Journalism lecturer delivering a presentation

Available with:

  • Foundation Year


Course Summary

Discover the power and reach of digital, written and broadcast media as you are introduced to modern sports journalism.

This course focuses on the practices, contexts and key theories within the sports journalism industry. During it, you will examine sports journalism in depth and explore the role played by digital media - reflecting current and emerging industry trends. You will develop a range of essential skills, including writing and broadcasting in multiplatform environments to enhance your versatility to work in a range of areas within the expanding sports media industry.

We are ideally placed for access to a host of the football Premier League’s biggest teams and rugby’s Super League heavyweights based in the region, and for racing enthusiasts there is Chester Racecourse. We also have strong links with a range of sports clubs including league and non-league football, basketball and cricket, and rugby union. Students therefore have extensive opportunities to gain matchday experience and see their work published. 

We have newsrooms dedicated to journalism, and you will be expected to regularly pursue stories and develop contacts away from the classroom to assist with content for assignments and your professional portfolio.

Following the opportunity to undertake a five-week placement in Year 2 of the course, Year 3 sees students work closely with a sports club to produce exclusive content.

Why you'll Love it


What you'll Study

Module content:

  • Reading and writing critically.
  • Constructing and evaluating an argument.
  • Note-taking techniques for reading and listening.
  • Understanding plagiarism and academic integrity.
  • Introduction to reflective practice.
  • Preparing for, and delivering, powerpoint presentations.
  • Referencing and citation.
  • Summarising and paraphrasing written sources.
  • Literature searching.
  • Report writing.
  • The culture and expectations of higher education.
  • The assessment process including the role of assessment criteria and feedback.
  • The nature of research journal publishing.

Whilst much of the content above is generic, students will be encouraged to situate skills within the context of the undergraduate discipline they are entering, which leads to some variation in emphasis for certain skills.


Module aims:

1.To raise awareness of the range of study skills required for successful higher education studies, including the process of academic writing, reading strategies, seminar skills, organisation of time and materials, planning for and meeting deadlines, understanding and responding to feedback.

2. To introduce students to concepts such as plagiarism, academic integrity and appropriate use of artificial intelligence tools.

3. To facilitate an effective transition into higher education by exploring, and providing guidance in, the key elements of successful undergraduate studentship including students' understanding of taking responsibility for their own learning.

4. To teach students how to undertake a literature, visual or data review for their discipline and be able to differentiate between a valid, reliable source and an unsubstantiated or irrelevant source.  

Module content:

  • Research and planning skills.
  • Becoming familiar with topics that comprise their undergraduate degree subject.
  • Developing a knowledge base for a discipline of study.
  • Identifying areas of interest.
  • Application and development of critical analytical skills.
  • Development of self-directed study.
  • Use of learning resources.

Module aims:

1. To develop students' skills in planning and writing an essay.

2. To familiarise students with the process of tutor supervision for a written piece of work.

3. To give students an opportunity to focus on a topic within their undergraduate degree subject.

4. To write a piece of work that allows the student to broaden and deepen knowledge on a topic of their choice.

5. To prepare and deliver an academic poster presentation outlining the student's research topic.

Module content:

  • The 'global student' and the ‘global graduate’
  • Introduction to theories of globalization
  • Perspectives on economic, political and cultural globalization
  • Globalized media, the internet & digital tech.
  • Global economy & transnational corporations
  • International organisations & social movements
  • Migration, multiculturalism and interculturalism
  • Introduction to decolonisation & education
  • International security and security issues
  • Introduction to international relations theory

Module aims:

1. To explore issues of global significance.

2. To develop and apply skills in critical thinking, research and communication and apply these to debates within the module's topics.

3. To deconstruct and reconstruct arguments by researching global issues.

4. To develop an awareness of global justice debates.

Module content:

  • Introduction to Marketing Strategies
  • Understanding the Marketing Mix (product, price, place and promotion)
  • Influences on Target Market & Segmentation
  • Marketing events

Module aims:

  1. To introduce students to a range of Marketing concepts & principles.
  2. To develop students' understanding of the Marketing Mix in the modern world of business.
  3. To provide a foundation-level knowledge base of business marketing

Module content:

 

  • Introduction to semiotics and visual language
  • Emerging trends: environment and interiors
  • The birth and evolution of cinema
  • The human commodity: advertising, celebrity and reality television
  • Introduction to postmodernism and popular art
  • Photography as social commentary
  • The internet and digital spaces

 


Module aims:

1. To develop students' understanding of western civilization through an understanding of that civilization's visual texts.

2. To develop students' abilities to communicate orally, visually and through academic writing.

3. To develop students' interpretative abilities through the promotion of skills of visual interpretation.

 

 

Module content:

  • Introduction to the ways that narrative and stories are important in different cultures and contexts
  • Introduction to methods of interpreting narratives and stories
  • Introduction to key stories and narratives that have shaped cultures
  • Introduction to how stories and narratives can change or influence cultures
  • Introduction to how stories and narratives are constructed and reconstructed in the twenty-first century
  • Introduction to skills in reading texts

Module aims:

  1. To develop an awareness of a number of key narratives and stories that have influenced cultures
  2. To understand the various roles that narrative and story-telling have in different cultures and contexts
  3. To understand the ways that cultures construct meaning through narrative and story-telling
  4. To develop skills in reading and interpreting narratives and stories
  5. To develop skills in the close reading of texts

Year 1 lays the groundwork for you to work professionally, and will introduce you to the practical skills of news reporting and sports reporting.

