Sports Journalism MA

Program Overview

Immerse yourself in multiplatform storytelling, data-driven insights, and the history of sports. Learn from industry experts, engage in practical journalism, and unlock career opportunities in the dynamic field of sports journalism.

Program Outline

Imagine yourself right in the action, crafting stories that resonate across all media platforms – from thrilling broadcasts to engaging digital content and impactful written pieces. And where better to kick-start this thrilling journey than Nottingham, the ultimate city of sport? Immerse yourself in Premier League football, international cricket, tennis showdowns, ice hockey face-offs, and so much more.

Outline:

Core Modules:

• Sports Journalism Production (40 credit points): Embark on a transformative journey into multiplatform sports journalism.
This module hones career-driven skills essential for writing, digital, and broadcast media. Dive into research, interviews, and broadcasting techniques to develop your technical prowess with audio, video, and editing. You will be identifying compelling stories, operating studios, and shaping news narratives, whilst real-world placements and practical experiences drive your growth as a journalist.
• Social Media and Audience Analytics (20 credit points): Get ready for a captivating module with dual themes.
Explore the dynamic realm of social media's impact on journalism and society through critical discourse, drawing from journalism research, media studies, and ethics. Uncover practical tools to craft compelling social media content, backed by audience analytics to elevate your critical thinking, questioning, and creative prowess.
• History of Sport (20 credit points): From ancient civilizations to today, delve into sports' cultural, social, and political contexts.
Unearth the origins of global sports, witness their transformation, and discover how societal values impact their development. With iconic figures like Pierre de Coubertin and Jackie Robinson, you will uncover the economic, political, and cultural impact of sports on society. Join us to unravel the profound significance and captivating stories woven into the tapestry of sports history.
• Media Law and Ethics (20 credit points): Enter the dynamic world of media law to grasp its impact and scope.
You will acquire the essential professional compliance skills and practical know-how to allow you to navigate areas like defamation, privacy, and copyright. Develop critical understanding of key legal principles for various journalistic platforms and gain practical skills in recognizing publication risks and amending content.
• Sports Journalism Project (60 credit points): Embark on the capstone module, showcasing your mastery in journalism or research.
Tailor your assessment, whether delving deep into industry dynamics, crafting compelling storytelling, or collaborating on group projects. Explore cutting-edge techniques with a supportive supervisor, engaging in personalized sessions. Your assessment includes a plan, journalistic output, critical commentary, and industry presentation. Choose from:
• The Negotiated Dissertation:
Unearth industry insights through research, culminating in an 8,000-10,000 word dissertation.
• The Individual Negotiated Project: Craft long-form storytelling across mediums, shaping a TV film, radio show, or multimedia feature.
• The Group Negotiated Project: Collaborate on a shared topic, creating diverse outputs while retaining individual reflections.
• The Negotiated Work-Based Learning Project: Partner with industry experts, moulding your project to real-world demands.

Optional Modules:

• Data-driven Investigative Journalism (20 credit points): Dive into data-driven investigative journalism.
• Podcasting Production (20 credit points): Immerse in podcasting's dynamics: theory, production, and impact.
Master skills for crafting professional podcasts. Learn from experts, grasp the podcasting landscape, and hone your podcasting prowess.
• Digital Media, Politics and Culture in Asia-Pacific (20 credit points): An introduction into the pivotal realm of digital media, politics, and culture in Asia-Pacific.
Navigate the region's significance in global supply chains and its growing influence, and gain a cosmopolitan view beyond Western discourse, enriched by cultural field trips, guest speakers, and local connections.
• Exploring Promotional Cultures (20 credit points): Explore cross-cultural PR and content creation.
Acquire coveted modern communication skills while learning from diverse alumni guest speakers. Embrace teamwork, devising roles for clarity and commitment in industry-relevant group projects.

Assessment:

Assessment is by a mixture of portfolio work, projects, essays, and exams.

Teaching:

Study methods include practical sessions, research, lectures, seminars, workshops, and professional practice. Learn from your peers, and guest speakers.

Careers:

Graduates will work as sports journalists for regional, national, and international sports journalism brands such as the BBC, ITV, Sky Sports, The Athletic, BT Sport, and Reach. They will also move into other areas of the media, including digital marketing and PR, content creation for sporting organizations, and event/stadium hosts for live sporting events.

Other:

• We are proud to be part of the BAFTA Albert education partnership.
• Students are encouraged to work to professional standards and are expected to be punctual, meet deadlines, work in teams, and contribute ideas.
The University Language Programme (ULP) is available to all students and gives you the option of learning a totally new language or improving the skills you already have. Learning a new language can enhance your communication skills, enrich your experience when travelling abroad, and boost your career prospects. Whether in core or optional modules, the practical aspect immerses you in real journalistic work, making you think and act like a pro. Some of these days are even guided by graduates working in the industry.
• We believe in getting you out there to gain some serious experience.
You'll spend a minimum of fifteen days on the job, mingling with various organizations and businesses – from your local area to a global stage. This multi-million-pound development includes one of the largest student newsrooms in the UK, a fully functioning TV studio with production facilities, and three radio studios.
• 100% of NTU's research submitted to the 'Communication, Cultural & Media Studies, Library & Information Management Unit of Assessment was rated world-leading or internationally excellent in terms of research impact - REF 2021.
• Where better to study than the home of the world's oldest professional association football club, which even pre-dates the FA!

• UKInternational
• Course Full time Home (UK) tuition
• MA Sports Journalism - £9,700
• Fees may be subject to change.
• Alumni Discount
• We’re happy to be able to offer a 20% alumni discount to most current NTU students and recent NTU alumni.
This discount is currently available for those starting an eligible postgraduate taught, postgraduate research or professional course.
• Fees may be subject to change.
• Course Full time International and EU tuition
• MA Sports Journalism-£17,500
The level of tuition fees for the second and subsequent years of your postgraduate course may increase in line with inflation and as specified by the UK government.