Sports Journalism - Undergraduate - Courses

Program Overview

The Sports Journalism BA (Hons) program at Leeds Trinity University develops students into skilled journalists with a deep understanding of the sports industry. Through practical exercises, theoretical knowledge, and professional placements, graduates gain the expertise to bring sports to life for diverse audiences and secure successful careers in the field. The program boasts a 100% employment rate, with graduates finding positions in reputable organizations.

Program Outline

Sports Journalism (BA Hons) - Leeds Trinity University

Degree Overview:

The Sports Journalism BA (Hons) program develops the necessary skills and theoretical knowledge to bring sports to life for diverse audiences. This program delves deeper than just match reports and event coverage, focusing on unearthing hidden stories and exploring the broader context of the sports industry. Students learn to become skilled journalists equipped to interpret and present information through various mediums.

Objectives:

• Develop core journalistic skills: Students will master crucial journalistic skills like sourcing, researching, compiling news stories, filming, editing audio packages, and writing shorthand.
• Build theoretical knowledge: Alongside practical skills, students will gain vital knowledge of journalism theory to understand the context in which news is produced, along with the legal, ethical, and social impact of journalism.
• Immerse in the sports industry: Students will gain expertise in the place of sports in today's culture and understand the business of sports, including advertising, sponsorships, and event staging.
• Gain professional experience: The program offers opportunities to build a professional portfolio and obtain journalism experience through professional placements.
• Prepare for a successful career: Graduates will have the knowledge and skills to secure professional-level jobs and launch successful careers in the sports journalism industry.

Outline:

Year 1:

• Essential Sports Journalism 1 (Core): Students master essential sports journalism skills through practical exercises, including developing content for online platforms, social media, TV, and radio.
• Essential Sports Journalism 2 (Core): This module focuses on practical production skills in television and radio, culminating in a five-week professional placement.

Year 2:

• Sports Reporting (Core): Develop skills in key areas of sports writing through practical modules covering previews, live coverage, post-match analysis, and specialist reporting.
• Off the Field: The Business of Sports (Core): Explore the business aspects of the sports industry, examining the social, economic, and political influences on sports reporting.
• Pitchside (Core): Become a patch reporter for a West Yorkshire team or sport, attending press conferences, games, and events, and generating content for an online sports news platform.
• Documentary: Concept to Practice (Option): Learn the skills to produce a seven-minute documentary, covering development, research, production, post-production, and storytelling techniques.
• Features and Magazines (Option): Create a diverse portfolio of magazine and feature writing through practical exercises, including research, interviewing, writing styles, and digital publishing techniques.
• Radio and Podcasting (Option): Develop valuable skills through exercises focused on interviewing, writing for radio and podcasts, editing audio, and producing news bulletins and podcasts.

Year 3:

• Professional Learning Through Work (Core): Design a professional project, intervention, or development plan in a workplace setting, negotiating outcomes and assessment modes with your work partner or prior placement provider.
• Running the Newsroom (Core): Participate in a simulated newsroom environment, working in teams to cover sports stories and develop essential leadership and production skills.
• PR and Promotions (Option): Analyze the roles of public relations and promotions in media, while creating a portfolio and presentations in collaboration with a team.
• Advanced Documentary Production (Option): Conceive, research, and produce a ten-minute documentary, gaining theoretical and practical knowledge of documentary filmmaking.
• Public Interest Reporting (Option): Hone public interest reporting skills by working towards the NCTJ shorthand diploma and exploring civic responsibility through practical reporting assignments.
• TV and Social Media (Option): Learn practical TV and social media production skills through creating television and social media content, developing expertise in presentation and production.
• Advanced Audio Production (Option): Learn to produce radio shows and news packages while acquiring deeper understanding of radio and podcast production techniques.
• Final Project: Consolidate your skills through a dissertation, work-based learning project, or portfolio, utilizing research, supervision, and industry partnerships.

Assessment:

The assessment methods for Sports Journalism may include various combinations of:

• Examinations
• Coursework
• Essays and reports
• Practical assignments
• Presentations
• Portfolios
• Dissertations
Specific assessment methods will vary depending on the individual module and are subject to change.

Teaching:

The Sports Journalism program at Leeds Trinity University utilizes various teaching methods, including:

• Lectures: These sessions introduce key concepts and provide theoretical underpinnings of the subject matter.
• Seminars: Interactive discussion-based sessions encourage dialogue and critical thinking among students.
• Workshops: These hands-on sessions provide students with the opportunity to apply theoretical knowledge to practical tasks and develop practical skills.
• Individual and group projects: Students engage in independent and collaborative projects to deepen their understanding and hone their skills.
• Professional work placements: Practical work experience in a real-world setting allows students to integrate theoretical knowledge with practical application and gain industry experience.
The program boasts expert faculty with extensive industry experience and links, leading to valuable connections and mentorship opportunities for students.

Careers:

The Sports Journalism program prepares graduates for a wide range of careers in the sports journalism industry, including:

• Sports Reporter
• Sports Writer
• Broadcaster
• Online Content Creator
• Social Media Manager
• Public Relations Specialist
• Marketing and Communications Officer
• Documentarian
Graduates may find employment opportunities in various organizations, such as:
• Newspapers
• Magazines
• Television and radio stations
• Online media platforms
• Sports clubs and organizations
• Marketing and communications agencies
The program also provides students with the skills and knowledge to pursue further studies in journalism, media, or related fields.

Other:

• Professional work placements are embedded within the program, providing valuable industry experience and networking opportunities.

• The program offers access to specialist facilities, including industry-standard TV and radio studios, editing suites, and newsrooms.

• The program is partnered with NewsUK, offering exclusive placement opportunities with TalkSport and SunSport.

• Students have the opportunity to meet and learn from renowned sports journalists at the annual Journalism and Media Week.

• The program boasts a 100% employment rate for its graduates, with many securing positions in highly reputable organizations.

Tuition Fees and Payment Information:

UK Home Students: Tuition fees cost £9,250 a year for this course in 2024/2025. Part-time tuition fees will be prorated accordingly to the number of credits you're studying. Depending on government policy, tuition fees may change in future years. Tuition fees for 2025/26 entry will be set in summer 2024. Living costs, e.g. accommodation, travel, food, will also need to be taken into consideration. Leeds Trinity offers a range of bursaries and scholarships to help support students while you study. International Students, including EU Students: Visit our webpage for international students. Part-time study is not available for international students on a Student Route Visa.