ObjectivesThis course gives you the skills and knowledge for a career in • newspaper sports journalism • broadcast sports journalism • magazine sports journalism • online sports journalism • public relations Sports journalism is an extremely competitive field. The industry relies heavily on freelance sports journalists, and the course equips you with the skills necessary to enter the freelance market. It also provides the publicity skills and understanding of the media which are increasingly sought after by clubs and organisations.
Entry requirementsEntry requirements We encourage applications from UK and international candidates who • have a diversity of backgrounds • are considering a career in sports journalism • show the required aptitude and potential We base our selection criteria on your relevant experience and potential for development. Previous experience of journalism is preferable, but not necessary. Broad experience or knowledge of sport is helpful.
Academic titleMA/PgDip/PgCert Sports Journalism
Course descriptionSports journalism is one of the fastest growing areas in print and broadcast media. The publicity departments of major sport clubs and organisations are also expanding rapidly.
On this course, you learn how
• the sports department of media organisations operate
• to produce news stories, match reports, preview features, opinion pieces and personality profiles
• to research and plan sports coverage for radio and television broadcasts
You also gain public relations and media liaison techniques, such as how to devise and organise media opportunities and how to write
• web pages
• press releases
• news items
• personality features
• promotional material
With continually advancing media technology, employers now recruit journalists with skills and knowledge in new media and traditional reporting skills.
You learn how to manage the print and broadcast media at sports matches and events and how sports publicity and marketing departments are organised and run.
You produce and process sports publicity material for media use and discuss the major issues affecting sports worldwide including • commercialism • globalisation • racism • hooliganism • political regulation and interference • sponsorship • match fixing.
This course gives you specialist guidance and knowledge about • print • radio • television • web to become a sports journalist or publicist. It is for people with a passion for sport, and an interest in writing and reporting.
You gain the technical and journalistic skills needed in sports journalism such as
• writing sports news and features
• reporting the action
• commentating and interviewing
• web development
• editing
• newsroom and broadcast suite skills
• writing press releases
• organising media events
We also teach you about emerging technologies in the media industies that affect the way journalists record and report the latest stories.
Regular one-to-one feedback is given by practising sports journalists and public relations professionals. We have links to major broadcasting and newspaper organisations, such as the Press Association, BBC and ITV.
You may be able to further your learning through University-arranged work placements, working with sports publications or with the sports departments of newspapers.
Course content
Modules
• being a journalist • law and society • production and editing skills in radio and TV • sports journalism • specialist editorial skills: working in the newsroom • specialised production skills: television/radio • sport and the media •