This course is aimed at those who want to study sports journalism as a discipline, with a view to a specialist position in the media or communications industries. Sport is far from just a pastime, it is big business which influences the news agenda, as well as servicing the demands of sports fans across the globe.  The course includes the development of practical skills in print, online, radio and TV reporting. The final year places strong emphasis on options enabling you to personalise your programme to suit your vocational aspirations and take up an industry placement.

This is the only undergraduate Sports Journalism course in the UK to be accredited by the BJTC (Broadcast Journalism Training Council, made up of representatives from the BBC, ITV and Sky).

Key Facts

Entry Requirements

Specific entry requirements for this course are:

ABB/BBB at A2 including GCSE English. Students may be required to attend an interview. There are 40 places available on this course each year.

BTEC DMM-DDM

Course Content

The course covers key issues relating to the application of journalism to sport. When supplemented with appropriate vocational experience, graduates will be equipped to deliver quality copy, presentations and broadcast packages within designated deadlines.

Students will learn the basic skills and processes of a journalist and relate them to the coverage of sport. They will also study sport so that they become knowledgeable about its structure, evolution and organisation. They will be exposed to all media and to topics such as lifestyle and fitness, legal issues and research methods. The final year of the course places strong emphasis on options enabling students to personalise their programme to suit their vocational aspirations. Again, a strong vocational element is emphasised.

The course will develop oral and written communication skills, teamwork, research techniques, broadcast and production skills, analytical and time management skills. Creativity is emphasised throughout, via a variety of media forms.

Learning is largely based on practical journalism work and case studies, supported by programmes of lectures and seminars. Study of the work of journalists emphasises the need to relate theoretical perspectives to news products and practices. Most of your work will be assessed through coursework and practical projects, with examinations in some subjects.

Course at a Glance

Year 1

Compulsory

Introduction to Journalism Practice (double module)

Introduction to Electronic Journalism (double module)

Sport Today

Sport in the UK

Year 2

Compulsory

Current Issues in Sport
Sports Journalism Practice
The Digital newsroom
Law for Journalists

Optional

Coaching in Sport
Developing Research Skills
Football and the Media
International Journalism
Sports Development
Marketing and Promotion of Sport
Economics of Sport and Leisure
Experiential Learning

Year 3

Compulsory

Advanced Newspaper and Online Sports Journalism
OR
Advanced Broadcast Sports Journalism
Ethics and Regulation
The Sporting Image

Optional

Football and Communication
Football and Popular Culture
The Business of Football
Independent Study Project
Brands in 21st Century Sport
Shorthand
Sports Public Relations
Sports Journalism Project
Sports Equity and Inclusion
Sports Tourism
Careers Development in Sport and Leisure
Coaching in the Community
Sports Policy and Planning
Physical Activity and Health
Promotion
Sport in the Global Village
Dissertation
Double Dissertation

Assessment:

Students will face a variety of assessments including course work, essays, reports,presentations, and practical assessments, group
work and end-of-module examinations.

Learning Environment:

Students will, on average, attend six hours of lectures and six hours of seminars, tutorials and workshops per week.  Throughout the three years, students are assessed through individual and group presentations, reports, essays, posters, portfolios and examinations.  Optional modules within the latter stages of the course enables students to pursue a variety of vocational pathways that best suit their career aspirations.

The University's sports facilities were recently ranked in a national survey as being the best in any new university and rated as 5 star, thehighest possible grade. Journalism and media
facilities are also rated as excellent. These include:

Five radio studios
TV studio and adjacent gallery
Two broadcast production areas
Two video edit suites
Three print newsrooms
Online production suite
Live news feeds from the Press Association and
Independent Radio News

Careers:

Graduates and postgraduates in journalism work in all areas of the media and in allied occupations. Some take their skills and knowledge into careers where communication is a vital element. Others have used their transferable skills and pursued careers in management, the public services and the commercial sector.

Fees and Finance

The standard fee for this course will be: £9,000 per year

For further information including the availability of bursaries/scholarships or student financial support please view our Fees and Finance pages.