BA (Hons) Sports Journalism with Integrated Foundation Year
| Program start date | Application deadline |
| 2024-09-16 | - |
Program Overview
The BA (Hons) Sports Journalism with Integrated Foundation Year at the University of Sunderland combines a traditional journalism foundation with sports-specific skills training, culminating in a nationally-recognised NCTJ Diploma. Students develop strong writing and editing skills, learn to produce content for diverse platforms, and gain in-depth knowledge of sports. The program emphasizes practical experience through the "SportsByte" website, the "Spark" radio station, and placement modules, preparing graduates for careers in professional sports media.
Program Outline
Degree Overview
Program:
BA (Hons) Sports Journalism with Integrated Foundation Year
Institution:
The University of Sunderland, UK
Length:
Four years full-time (including an integrated foundation year)
Degree Type:
Honours (BA)
Campus:
University of Sunderland St. Peter's Campus
Course Code:
P504
Overview:
This program combines a traditional journalism foundation with sports-specific skills training, culminating in a nationally-recognised NCTJ Diploma. You'll develop strong writing and editing skills, learn to produce content for diverse platforms like radio, online, and television, and gain in-depth knowledge of sports, their operation and history.
Objectives:
- Prepare students for careers in professional sports media: Graduates are equipped to thrive in diverse roles like reporters, broadcast journalists, sports website editors, digital content creators, and social media managers across various platforms and sports organizations.
- Develop strong journalistic skills: Students learn research methods, interview techniques, writing and editing for various platforms, and critical analysis.
- Impart comprehensive sports knowledge: Understanding the organization, structure, and history of different sports is emphasized.
- Provide practical experience: Extensive opportunities to engage with the "SportsByte" website, the student-led "Spark" radio station, and involvement with media organizations through placement modules and guest speakers.
- Award the NCTJ Diploma: Upon successful completion, graduates earn this nationally-recognised qualification, a key requirement for employment in professional sports media.
Other Key Points:
- This program requires completion of two stages: a one-year foundation year followed by three years of the Honors degree in Sports Journalism.
- It's designed for sports enthusiasts who seek a comprehensive journalism education with specialization in the sports sector.
- Strong emphasis on practical experience through various media platforms and real-world projects.
Outline
Program Content:
This program covers the fundamental elements of journalism and their application to the world of sports.
Program Structure:
- Year 0: Foundation Year: Students develop essential skills in English, journalism, communication, media, media law and regulation, media technology, and digital communication.
- Year 1: Introduction to sports reports, online sports journalism, essential media law and regulations, media industries and audiences, media production and presentation skills.
- Year 2: Advanced reporting techniques, writing and editing for multimedia, social, audio, visual storytelling techniques, newsroom practice, club journalism, sports communication and public relations.
- Year 3: Investigative and feature writing, magazine journalism, digital journalism and content management, video production skills, sports media industry, dissertation research project.
- Year 4: Journalism placement and employability development, sports news portfolio, journalism practical project, advanced digital storytelling, making your content pay.
Course Schedule:
The specific schedule will be provided to enrolled students, and is subject to variations.
Modules:
- Year 0:
- The English, Journalism and Media Integrated Foundation Year
- Year 1:
- Essential Sports Reporting
- Online Sports Journalism
- Essential Media Law and Regulation
- Media Histories
- Essential Journalism
- Digital Storytelling
- Year 2:
- Advanced Sports Reporting
- Social, Audio, Visual
- Newsroom Live
- Club Journalism
- Public Affairs Reporting (Optional)
- Design and Editing Skills (Optional)
- Broadcast Sports Reporting (Optional)
- Shorthand (Optional)
- Year 3:
- Sports Feature Writing and Reporting
- Writing and Editing for Magazine Journalism
- Digital Journalism and Content Management
- Video Production Skills
- Sports Media Industries
- Journalism Dissertation Research and Preparation
- Year 4:
- Journalism Placement and Employability Development
- Sports News Portfolio (Sports Print, TV or Radio)
- Journalism Practical Project (Website, Radio Programme, TV or Magazine)
- Digital Investigative journalism (Optional)
- Advanced Digital Storytelling (Optional)
- Making Your Content Pay (Optional)
Assessment
Assessment Methods:
- Essays and projects
- Portfolios of practical journalistic work (print, broadcast and digital)
- Written exams
- Oral exams
- Class presentations
- Participation
- Work placement reports
Assessment Criteria:
- Evaluation of student work will be based on:
- Accuracy of writing, reporting, content creation
- Ability to meet deadlines and work effectively within deadlines
- Clarity, structure and presentation of work
- Understanding and application of relevant journalistic principles and ethics
- Critical analysis skills, research and evidence utilization
- Creativity, initiative, and originality
Teaching
Teaching Methods:
- Lectures and presentations by experienced sports journalists and academics
- Seminars, group discussions, workshops
- Individual tutorials and feedback sessions
- Practical exercises and assignments utilizing real-world scenarios and industry-standard software and equipment
- Guest lectures by industry professionals
- Field trips and visits to professional media organizations
Faculty:
- All instructors have expertise and experience as professional sports journalists or related fields.
- Faculty information is readily available on the program webpage and accessible to enrolled students.
Unique Approach:
- Strong focus on "learning by doing": Students gain extensive practical experience through the sports journalism website "SportsByte", the "Spark" radio station, and participation in real-world projects and placements.
- Opportunities to learn and practice across multiple platforms: print, digital, video and social media.
- Strong industry links and collaborations: Guest lectures, site visits, and placements provide exposure to real-world professionals and organizations.
- Nurturing critical and creative thinking: Encouragement to develop innovative ideas and adapt to the changing digital media landscape.
Careers
Potential Careers:
- Sports journalist/reporter/writer (print, digital, broadcast)
- Sports editor (websites, magazines)
- Digital content creator
- Sports commentator
- Social media manager
- Public relations/communication officer within sports organizations
- Press officer for sports clubs/events
Career Opportunities:
- Sky Sports, BBC Sport, regional newspapers
- Online sports websites and magazines
- Social media teams for various sports organizations, clubs, leagues
- Digital media and marketing agencies specializing in sports
- Public relations and communication teams within sports-related companies
Career Outcomes:
- Graduates are well-prepared to pursue diverse career paths within the sports media industry.
- The program's curriculum and practical focus equip them with the necessary skills and knowledge to excel professionally.
- Strong emphasis is placed on placement opportunities and industry connections, which helps students build a network and gain relevant experience.
Other
- This program is ideal for aspiring sports journalists who seek comprehensive training in journalism with a specialized focus on the sports sector.
- It provides students with the skills to work for a wide range of employers, from newspapers and websites to television networks and social media platforms.
The annual fee for this course is £9,250 if you're from the UK/Ireland/EU settled/pre-settled. If you're a full-time UK/Irish/EU settled/EU pre-settled student, you may be eligible to receive financial support to cover your fees for the full four years. UK and EU settled students may also be eligible to receive a maintenance loan. Please note, this course isn't available to international students.