Module content:

This introductory module will present students with a variety of experiences designed to ease them into the dynamic world of journalism. 

Teaching may include guest speakers working in journalism, opportunities to report on live events (e.g., matches, games, live performances, music gigs, court visits) and other activities specific to the student's chosen journalistic specialism.

It will enable students to learn soft skills like note-taking and listening as well as core skills like interviewing as they produce material for a group publication.  

The module also supports basic pedagogic competencies like referencing and internet and library research which will provide a foundation for further study. 


Module aims:

The aims of the module are as follows: 

  • To introduce students to a range of practices of the journalism industry
  • To enable students to understand the current context of the journalism industry
  • To ensure students have an understanding of Higher Education skills by helping them engage with basic academic inquiry, presentation of work, referencing and writing.

Module content:

This introductory module will present students with a variety of experiences designed to ease them into the dynamic world of journalism. 

Teaching may include guest speakers working in journalism, opportunities to report on live events (e.g., matches, games, live performances, music gigs, court visits) and other activities specific to the student's chosen journalistic specialism.

It will enable students to learn soft skills like note-taking and listening as well as core skills like interviewing as they produce material for a group publication.  

The module also supports basic pedagogic competencies like referencing and internet and library research which will provide a foundation for further study. 


Module aims:

The aims of the module are as follows: 

  • To introduce students to a range of practices of the journalism industry
  • To enable students to understand the current context of the journalism industry
  • To ensure students have an understanding of Higher Education skills by helping them engage with basic academic inquiry, presentation of work, referencing and writing.

Module content:

This core module provides an introduction to the key aspects of law and ethics regarded as essential for journalists to do their work properly.

It covers the principle legal and ethical frameworks and processes that affect journalists in their professional practice and is therefore vital for every student who aspires to a media career.

Subject areas include, court reporting, contempt, defamation, privacy, journalism/media ethics and regulatory codes.


Module aims:

The aims of this module are as follows: 

  • To enable students to develop an effective knowledge and understanding of legal and ethical regulations relevant to journalism.
  • To provide students with knowledge and understanding of the key areas of law in England and Wales relevant to journalism practise.
  • To provide students with knowledge and understanding of the ethical frameworks England and Wales relevant to journalism practise.
  • To enable students to apply theoretical understanding of the legal and ethical issues involved in journalistic production and reporting to practical settings.
  • To encourage students to make connections between practise, the law and ethics in the context of journalism.

 

Module content:

This core module provides an introduction to the key aspects of law and ethics regarded as essential for journalists to do their work properly.

It covers the principle legal and ethical frameworks and processes that affect journalists in their professional practice and is therefore vital for every student who aspires to a media career.

Subject areas include, court reporting, contempt, defamation, privacy, journalism/media ethics and regulatory codes.


Module aims:

The aims of this module are as follows: 

  • To enable students to develop an effective knowledge and understanding of legal and ethical regulations relevant to journalism.
  • To provide students with knowledge and understanding of the key areas of law in England and Wales relevant to journalism practise.
  • To provide students with knowledge and understanding of the ethical frameworks England and Wales relevant to journalism practise.
  • To enable students to apply theoretical understanding of the legal and ethical issues involved in journalistic production and reporting to practical settings.
  • To encourage students to make connections between practise, the law and ethics in the context of journalism.

 

Module content:

This module challenges students to engage with newspaper and digital reporting in line with the requirements of a contemporary converged newsroom. 

It includes timetabled real-time "live" news days, where students source stories, undertake research, conduct interviews and deploy the skills introduced in earlier modules.

Students are introduced to a simulated newsroom environment where they will produce a variety of time-sensitive web content for publication on a dedicated website, as well as developing basic sub-editing skills. 

The emphasis will be on forward planning, time-keeping, adherence to deadlines, legal and ethical awareness and quality of work.

Students can research and interview stories from their specialism (e.g., sport, music).


Module aims:

The aims of the module are as follows: 

  • To challenge students to generate and develop coherent pieces of journalism in a pressurised but supportive newsroom context
  • To support students to build their existing journalistic experience and put them into play in a new, stimulating environment
  • To enhance students' understanding of the demands of a newsroom and the online news cycle

Module content:

This module challenges students to engage with newspaper and digital reporting in line with the requirements of a contemporary converged newsroom. 

It includes timetabled real-time "live" news days, where students source stories, undertake research, conduct interviews and deploy the skills introduced in earlier modules.

Students are introduced to a simulated newsroom environment where they will produce a variety of time-sensitive web content for publication on a dedicated website, as well as developing basic sub-editing skills. 

