Living Wage** (often higher by scheme).
- Structured training + off-the-job learning; typically 12–24 months.
- Work bases: London (Broadcasting House, Television Centre), Salford (MediaCityUK), Cardiff, Glasgow, Belfast and regional bases.
Pay rates, stipend/bursary mechanics and allowances are published in each advert. Keep screenshots of pay/benefits for your records.
Timeline (what opens when)
| Route | When it usually appears | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Summer diversity internships | Applications often open in **Jan–Feb** for **June–July** placements | Short (e.g., **5 weeks**). Diversity criteria + 18+ + right-to-work. Submit early. |
| BBC Creative U (12 weeks) | Cycles vary (watch BBC Creative channels & industry boards) | Advertising masterclass focused on diversifying talent into creative roles. |
| Apprenticeships | Multiple intakes across the year | Production, Journalism, Digital/Tech/Data, Engineering & Operations, Business. |
| ‘GET IN’ tasters (16–18) | Scheduled windows per region | Short, hands-on experiences; not internships but good exposure. |
| Partner pathways | Varies by partner, often **Autumn–Winter** for the following summer | Large UK cohorts place under-represented talent into **paid** summer roles. |
Rolling review: many BBC early-careers schemes assess on a rolling basis. Apply early; high-volume adverts can close before the stated deadline.
How to apply (step-by-step)
- Pick the right route(s): shortlist 1–2 you can realistically win this cycle (e.g., a 5-week summer internship + BBC Creative U).
- Build a results-first CV (2 pages): 3–5 impact bullets at the top; format bullets as action → tool → outcome (+ metric). Keep filenames tidy (Firstname_Lastname_CV.pdf).
- Create a simple portfolio: 4–8 pieces max — ads, scripts, decks, short edits, or brand caselets. Each item gets a one-page write-up: brief → idea → execution → outcome.
- Write short answers (120–180 words): “Why BBC/BBC Creative?”, “Why this team?”, “What inclusion means to you” — add one proof-point story per answer.
- Submit early: many adverts close as soon as roles are filled. Screenshot your confirmation page.
- Prep for screening: practise a 60-second pitch (degree → one project → the impact → why this route).
Template — “Why BBC Creative?” (150–180 words)
“I’m drawn to BBC Creative because it solves public-service briefs at national scale. In a uni live brief, I led a social spot that lifted video completion by 58% for a community client. I like work that’s clear, inclusive and measurable — and I’m comfortable iterating from feedback. I’ve built three spec ads (two 30-sec cuts; one radio), and I write short scripts that aim for simple, human insights. I want to learn how BBC Creative translates strategy into accessible creative across TV, radio and digital touchpoints. I’ll bring reliable execution, curiosity, and tidy files others can build on.”
Template — “Inclusion in my work” (120–150 words)
“Inclusion means creating work where people recognise themselves — respectfully and without clichés. On a student campaign for a local arts group, we interviewed community members first, then tested early edits with them. We changed our VO to reflect their language and added subtitles designed for readability. Responses improved, and event attendance went up 23%. At the BBC I’d bring that habit of testing with audiences, using alt text, captions, and layout choices that include more people.”
Accessibility: if you need adjustments (e.g., captions on interviews, alternative assessments), say so when you’re contacted — the team can arrange reasonable adjustments.
Documents & portfolio checklist
Application stage
- CV (PDF, 2 pages; outcome-first bullets).
- Short answers (120–180 words each) tailored to the route.
- Portfolio link (GDrive/OneDrive/Behance/website) — or attach a compact PDF (≤10 MB).
- Right-to-work docs (passport/BRP; visa conditions if applicable).
If requested later
- Transcript (unofficial often fine at screening).
- References (names/emails are usually enough initially).
- Expanded reel or project files for a portfolio review.
Use consistent names across all documents; add your email/phone to the footer of your PDF portfolio.
Assessments & interviews (what to expect)
Screening & interview
- Short phone/video interview about motivation, teamwork and inclusion.
- A quick task: write a 30-sec script, draft a social tile, or outline a content plan.
- For business-side placements: an email write-up, a simple deck, or a case snippet.
How to prepare
- Draft 5 STAR stories (teamwork, learning fast, audience focus, problem-solving, resilience).
- Practise reading your copy aloud; aim for clarity and inclusive language.
- Bring one “before/after” example with a metric — engagement, completion, or reach.
Tip: Some teams decide from your application alone. Your CV + short answers must stand on their own.
Portfolio playbook for BBC Creative (copy/art/strategy)
Make work that travels
- Three spec ads for BBC brands/formats; include a 6-sec cut, a 15-sec cut, and a radio/read copy.
- One campaign caselet: brief → human insight → idea → execution → accessibility choices → outcome.
- Add alt text/transcripts and clear subtitles to show accessibility thinking.
Keep it tight & tidy
- 8 pieces max; each with a one-page write-up and one visual.
- Show your process (sketch → first draft → iteration → final).
- Tidy file names and layer structures; show you collaborate well.
Inclusion, access & adjustments
- Applicants can request **reasonable adjustments** at any stage (screening, interview, on-placement).
- Some cohorts offer **London living allowances** or transport support; read each advert carefully.
- Short placements are time-boxed; agree one primary deliverable with your manager and measure impact.
FAQs
Is there one official “BBC Creative Diversity Internship” every year?
No. There are several legitimate routes: short paid summer diversity internships, the BBC Creative U 12-week masterclass, apprenticeships (salaried), ‘GET IN’ tasters, and partner pathways. Each has its own dates and criteria.
Are opportunities paid?
Yes — internships advertise bursary/weekly pay, and apprenticeships are salaried (at least the National Living Wage, often higher). Check each advert for rates and allowances.
Where are the roles based?
Common hubs include London, Salford/Manchester, Cardiff, Glasgow, and Belfast. Availability varies by year.
Can international students apply?
Eligibility depends on right-to-work for the UK. Some adverts accept Student visa holders; others may not. Always check the current posting.
How do I maximise my chances?
Apply early; tailor your short answers; keep a crisp portfolio with 4–8 pieces; prepare 5 STAR stories; and ask for reasonable adjustments early if needed.
• Information changes by year. Always verify details on the official BBC pages and the specific cohort/partner site before you apply.