Program Overview
The Sports Journalism MA at Brighton equips students with the skills and knowledge to thrive in the sports media industry. This NCTJ-accredited program offers exclusive links with Arsenal FC and Brighton & Hove Albion FC, providing industry exposure and placement opportunities. Graduates develop multi-platform and multimedia skills, master core sports journalism techniques, and pursue careers in various media roles.
Program Outline
Degree Overview:
Sports Journalism MA (PGCert PGDip)
At Brighton, the Sports Journalism MA equips you with the critical, contextual, and practical skills and knowledge to thrive in the sports media industry. This NCTJ-accredited program welcomes those with non-journalism undergraduate degrees or those seeking a professional qualification for a journalism career.
Objectives:
- Develop multi-platform and multimedia skills.
- Benefit from exclusive links with Arsenal FC and Brighton & Hove Albion FC.
- Receive industry placement opportunities.
- Master the core skills of sports journalism, including match reporting, writing, and sourcing news.
- Learn from media industry professionals and academics.
- Receive individual publication opportunities.
Description:
The program provides a comprehensive understanding of the sports media industry, covering both the theoretical and practical aspects of journalism. You will learn from experienced professionals and academics, gaining hands-on experience through industry placements and publishing opportunities. The program culminates in a research project, allowing you to explore a specific area of interest in depth.
Outline:
Structure:
The program is offered full-time (1 year) or part-time (2-6 years) and consists of six 20-credit modules and a final research project.
Course Schedule:
- Each module involves around 30 hours of contact time.
Modules:
- Journalism in Society: Explores the role of journalism in society and the ethical considerations involved.
- News Journalism: Focuses on the core skills of news gathering, writing, and editing.
- Digital Journalism: Covers the latest digital journalism practices, including social media, live blogging, and data journalism.
- Critical Issues in Sport Journalism: Examines the critical and contextual knowledge required for successful sports journalism.
- Sport Journalism Practice: Provides practical experience in writing different types of sports articles.
- Professional Practice: Oversees your professional development and culmination of your learning.
- Journalism Dissertation: Requires you to conduct independent research and write a dissertation on a chosen topic.
Assessment:
Assessment methods:
- A variety of assessment methods are used, including essays, reports, presentations, and practical exercises.
- The final research project is assessed through a written dissertation.
Assessment criteria:
- Assessments are based on criteria such as accuracy, clarity, originality, and critical thinking.
Teaching:
Teaching methods:
- A variety of teaching methods are used, including lectures, seminars, workshops, and individual supervision.
- The program utilizes industry-standard facilities, including newsrooms with live news and sports feeds, and sound, filming, and editing equipment.
Faculty:
- The program is taught by experienced sports media professionals and academics.
- The faculty includes industry experts, such as journalists, editors, and broadcasters.
Unique approaches:
- The program offers exclusive links with Arsenal FC and Brighton & Hove Albion FC, providing students with unique industry exposure and placement opportunities.
- The program emphasizes practical skills development through industry placements and publishing opportunities.
Careers:
Career paths:
- Graduates can pursue careers in various media roles, including television, radio, print, web, and PR.
- Potential job titles include sports journalist, reporter, editor, broadcaster, and social media manager.
Opportunities:
- The program provides graduates with the skills and knowledge to succeed in the competitive sports media industry.
- Graduates are well-equipped to secure internships and entry-level positions in various media organizations.
Outcomes:
- Brighton graduates have gone on to work for leading media organizations, including Sky Sports News, The Independent, Daily Mail, Red Bull Media House, and Paddy Power.
Other:
- The program is NCTJ-accredited, which is highly valued by employers in the journalism industry.
- The program is designed to be flexible, allowing students to tailor their studies to their interests and career goals.
- The program is committed to promoting diversity and equality of opportunity in sports media.
Additionally:
- The program regularly hosts guest speakers from the sports media industry.
- The program organizes field trips to sporting events and media organizations.
