Programmes
About the Writers' Programme
If you have a love of writing and a drive to pursue journalism, our Writers’ Programme is perfect for you. The programme will provide you with skills, experience and training to give you a strong step-up in the industry.
We recognise hard work, offering great perks and opportunities to dedicated writers.
Find out more about our Writers' Programme here.
About the Photographers' Programme
Whether you’re studying photography or simply have a talent for it, we can help to promote you and your work with our programme. As well as artistic photography briefs, we can offer you opportunities to take photos on events such as press trips, interviews and music festivals (to name a few).
Find out more about our Photographers' Programme here.
About the Illustrators' Programme
We are looking for emerging artists (either current students or recent graduates) to contribute original images to The National Students. We commission illustrations for online and print articles, as well as for our social channels and we promote the work of our illustrators.
Find out more about our Illustrators' Programme here.
About the Video Makers’ Programme
This programme is ideal for aspiring presenters and videographers alike. Through our video makers’ programme, you’ll have the chance to film interviews, and create social media videos and interactive content or even take on a documentary.
Find out more about our Video Makers’ Programme here.
About the Podcasters’ Programme
At The National Student, we want confident voices to report on news and provide a social commentary. With a podcasts coming up which will feature in-depth, topical discussions, we would love to hear from you if you would like to take part.
Find out more about our Podcasters’ Programme here.
Who can join?
We welcome applications from any student or recent graduate with drive, enthusiasm and a desire to learn more about a career in the creative industries. All we ask is that you are enrolled in a university or higher education course (or were until two years ago) and have a social media presence (don’t worry if it isn’t huge!).
Once you’re in, you also can choose to take part in more than one programme.
No need to re-apply!
Why join?
Breaking into the creative industries can be tough, so we are here to help you build an online presence and get to grips with your chosen industry. As a contributor to The National Student, you can get your work published, attend exciting press events and meet like-minded people while still at university.
Work with us
Group Section Editors – paid role, part-time
When you reach 4 stars* as a contributor, you can apply to be one of our group section editors. This role means you'll contribute to our content calendar and ensure it is delivered, produce some social media content, ensure the quality of the content in your assigned sections and be the line-manager Junior Section Editors.
*If you really impress us, we will consider your application if you have not yet received this star rating
Junior Section Editors – paid role, part-time
Junior Section Editor positions are available to contributors with a 3-star rating*. As a junior section editor, you will help to find stories that will interest our audience, deliver a development plan, liaise with PRs, prompt to your contributors and sub-edit articles in your assigned section (c. 7 articles per month).
*If you really impress us, we will consider your application if you have not yet received this star rating
Who do we want?
We want dedicated, enthusiastic contributors with a good eye for detail. In particular, we are looking for people who have impressed us with their high-quality work, friendly manner and ability to spot a good story.
Got the drive to achieve something big? We’re here to help.
Content series leader
Throughout the year, we will be offering content series opportunities for contributors to lead and are open to pitches for you to lead your own.
3* and above.
Where are they now?
Our contributors have gone on to do great things.
Tom Clarke
now Assistant Sports Editor at The Times
Laura Hope Lloyd
now freelances as an illustrator for brands like Roger Vivier and Kiehl’s
- See her work here
Apply / Contribute
To join any of the above programmes, simply fill in the form below and attach two examples of your work. Once you apply, our team will be in touch as soon as possible.