Football Journalism with Foundation Year BA (Hons)

Program Overview

This Football Journalism with Foundation Year BA (Hons) program equips students with the skills and knowledge for a dynamic career in football journalism. Through a combination of practical application, industry connections, and diverse teaching methods, the program prepares graduates for a range of roles in the industry, including club journalists, commentators, and communications officers. The foundation year provides a strong foundation for the honors degree program, and throughout their studies, students benefit from personal academic tutoring and access to state-of-the-art facilities.

Program Outline

Football Journalism with Foundation Year BA (Hons) - University of Derby

Degree Overview:

This program is designed to equip students with the skills and knowledge necessary to succeed in the dynamic world of football journalism.

Objectives:

• To develop students' skills in various aspects of journalism, including interviewing, newswriting, media law, video production, social media management, podcasting, and data analysis.
• To provide students with a strong foundation in communication, media, and societal issues in journalism.
• To foster students' understanding of the evolving landscape of football media and the changing roles of journalists.
• To equip students with the ability to manage their own content and brand, enabling them to pursue diverse career paths.
• To provide students with opportunities to gain practical experience through internships and placements with football clubs and media organizations.

Outline:

Foundation Year:

• Core Modules: Literature, Study Skills, Creative Project, Law

Year 2:

• Core Modules: (Not explicitly listed, but likely to include advanced journalism skills)
• Optional Modules: Students can continue to specialize in areas of interest.

Assessment:

• Focus on Practical Application: Assessments are primarily based on the content students produce, including social media content, podcasts, videos, features, and news articles.
• Academic Assessments: Some modules require more traditional academic assessments, such as essays, case study reports, and presentations.

Teaching:

• Diverse Teaching Methods: The program utilizes a variety of teaching methods, including lectures, seminars, workshops, guest lectures, news days, group work, and independent study.
• Experienced Faculty: The program is taught by experienced and well-connected faculty members who have worked for organizations such as the Premier League, West Bromwich Albion, Wembley Stadium, the BBC, and The Guardian.
• Industry Connections: The faculty leverages their connections to provide students with opportunities to work with football clubs and media organizations.

Careers:

• Diverse Career Paths: Graduates are prepared for a range of careers in journalism, PR and marketing, advertising, corporate communications, law, public administration, and politics.
• Football Journalism Focus: Graduates are well-positioned for roles in football journalism, including club journalists, commentators, social media managers, communications officers, and community liaison officers.
• Industry Placement Opportunities: The program provides opportunities for students to gain practical experience through internships and placements, enhancing their employability.
• Career Support: The University's Careers and Employment Service provides ongoing support to students, including personal development planning and guidance after graduation.

Other:

• Guest Speakers: The program features a series of guest lectures by sports journalists, broadcasters, and football industry insiders, providing students with insights into the profession.
• Facilities: Students have access to state-of-the-art facilities, including radio studios, a television studio, video editing suites, Mac suites, and a newsroom equipped with industry-standard software.
• Study Abroad: The program offers opportunities for students to study abroad at partner universities or participate in placements or internships in other countries.
• Foundation Year: The foundation year provides students with a strong foundation in academic and professional skills, preparing them for the honors degree program.
• Personal Academic Tutoring: Students are assigned a personal academic tutor who provides support and guidance throughout their studies.

UK fee £9,250 per year (2024/25) International fee £14,900 per year (2024/25)