How to Apply for the BBC Graduate Scheme in 2024 – A Complete Guide
Updated December 7, 2023
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BBC graduate schemes offer an exciting opportunity to enter the world of news, media and broadcasting with a globally recognised and respected organisation.
Schemes are available in a number of disciplines including journalism, production, research, software development and data science, providing an entry route into the industry wherever your skills and interests lie.
The British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC) is a globally renowned public service broadcaster, recognised for its commitment to delivering high-quality news, entertainment and educational content.
It also offers a range of early careers opportunities for those looking to enter the media world.
This article tells you everything you need to know about the 2024 BBC graduate schemes – from what you can specialise in to how to prepare for the competitive application process.
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What Is the BBC?
Founded in 1922, the BBC is one of the world's oldest and largest media organisations.
A public service broadcaster, its founding mission is to inform, educate and entertain. It does this through an array of television, radio and online services, and a wide range of content including news, documentaries, dramas, comedies, music and more.
While the BBC is known for producing a diverse range of programming in the UK, it also extends its reach globally.
It has a network of 50 foreign bureaus and a team of more than 250 correspondents, providing news and analysis in over 40 languages.
In addition to its public service mission, the BBC engages in commercial services to finance the development of new programming and content.
BBC Core Values
As it is publicly funded, the BBC is responsible for upholding a stringent set of core values.
These are the principles that guide its actions and decisions, and provide a clear understanding of the expectations and culture within the organisation.
- Audiences – Understanding and meeting the diverse needs of its viewers and listeners is at the heart of the BBC's mission.
- Creativity – It values originality, innovation and imagination in its programming and services.
- Trust – It is dedicated to providing reliable, unbiased and impartial content.
- Respect – It is committed to treating its employees, contributors and audiences with fairness and respect, fostering a diverse and inclusive environment.
- Accountability – Accountability ensures that the organisation maintains the trust of the public and continuously seeks to improve its services.
- ONE BBC – The concept of ONE BBC emphasises working together as a collective, leveraging the BBC's strengths and resources to fulfil its mission effectively.
It’s important to keep these core values in mind as you work your way through the BBC graduate scheme application process, as they’ll play a significant role in determining your suitability.
What Are the BBC Graduate Schemes?
The 2024 BBC graduate schemes are entry level programmes open to talented individuals hoping to enter the media industry – whether in a front line capacity or behind the scenes.
There are multiple pathways available through both the BBC trainee and graduate schemes and BBC apprenticeships.
Whichever route you take, you can expect to receive practical experience, on the job training and professional support from experienced mentors.
BBC Trainee and Graduate Scheme
There are three programmes available through the BBC trainee and graduate scheme.
These are aimed at those with an existing level of experience, looking to jump straight into their career without pursuing an additional qualification.
Production Advanced Trainee Scheme
The Production Advanced Trainee Scheme is an 18-month programme aimed at those with an interest in content production – whether that be visual, audio or online content.
If you successfully complete the scheme, you’ll have the chance to apply for a permanent role within the production team.
Research and Development Graduate Scheme
The Research and Development Graduate Scheme is a two-year rotational initiative where participants use their creative and technical skills to create tangible products and services.
To apply you’ll need a strong technical background with a minimum 2.1 BSc.
This scheme is a path to entry for permanent BBC careers in R&D engineering, with multiple options for career progression on completion.
Software Development Graduate Scheme
The Software Development Graduate Scheme is another two-year rotational programme focused on advancing innovation and shaping the BBC's digital landscape.
Applications are welcome from those who have graduated in a computing related subject, as well as those who are self taught.
Again, provided you do well on your placement, you’ll be offered a permanent role with the BBC after your two years are up.
BBC Apprenticeships
The following are all higher/master's degree apprenticeships taken at level 7. All lead to a professional qualification in your chosen field.
Journalist
The BBC Journalism apprenticeship is designed to train aspiring journalists in various media formats.
You may also hear it referred to as the BBC Journalism trainee scheme.
In the BBC Journalism trainee scheme, apprentices receive hands-on experience in reporting, writing and multimedia journalism, equipping them with the skills and knowledge needed for a career in news and media.
Production Manager
The Production Manager apprenticeship focuses on the planning, coordination and execution of media projects.
It prepares apprentices to oversee and manage the production process, ensuring the successful delivery of content for television, radio and digital platforms.
