Sports Journalism

UCAS code: P920

Here's what University Academy 92 (UA92) says about its Sports Journalism course.

BA (Hons) Sports Journalism is an exciting and engaging programme of study which will allow you to turn your passion for sport into a rewarding career.

Sports journalism is a crucial part of the sports business model, modern culture and is a large and thriving sector within the media and communication industries.

Sports journalism is inspired by the spectacle of live sport, the drama of historical rivalries and documents athletes’ individual struggles through the lens of global sporting events.

This course will explore the enduring role of a sports journalist to simultaneously capture, describe and explain sporting events as they happen, communicating these events to their audience using various digital media platforms.

You will learn the skills and attributes you need to succeed in this rapidly changing sector and investigate the societal impact this crucial industry has on us all. As sports journalism not only covers important sporting events, but it can often hold up a mirror, towards often uncomfortable realities present in the societies in which they are situated.

You will explore different types of media (e.g. print, broadcast, digital) and investigate the legal, moral and ethical responsibilities that journalists have towards their contributors and audiences.

Your UA92 degree goes far beyond the traditional academic experience.

Each academic year, in addition to your four subject modules, you’ll study an extra credit-bearing module, which focuses entirely on character and personal development. You’ll get to take on a real-life project, based on a live scenario, set by one of our industry partners.

You’ll experience first-hand the current issues facing the industry, get the opportunity to apply your subject knowledge, challenge your perspectives, step outside your comfort zone and build key employability skills to prepare you for your future career.

These experiences are instrumental in developing transferable skills and key competencies such as leadership, resilience and well-being, communication, problem-solving and team-working. To help you track your progress and further refine your developing skill-set, you’ll meet regularly with your own personal development coach throughout years 1 & 2.

Our industry-led approach means our leading partner organisations are integral to the UA92 experience; co-developing course curriculums and providing unique experiences for our students. Each academic year is split into 6 blocks, of which you will study for 4. In each block you will study just 1 subject module, allowing you to focus your learning. You’ll study topics in-depth, often working in small groups with academic experts and advanced practitioners. The subject modules for this course are:

Year 1 (Level 4)

Media, Technology and Culture You’ll reflect on your own everyday media usage, explore how rapid changes in information and communication technologies shape other social, economic and cultural transformations and consider issues of media production, dissemination and reception.

Communication Techniques and Creating Content You’ll explore a range of different approaches to media products, produce a magazine, podcast or documentary; working together in a group to present your work.

Media Production You’ll develop your practical media skills; working individually and collectively using different digital tools (including cameras, audio equipment, editing software), and learn to display your work online in a professional context.

Introduction to Sports Journalism You’ll explore the key principles of sports journalism and get to grips with the ethical standards and professional codes to which sports journalists must adhere. You’ll gain an understanding of what sports journalists do and learn mobile digital tools to help your digital storytelling.

Year 2 (Level 5)

Sports Journalism Practice You’ll look at case studies of different journalistic roles in sports; developing a personal career plan and identifying the key skills and experience required. You’ll engage in in practical sports journalism to showcase your skills and present your work in a professional context.

Media Narratives You’ll explore how to communicate stories in an online non-linear environment, examine digital narratives and learn how to create stories using different narrative structures and understand how digital technologies, immersive media and interactivity, have reconfigured media experiences and the news.

Audio and Video Production You’ll further develop your video and audio production skills; working in a small group to create sophisticated sports media artefacts.

News journalism You’ll explore how ‘news’ is identified, gathered, researched, authenticated, recorded, and presented. You’ll produce engaging news reporting on a variety of topics and develop your journalism skills and understanding of a ‘newsroom’ environment.

Year 3 (Level 6)

Project You'll complete a project, on a relevant subject area that demonstrates your research, problem-solving and practical skills.

Media Law and Ethics You’ll gain an in-depth knowledge of the legal, ethical and regulatory constraints that exist within the media industries. Focusing on a UK context, you’ll explore some of the key tensions that determine the media coverage of events and get to grips with relevant laws, regulations and professional codes of conduct.

Advanced sports journalism You’ll further refine your reporting, editorial and presentation skills by undertaking an advanced journalistic project focused on the world of sport. You’ll advance your interviewing and writing techniques and explore feature writing and long-form journalistic storytelling.

Data journalism You’ll explore the increasingly important role numerical data plays in contemporary journalism, increase your data awareness, design skills and knowledge of data journalism and consider how data can be used and visually understood by your audience.

No traditional end-of-year exams* You are assessed within each subject module – so you learn it, then you prove it.

Assessment methods include individual and group work which is undertaken in a range of formats related to your subject. This may include writing an essay or producing a report, presenting findings or creating audio/visual projects. Practical assessment is favoured where possible, for example, Media and Communication students producing a Podcast, or Sports Coaching students running a coaching session. You’ll have the opportunity to learn, develop and demonstrate a wide range of practical and applied skills and competencies.

*For Accounting and Finance students you will sit some exams within your modules to obtain the necessary exemptions from the ACCA.