COURSE OVERVIEW
Three comprehensive digital programmes in News, Children & Learning and Digital Content Strategies.
These programmes are designed to help industry professionals adapt, upskill and thrive in a digital-first media landscape
Content Tabs
BBC and YouTube have partnered with the National Film and Television School to design and deliver three cutting-edge training programmes for television producers, creators and journalists.
Delivered by the UK’s leading film and television school, these programmes are designed to help industry professionals adapt, upskill and thrive in a digital-first media landscape. Each programme combines high-quality online learning with in-person training and networking events hosted by the BBC across the UK.
If you are looking to adapt your experience for a digital-first industry, we are offering comprehensive certificate programmes in News, Children & Learning and Digital Content Strategies.
Throughout the programme, you’ll hear from industry experts from YouTube, the BBC and other leading digital media companies. Through their insights, experiences and real-world expertise, you’ll gain valuable perspectives on the latest trends, emerging opportunities and strategies shaping the future of digital content.
Whether you’re already growing audiences on YouTube, taking your first steps on the platform or developing digital-first strategies, studios and IP, these certificate programmes offer an opportunity to build your skills and broaden your perspective. Bringing together professionals from across broadcast, digital-first media and everything in between, our cohorts reflect a wide range of disciplines, organisations and levels of experience. This diversity is central to the learning experience, creating space to share ideas, learn from different approaches and explore new possibilities for the industry.
Participants will apply for one of three specialist cohorts for their online learning:
- Digital News Programme: Trusted Storytelling for the Next Generation
- Children & Learning Creator Programme: Impactful Digital Storytelling for Young Audiences
- Digital Content Success Programme: Strategies for Growth & Audience Impact
Each of the above sessions will be delivered online during a weekday afternoon. Duration will be between 1-3 hours per week starting at 2pm. News will run on a Tuesday, Content success will run on a Wednesday and Children & Learning will run on a Thursday. There will be some Wednesdays where joint sessions will take place across the three cohorts, bringing everyone together. Subject to availability.
KEY DATES: Programme 2 (open for applications)
Applications close: Mon 4th January, at midnight
Online programme: w/c 15th March to w/c 21st June
In-person programme: 1-day event in May Choose from Birmingham, London, Glasgow or Newcastle
KEY DATES: Programme 3 (open for applications w/c 5 April ‘27)
Online programme: Mid Sept - End of Nov
In-person programme: 1 day event in October: Choose from Salford, Cardiff, Belfast or Leeds
N.B. Please choose the city closest to you. Depending on the programme and location, you may need to wait until applications open for the next cohort.
Successful applicants will receive:
Specialist Online Training: 10-week online learning programme within your chosen strand (News, Children or Content). This training will cover understanding your audience, storytelling and formats, AI tools, optimisation and discoverability and more.
In-Person events: A one day regional training day hosted by the BBC, focusing on universal digital skills. This will include a networking opportunity.
A certificate of attendance upon finishing the programme.
Ongoing Access to Resources: Summary transcripts and training materials to support your continued development.
As part of the application process, you’ll be asked to select your preferred location for the in-person training day. Please choose the city closest to you. Depending on the programme and location, you may need to wait until applications for the next cohort open.
These programmes are designed for mid-career professionals looking to develop their skills for a digital-first media landscape.
To be eligible to apply, you should:
- Be 18 years or over at the time of application
- Be based in the UK and able to attend one local in-person training day in the UK
- Have 2 years + professional experience in television, journalism, digital media, or content creation. This may include freelance, employed, or self-produced work. To be demonstrated with a CV on application.
- Demonstrate a clear interest in developing digital-first skills, audience engagement, and platform-specific storytelling
- Be able to commit to the full 10-week online programme, including live sessions and independent learning
Strand-specific Suitability
Applicants should apply for one strand only, aligned with their current practice or career direction:
Digital News Programme
Suitable for journalists, producers, assistant producers, researchers, and content creators working in or moving towards digital news and current affairs.
Children & Learning Creator Programme
Suitable for producers, educators, or content makers with an interest in children’s, learning, or educational content for digital platforms.
Digital Content Success Programme
Suitable for producers, creatives, and strategists developing factual, entertainment, or scripted digital content and looking to grow audiences and impact.
Please apply using this link (apps close Mon 4th Jan 2027)
The following item(s) should accompany your online application:
A copy of your CV to demonstrate 2+ years experience in your field.
A paragraph outlining why you have chosen your strand (News, Children & Learning or the Digital Content Success Programme)
During the application process, you’ll be asked to indicate your preferred location for the in-person day. Successful applicants will be assigned to that location.
We welcome applications from candidates of all backgrounds and particularly encourage applications from individuals who are currently under-represented in the screen industries.
We are committed to making our application process accessible to everyone. If you require this form in an alternative format or need any adjustments to complete your application, please contact us and we will be happy to assist. If you have a disability or access requirement, we will work with you to ensure you can participate fully in both the online and in-person elements of the programme.
FUNDING AVAILABLE
The are no fees for the course, as the course fee is being underwritten.