Sports Journalism

Program Overview

The MA Sports Journalism program at Staffordshire University equips graduates with the skills and knowledge to pursue careers in sports broadcasting. The 13-month program combines theoretical knowledge with practical application, including news days, work placements, and industry visits. Graduates are prepared for careers in various areas of sports broadcasting, including sports journalism, presenting, and video production.

Program Outline

The program aims to equip graduates with the skills and knowledge necessary to pursue a career in sports broadcasting.

Objectives:

• Develop broadcast journalism skills and knowledge.
• Gain experience in shooting and editing TV packages.
• Understand the theoretical framework of journalism.
• Prepare for specialist careers in sports broadcasting.

Program Description:

The MA Sports Journalism program offers a comprehensive curriculum that blends theoretical knowledge with practical application. Students will engage in a variety of activities, including:

• News Days: Immerse themselves in simulated newsroom environments.
• Work placements: Gain real-world experience with industry partners.
• Advanced theory: Develop a strong understanding of journalistic principles.
• Final project: Produce a 40-minute radio or 25-minute TV documentary.

Outline:

Course Content:

• Sport, Media and Culture: Explores the relationship between sport, media, and culture.
• Broadcast Journalism: Theory and Practice: Provides a foundation in broadcast journalism principles and practices.
• Sports Broadcast Studies: Examines the specific aspects of sports broadcasting.
• Law: Covers the legal aspects relevant to sports journalism.
• Sports Writing: Refines sub-editing and writing skills for sports journalism.
• Multi-Platform Feature Production: Trains students in technical aspects of reporting and presenting sports news across various platforms.
• Work Placement: 120 hours of practical experience in the field.
• Final Project: Independent production of a radio or TV documentary on a sports-related topic.

Structure:

• Full-time program delivered over 13 months.
• Combination of lectures, workshops, independent study, and practical work.
• Emphasis on group work, problem-based learning, and independent research.

Course Schedule:

The specific course schedule is subject to change, but students can expect a mix of the modules listed above throughout the program.

Individual Modules:

• Sport, Media and Culture: Analyzes the social, cultural, and political significance of sport in contemporary society.
• Broadcast Journalism: Theory and Practice: Introduces students to the history, principles, and ethics of broadcast journalism.
• Sports Broadcast Studies: Explores the unique challenges and opportunities of sports broadcasting, including live coverage, commentary, and analysis.
• Law: Informs students about the legal framework governing sports journalism, including defamation, privacy, and copyright.
• Sports Writing: Develops students' ability to write engaging and informative sports content for various formats.
• Multi-Platform Feature Production: Equips students with the technical skills to produce high-quality audio and video content for online, broadcast, and social media platforms.
• Work Placement: Provides students with the opportunity to gain practical experience in a professional sports media organization.
• Final Project: Culminates the program with the independent production of a radio or TV documentary on a sports-related topic, showcasing students' research, writing, and technical skills.

Assessment: The MA Sports Journalism program utilizes a variety of assessment methods, including:

• Formative assessments: Practice exercises to help students develop their skills and understanding.
• Summative assessments: Formal evaluations that contribute to the final grade, such as essays, exams, and project work.
• Portfolio assessment: Evaluation of the student's work placement experience and final project.
• Feedback: Regular feedback is provided to students on their performance and progress.

Teaching: The MA Sports Journalism program benefits from a dedicated team of experienced academics and industry professionals. The teaching methods include:

• Lectures: Delivering core knowledge and introducing key concepts.
• Workshops: Engaging students in active learning and practical application of skills.
• Independent study: Encouraging students to take ownership of their learning and pursue individual areas of interest.
• Problem-based learning: Stimulating critical thinking and problem-solving skills through real-world scenarios.
• Group work: Fostering collaboration, communication, and teamwork skills.

Careers: Graduates of the MA Sports Journalism program are well-equipped to pursue careers in various areas of sports broadcasting, including:

• Photojournalism: Capturing sports events and personalities through photography.
• Communications: Managing communication strategies for sports organizations or athletes.
• Sports journalism: Writing and reporting on sports news for traditional and online media.
• Sports presenting: Presenting sports programs on television or radio.
• Foreign correspondence: Reporting on sports events or athletes from around the world.
• Video production: Creating and editing video content for sports media.
• Newspaper reporting: Writing sports articles for newspapers and magazines.
• Magazine editing: Editing and managing sports magazines.
• Sports commentating: Providing live commentary and analysis for sports events.
• Public relations: Managing the public image of sports organizations or athletes.
• Social media: Creating and managing social media content for sports organizations or athletes.
• Investigative journalism: Investigating corruption, misconduct, or other issues in the sports world.
• Editing: Editing written or visual content for sports media.

Other:

• The program includes industry visits to leading London newsrooms like Sky Sports, ITV News, The Daily Telegraph, and others.
• Students have access to the University's cutting-edge facilities, including multi-platform newsrooms, TV news sets, radio studios, and post-production labs.

Tuition fees for MA-Full-time Study option UK / Channel Islands International Full-time £10,300 per course £16,750 per course