QMU Scotsman Festival Internship 2026 - Overview
Applications are now open for the QMU Scotsman Festival Internship, an exclusive opportunity for QMU students to gain hands‑on media experience during the Edinburgh Festival Fringe 2026.
This internship is specifically designed for students who can film and edit great content using their smartphone. You do not need professional camera equipment or advanced editing software — the Scotsman works entirely in a mobile journalism workflow, where content is researched, filmed, edited and published using a phone.
We welcome applications from:
- Students who already create strong video or social media content using their smartphone
- Aspiring journalists or presenters who are confident interviewing or appearing on camera
- Film, media and digital content students with mobile-first skills
If you can tell a great story with your phone, this opportunity is for you.
🎬 About The Scotsman
The Scotsman has been a cornerstone of Scottish journalism since 1817 and has covered the Edinburgh Festivals every year since they began in 1947. No daily newspaper produces more arts journalism in a single month than The Scotsman during August, publishing around 1,000 pieces across the Fringe, International Festival, Book Festival, Art Festival and Film Festival.
Through QMU’s sponsorship of the Fringe First Awards, our interns gain unique, behind-the-scenes access to this major cultural platform.
🎥 About the Internship
We are recruiting 1–2 QMU interns to join The Scotsman’s Festival content team. This is a practical and creative internship centred on mobile filming, editing, interviewing and digital storytelling — with some work potentially published on scotsman.com.
Your internship will take place across at least 9 days between 7–31 August 2026, with a flexible schedule based on your availability and project plans.
A typical week may include:
- Filming the Fringe First Awards (Friday events)
- Supporting festival coverage with Scotsman journalist Jane Bradley
- Creating and editing your own festival media project for your professional portfolio
This structure adapts to your personal strengths, creativity and interests.
🎓 Expectations of Interns
We are looking for creative, proactive students who are excited by mobile content creation. As a QMU Scotsman Intern, you will be expected to:
✔️ Demonstrate mobile filming and editing ability
This internship focuses on smartphone content creation. You must be confident shooting and editing on your phone, or strong in presenting/interviewing roles.
✔️ Bring confidence in your chosen specialism
Whether you're filming, editing, presenting or interviewing — we want to see passion and creativity.
✔️ Commit to the internship schedule
Interns must complete at least 9 placement days.
✔️ Work independently and collaboratively
You may be filming solo at the Fringe one day, then collaborating with Scotsman journalists the next.
✔️ Show enthusiasm, initiative and reliability
The festival is fast‑paced — attitude and adaptability matter.
✔️ Produce polished, creative content
Your work represents both QMU and The Scotsman.
🏅 Benefits
- £500 bursary
- Free accommodation on the QMU campus for the duration of your internship
- A high‑profile media experience at the world’s largest arts festival
- Potential publication on scotsman.com
- Opportunities to meet performers, journalists and creative professionals
- A portfolio‑ready project to support your future career
📅 Key Dates
You must be available for all Fringe First Award Ceremonies:
- Friday 14 August 2026
- Friday 21 August 2026
- Friday 28 August 2026
All other days are flexible and agreed around festival activity.
✉️ How to Apply
Please email development@qmu.ac.uk by Monday 20th April (midday) with:
- Your CV
- A statement (up to 500 words) explaining what you hope to gain from the internship and outlining your experience in mobile filming, editing, presenting or journalism
This opportunity is open to all QMU students, including previous interns.