Research Scientist
This apprenticeship offers a pathway for those interested in data analysis.
Participants will use their skills in things like machine learning and statistical modelling to extract insights from large data sets.
There are several areas you can apply your skills in data science, with this pathway opening up opportunities in audiences, sustainability and BBC Studios careers.
DTSS Software Engineering
The DTSS (Digital, Technical, and Software Solutions) Software Engineering apprenticeship provides a comprehensive education in software development and engineering.
Apprentices learn to create and maintain software systems, enabling them to contribute to the BBC's digital solutions and technical projects.
Cyber Security Technical Specialist
This BBC apprenticeship equips individuals with the skills and expertise to protect digital assets and data.
Participants focus on cyber security, developing strategies to safeguard information systems and networks.
Accountancy or Taxation
This apprenticeship programme is ideal for those aspiring to become accountants or tax professionals.
It offers in-depth training in financial management and accounting principles, preparing apprentices for roles in finance and taxation.
Solicitor
The Solicitor apprenticeship is for those looking to embark on a legal career, with participants assisting in various aspects of legal practice and gaining practical legal experience.
This apprenticeship is a pathway to becoming a qualified solicitor.
BBC Graduate Schemes – Salary
How much you can expect to earn in your early career with the BBC varies.
Salaries for the 2023 BBC graduate schemes range from £22,442 to £32,500 depending on the scheme you enrol in.
Some participants will also be eligible for a living allowance depending on the location of their placement and their circumstances.
For Level 7 BBC apprenticeships, salaries fall between £25,000 and just over £32,00, again depending on the pathway.
Additional benefits on offer for all BBC graduate jobs include:
- 25 days’ annual leave plus bank holidays
- Pension contributions
- Discounted health and dental care
- Discounted gym memberships
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BBC Graduate Scheme Application Process
The application process for BBC graduate careers is the same whether you go down the graduate scheme or apprenticeship route.
It's important to thoroughly prepare for each stage of the application process by researching the BBC and understanding the values and expectations of the organisation.
Application Form
In this initial step you’re required to complete an online application form.
This includes sections for personal details, education, work experience, and often a section to provide a covering letter or personal statement.
Focus on demonstrating your qualifications, skills and enthusiasm for the specific scheme you’re applying for.
Online Tests
Depending on the particular graduate scheme, you may be asked to complete various online tests. These tests can include:
- Strength-based questions – These questions assess an applicant's inherent strengths, values and behavioural preferences to determine if they align with the BBC's values and culture.
- Situational judgement test – This type of test presents candidates with real-life scenarios to evaluate their ability to make sound judgments and decisions based on a set of given options.
- Coding exercise – For technical roles, candidates may be tasked with a coding exercise to assess their programming and technical problem-solving skills.
Video Interview
In the video interview stage, you’ll be asked to record video responses to a set of predetermined questions.
You may also need to provide written responses to some questions.
This interview focuses on evaluating your strengths, motivations and suitability for the specific graduate scheme you’re pursuing.
Technical roles may skip this step, as their evaluation may involve different assessments.
Assessment Centre
The BBC graduate scheme assessment centre usually takes place virtually and includes various components such as:
- Group exercise – You could be placed in group activities or discussions that assess your ability to collaborate, communicate and solve problems as part of a team.
- Interview – A one-on-one interview that delves deeper into your qualifications, experiences and motivations, as well as assessing your cultural fit within the BBC.
- Q&A session – You’ll have the opportunity to ask questions about the graduate scheme, organisation and culture.
- Pre-assessment exercise – Some schemes might require you to complete a task or exercise before the assessment centre, which may be related to the specific role you’re applying for.
If you’re successful at the assessment centre stage, you’ll then be made an official offer for your BBC graduate scheme.
How to Prepare for Your BBC Graduate Scheme Application
The following tips should help you choose the right BBC graduate scheme for you and put together a strong application.
Step 1. Use the BBC Role Matcher
The BBC Role Matcher is an interactive tool that helps you discover which graduate scheme aligns best with your skills, interests and aspirations.
By taking this assessment, you can gain insights into roles that suit you and learn from the experiences of individuals who have already taken similar paths.
Using the Role Matcher can assist you in selecting the most suitable scheme and tailoring your application to highlight relevant qualities.
