Sports Journalism

BA (Hons) Single

This is a three-year single honours course for students who have aspirations to work as sports journalists. The programme is based at the Warrington Campus.

Campus Warrington
Course BA (Hons) Single
Length 3 Years Full-time
Start date September 2012

You will work in a newsroom atmosphere writing reports and features generated by yourself. There will be opportunities to experience the conditions that sports journalists would routinely face.

Opportunities for work placements exist in Year 2 of the course that will enable successful graduates of the course to produce work that can be used as a portfolio material.

Why study this course?

Warrington is ideally placed geographically for a sports journalism degree. Nearly half the Premier League football clubs are within an hour's drive, several major Rugby League clubs are nearby and the campus is just 20 miles from the national velodrome and Manchester's swimming complex. There are also close ties with Warrington Wolves, who train at the campus.

This programme is designed for students who wish to pursue a career within sports journalism and those who may simply wish to develop a more in-depth understanding of the power and reach of the written or broadcast word.

The degree draws on the strength of the well-established Department of Media, in which journalism has become a key area of study. It will introduce students to the theories, contexts and practices of modern journalism in order to establish a solid base of knowledge and skills.

You will then examine sports journalism in depth with a heavy emphasis of electronic media to develop a wide range of skills, including writing and broadcasting, necessary in today's converged media industry.

Next: Modules

Programme Structure:

Students are given support to develop a range of skills using two newsrooms dedicated to journalism. You will quickly begin to develop a personal approach to your work and also begin to explore your future in terms of work beyond the classroom. Facilities are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Alongside the practical aspects of the programme students will undertake a range of critical and contextual modules, which aim to develop an informed global perspective on the industry and your potential to succeed in it.

 

The first year (Level 4)

Lays the groundwork for you to be able to work professionally and independently. It introduces you to the essential practical skills of news reporting, and sports reporting while the theoretical side of the degree will be underpinned by journalism law and ethics.

Modules may include:

  • Writing and Presenting the News
  • Law and Ethics for Journalists
  • Introduction to Sports Writing
  • Sport & Society

In Year 2 (Level 5)

We will develop the skills and creativity required to work in the broadcast industry. Your abilities as a sports writer will be broadened by studying advanced writing and you will be given the opportunity to go on a placement.

Modules may include:

  • Introduction to Sports Broadcasting
  • Advanced Sports Writing
  • Approaches to Academic Craft
  • Work-based Learning

Your final year (Level 6)

Will give you the opportunity to demonstrate your understanding and abilities in the design and execution of one or more major projects. You will also have the opportunity to further develop your critical skills through the writing of a dissertation.

Modules may include:

  • Major Sports Reporting Project
  • The Business of Sport
  • Dissertation
Next: Assessment

You will be formally assessed in a variety of ways throughout the programme to allow you to evidence your emerging talent and your understanding of the industrial context for your work and that of others.

There is a mixture of practical and written coursework, some examinations, seminar presentations, and a dissertation. Staff will be available throughout to give formal and informal developmental feedback on all your work.

Next: Careers

Sports Journalism is a field that offers a variety of specialised career opportunities but also provides a wide spread of key skills including written and oral communication.

Employment positions include positions in newspapers and broadcasting but other relevant careers include public relations, promotions, research, marketing and corporate communications.

Next: Entry requirements

Single Honours

 

UCAS points:
 A minimum of 260-300 UCAS points from GCE A Levels or equivalent
BTEC:
 BTEC National Diploma/Certificate: merit/distinction profile
OCR: OCR National Extended Diploma/Diploma: merit/distinction profile
Irish/Scottish Highers:
 B in 4 subjects
International Baccalaureate: 28 points
QAA:
 QAA recognised Access to HE Diploma, Open College Units or Open University Credits
The Advanced Diploma: The Advanced Diploma is acceptable on its own.
Extra Information: Welsh Baccalaureate (core) will be recognised in our tariff offer.
Beginning: Overview

Who to contact

  • For admission enquiries

    Undergraduate Admissions

    University of Chester

    Parkgate Road

    Chester

    CH1 4BJ

    T:
    01244 512175
    enquiries@chester.ac.uk

  • For enquiries about course content

    Paul Clark, Programme Leader
    T:
    01244 511000 /01925 534671
    F:
    paul.clark@chester.ac.uk