Last reviewed: Next review due:
The UK journalism internship landscape
Journalism internships in the UK have historically been a mixed picture: some well-structured, paid programmes at major publishers, and a tail of unlawful unpaid placements that have long been challenged by the NUJ and campaigners for fair pay. The legal position has been clear since the National Minimum Wage Act 1998 — almost all working interns are entitled to be paid — but enforcement has been inconsistent.
Understanding your legal rights before accepting an internship is essential. Accepting an unpaid internship that is unlawful not only deprives you of pay you are owed; it also supports a practice that disadvantages those who cannot afford to work for free, making the journalism profession less diverse.
The National Minimum Wage and journalism internships
Key legal point
Under the National Minimum Wage Act 1998, any person who is a “worker” — including most interns who perform real journalism tasks under direction — is legally entitled to the National Minimum Wage. This applies regardless of how the arrangement is described. An employer who fails to pay the NMW commits a criminal offence and is liable for back pay.
The limited exceptions under which an unpaid internship may be lawful are:
- ›Voluntary workers at charities, voluntary organisations, or associated fundraising bodies (not commercial publishers).
- ›Students on a placement that is a compulsory part of a higher education course and lasts no more than one year — the placement must be required by the degree, not merely optional.
- ›Genuine work-shadowing where no work is actually performed — observation only, with no task assigned or completed.
If a commercial news organisation asks you to research stories, write copy, conduct interviews, or perform any other journalism task, you are almost certainly a worker entitled to pay. The Equality and Human Rights Commission's guidance on unpaid internships confirms this position.
Named internship and apprenticeship schemes worth targeting
Reach plc Journalism Apprenticeships
Paid apprenticeshipReach is the UK's largest commercial publisher, covering regional titles across England and Scotland as well as national brands. Their journalism apprenticeships are paid from day one, incorporate NCTJ training, and provide a structured route into regional journalism without degree-level tuition fees.
https://www.reachplc.com/careersBureau of Investigative Journalism Internships / Fellowships
Paid (when available)TBIJ is a non-profit investigative newsroom. It periodically offers paid fellowships and internship positions focused on investigative and data journalism. Placements are competitive but carry significant prestige and practical experience in accountability journalism.
https://www.thebureauinvestigates.comPress Gazette / Journalism.co.uk
Job boardPress Gazette and Journalism.co.uk are the primary job boards for UK journalism, including internships and entry-level roles. Set up alerts for “intern” and “trainee” roles and check daily during your final year.
https://pressgazette.co.uk/jobs/BBC Journalism Trainee Scheme
Paid schemeThe BBC's structured entry-level broadcast journalism programme. Highly competitive; trainees rotate across departments and platforms. Requires audio or video portfolio. Applications open annually.
https://www.bbc.co.uk/careers/trainee-schemes-and-apprenticeships/Scott Trust Bursary (Guardian)
Funded study + placementThe Scott Trust, which owns the Guardian, funds bursaries for students from low-income backgrounds studying NCTJ-accredited journalism courses. Recipients receive financial support and a placement at the Guardian. Extremely competitive and prestigious.
https://www.theguardian.comRed flags in internship offers
- Any offer described as “unpaid” at a commercial news organisation that requires you to perform real journalism tasks.
- An internship described as “expenses only” — this is not a lawful substitute for NMW unless all other exceptions apply.
- Schemes that last more than a few weeks without any pay — extended unpaid arrangements are almost never lawful.
- Employers who describe interns as “volunteers” despite them performing regular journalism tasks under editorial direction.
- Schemes advertised through personal connections that are not on the employer\'s official careers page — informal arrangements are harder to enforce.