Step 2. Explore BBC ‘Get In’ Experiences
Participating in 'Get In' experiences provided by the BBC can be a valuable exercise.
Taster days give an overview of the schemes available, while BBC work experience placements offer first-hand exposure to the working environment.
These opportunities enable you to understand what a career at the BBC entails, explore different roles and make informed decisions about your preferred scheme.
Step 3. Research the BBC
Gain a thorough understanding of the BBC's various platforms – including television, radio and online – and familiarise yourself with the content and services it offers, as well as its respective audiences.
Knowledge of the BBC's diverse media outlets and its target demographics demonstrates your awareness of the organisation's reach and impact.
Step 4. Practise for Your Online Tests
Prepare for the online tests that may be part of the application process by using practice questions and mock assessments.
For the strengths-based questions and situational judgement tests, understand that there are no inherently right or wrong answers but that the hiring team will be looking for certain qualities.
Remember the BBC's core values and stay consistent in reflecting these in your responses.
Step 5. Research Common Interview Questions
In preparation for interviews, research and rehearse common interview questions relevant to your chosen field of work. Here are some examples for various roles:
- Journalism – For BBC journalist jobs, be ready to discuss your passion for storytelling, your ability to find and report news and your understanding of media ethics.
- Software development – Expect questions related to your coding skills, problem-solving abilities and previous programming projects.
- Accountancy/Taxation – Anticipate questions about your understanding of financial principles, tax regulations and your ability to analyse financial data.
- Production – For those pursuing production roles, be prepared to discuss your organisational and project management skills, your ability to work effectively in a team and your experience in coordinating and overseeing media projects.
Step 6. Master the STAR Technique
The STAR technique (Situation, Task, Action, Result) is a framework for answering interview questions effectively.
When responding to interview questions, structure your answers around this technique to provide clear and concise responses:
- Situation – Begin by outlining the scenario you found yourself in.
- Task – Describe the specific task or challenge you faced in that situation.
- Action – Detail the actions you took to address the task, including the skills and qualities you applied.
- Result – Conclude by discussing the outcomes of your actions and what you learned from the experience.
By mastering the STAR technique, you can provide well-structured, evidence-based responses that showcase your qualifications, your experiences and your ability to meet the BBC's expectations for its graduate scheme applicants.
The BBC graduate scheme salary varies depending on the specific role and location.
In general, the BBC offers competitive pay for graduates ranging between £22,000 and £32,000 per year, with an additional living allowance where appropriate.
BBC 2024 apprenticeships are structured programmes designed to provide individuals with hands-on experience and training across various fields within the organisation.
For graduates, these are offered at level 7 and cover a range of roles from journalism and production to research science and software engineering.
Begin by exploring its official careers website where it regularly posts job openings.
For university leavers, there are a number of graduate schemes available. If you’re still in education, you could gain experience through 2024 BBC internships, as this can be a pathway to permanent positions.
Band salaries at the BBC represent pay scales or levels that correspond to different roles and responsibilities.
It's a structured system used to categorise positions and determine the salary range.
The range for Band B is £22,500 to £37,000. The BBC graduate scheme salary falls within this band.
The highest-paid individuals are typically senior executives and top on-air talent.
This can include top-level executives like the Director-General and other senior management, as well as high-profile broadcasters and presenters.
However, exact salaries and who is the highest-paid can change over time and this information is not always publicly disclosed.
High-paying jobs at the BBC often include executive and senior management roles, such as the Director-General, as well as positions in the creative and editorial departments for experienced and renowned on-air talent, broadcasters and presenters.
Additionally, specialised technical roles in areas like software engineering and research can command competitive salaries.
It’s considered a desirable employer by many, offering a diverse range of opportunities across various fields in media and broadcasting.
It’s known for its commitment to diversity and inclusion, and its dedication to quality journalism and content creation.
However, experiences can vary depending on specific roles, departments and personal preferences.
Final Thoughts
Participating in the BBC graduate scheme offers a unique chance to start a career in the media industry with a globally recognised broadcaster.
It allows you to contribute to the BBC's mission of informing, educating and entertaining, while gaining valuable experience and skills that can be applied throughout your career.
To set yourself apart as a candidate, make sure you fully prepare for each stage of the application process.
Most importantly, familiarise yourself with the BBC’s core values so you can demonstrate your alignment with its principles and purpose.
