Media · Graduate Schemes & Apprenticeships
BBC Graduate Scheme
Quick answer
BBC early-career schemes (journalism, production, engineering/technology and business) use online applications, situational assessments and assessment days with practical exercises — story pitches for journalism, technical tasks for engineering. The BBC assesses creativity, editorial judgement and its values, and schemes are extremely oversubscribed.
About the BBC Graduate Schemes & Apprenticeships
The BBC runs some of the most sought-after media early-career schemes in the UK. Practical exercises dominate — you'll do the actual work (pitch stories, plan content, solve technical problems) rather than just talk about it.
Eligibility & entry requirements
The application & selection process
| Stage | What to expect |
|---|---|
| Online application | Application with scheme-specific questions — often including examples of your work or ideas. |
| Online assessments | Situational and scheme-specific exercises. |
| Assessment day | Practical tasks (story pitch, production planning, technical test) plus interview. |
| Offer | Decision and offer. |
Common BBC interview questions
- 1Pitch me three story ideas for this audience.
- 2Why the BBC, and why this scheme?
- 3How would you make this content work for younger audiences?
- 4Describe a time you showed editorial judgement or creativity.
- 5What does the BBC's mission mean to you?
How to get an offer
- Bring specific, fresh ideas — practical exercises decide these schemes.
- Know the BBC's audiences and current output.
- Prepare a portfolio or examples of your work.
- Understand the BBC's values and mission.
Common mistakes to avoid
- Generic ideas that ignore the audience.
- Not knowing BBC output.
- No portfolio/examples.
- Treating it like a corporate interview.
Application deadlines
Schemes open at fixed windows (often autumn/winter) with hard deadlines — check each scheme's cycle.
Salary & benefits
BBC early-career salaries are typically around £22k–£30k depending on scheme and location (higher in London).
Frequently asked questions
What happens at a BBC assessment day?
Practical, scheme-specific exercises — story pitching for journalism, planning for production, technical tasks for engineering — plus an interview.
Do I need a degree for BBC schemes?
Many BBC early-career schemes and apprenticeships have no degree requirement — demonstrable interest and ideas matter more.
Preparing for the BBC graduate scheme?
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