Roisin Clear

Roisin Clear, 23, from London with Indian and Irish heritage, is awarded the BAFTA Reuben Scholarship to support her MA in Broadcast Journalism at City, University of London. A graduate of Oxford Brookes University with a BA in Media, Journalism, and Publishing, Roisin is deeply committed to forging a career in the broadcast industry.

Roisin is disabled and attended a specialist primary school for children with motor disabilities before transitioning to a mainstream state school for her secondary education. Her lived experiences and the challenges she has faced fuel her passion for advocating on social issues, particularly ableism.

In addition to her academic pursuits, Roisin has made her mark as a disabled model, working with notable brands such as the BBC, Primark, Madame Tussauds, and Converse. She has also appeared on TV and radio, including BBC Children in Need’s Rickshaw Challenge in 2020. Beyond her modelling and media work, Roisin serves as an ambassador for two charities and is a committee member of the Disability Journalism Forum, an initiative by NewsUK. She is driven by a desire to be the media representation for disabled people that she lacked during her own childhood, with inclusion and diversity at the heart of her work.

“As a disabled person, education and career development are not always guaranteed. Career success can be challenging, and when you’re disabled, there are even more barriers to overcome. That’s why being awarded a BAFTA scholarship means so much to me—it validates all the hard work I’ve put in so far. The financial support will ease my journey into the broadcast industry and lessen my financial worries. I’m excited about the mentorship as I will be supported by a professional with rich industry experience, and I’ll have the opportunity to gain knowledge and build my network. This will help me move forward in my career. I want to use my voice to tell stories that represent my reality as a disabled person, and with this scholarship, I’m more able to do that. Being recognized by such a prestigious organization is an honour, and I’m so grateful. Thank you, BAFTA!”