The emphasis will be on forward planning, time-keeping, adherence to deadlines, legal and ethical awareness and quality of work.

Students can research and interview stories from their specialism (e.g., sport, music).


Module aims:

The aims of the module are as follows: 

  • To challenge students to generate and develop coherent pieces of journalism in a pressurised but supportive newsroom context
  • To support students to build their existing journalistic experience and put them into play in a new, stimulating environment
  • To enhance students' understanding of the demands of a newsroom and the online news cycle

Module content:

This module, which focuses on hard news writing and audio-visual storytelling, provides students with a foundation in practical journalism. 

A series of lectures and activities teach the basics of writing hard news, mobile journalism
(MOJO), journalistic social media use and feature-writing. 

The module offers an introduction to basic photography and audio-visual skills as well as design, social media and multimedia content management for a live online platform.

Students on specific journalism pathways will be supported to follow their subject interests (e.g., music, sport). 


Module aims:

The aims of the module are as follows:  

  • To provide students with an opportunity to gain practical journalism skills relevant to specified media platforms
  • To enable students to develop an understanding of adapting conventional journalism to specified contexts, e.g., social media
  • To introduce and develop students' multimedia storytelling skills

Module content:

This module, which focuses on hard news writing and audio-visual storytelling, provides students with a foundation in practical journalism. 

A series of lectures and activities teach the basics of writing hard news, mobile journalism
(MOJO), journalistic social media use and feature-writing. 

The module offers an introduction to basic photography and audio-visual skills as well as design, social media and multimedia content management for a live online platform.

Students on specific journalism pathways will be supported to follow their subject interests (e.g., music, sport). 


Module aims:

The aims of the module are as follows:  

  • To provide students with an opportunity to gain practical journalism skills relevant to specified media platforms
  • To enable students to develop an understanding of adapting conventional journalism to specified contexts, e.g., social media
  • To introduce and develop students' multimedia storytelling skills

Module content:

The content of this module reflects the practical aspects of the role of a sports journalist with the aim of recreating a number of the settings that sports journalists routinely face. 

It includes the teaching of fundamental skills, including writing quote-led news stories, longer features, research, generating ideas and how to implement them across a range of media platforms and sports.

The risks involved in production tasks are also covered, including any legal, social and ethical constraints and the impact of audience, medium and market on practise.


Module aims:

The aims of this module are as follows: 

  • To enable the development of knowledge and skills required to produce match/event reports across a range of sports.
  • To facilitate the production of quotes-led stories, features, profiles and other articles on a set and coherent theme.
  • To enable and facilitate the development of skills in critical thinking and ethical awareness required to perform as responsible working sports journalists.

Module content:

The content of this module reflects the practical aspects of the role of a sports journalist with the aim of recreating a number of the settings that sports journalists routinely face. 

It includes the teaching of fundamental skills, including writing quote-led news stories, longer features, research, generating ideas and how to implement them across a range of media platforms and sports.

The risks involved in production tasks are also covered, including any legal, social and ethical constraints and the impact of audience, medium and market on practise.


Module aims:

The aims of this module are as follows: 

  • To enable the development of knowledge and skills required to produce match/event reports across a range of sports.
  • To facilitate the production of quotes-led stories, features, profiles and other articles on a set and coherent theme.
  • To enable and facilitate the development of skills in critical thinking and ethical awareness required to perform as responsible working sports journalists.

In Year 2, you will develop the creativity required to work in the broadcast industry. You will also have the opportunity to undertake a work placement.

Module content:

Part A:      

Preparation for Experiential Overseas Learning will take place at the university of Chester during level 5 and will include:  

  • The multiple facets of Global citizenship
  • Ethical engagement and practice
  • Cross-cultural issues and sensitivity
  • Intercultural communication

Theories, models and strategies of learning

  • Theories and models Intercultural competence
  • Theories and models of Integration and Multiculturalism
  • Critical thinking skills and models of Reflection
  • Experiential learning models
  • Self-directed experiential learning

Personal and placement-related skills

  • Enhanced independence
  • Improved command of multicultural behaviour
  • Increased knowledge and confidence in their individual facets of personal identity
  • Effective time management and organisational skills
  • Project management – working away from University and independent study
  • Self-management and personal development
  • Team building and team work

Part B:            Overseas

Students will engage in experiential learning activities overseas for at least 150 hours 


Module aims:

The purpose of this module is to enhance students’ prospects of completing an overseas placement to the best of their ability consequently it aims to:

  • To equip participants with appropriate knowledge and skills to study or work in a different cultural, linguistic and/or social environment; enhancing ethical, cultural and intercultural awareness.
  • To enhance students understanding of the ethical issues related to living and working abroad.
  • To increase students Global Citizenship skills
  • To provide an opportunity for students to reflect critically on their experience of living and learning within an unfamiliar culture, to their 'home' culture or ethnic group.

To challenge students to learn about themselves as global citizens in terms of life skills, career choices and academic development outside the classroom.

Module content:

Part A:      

Preparation for Experiential Overseas Learning will take place at the university of Chester during level 5 and will include:  

  • The multiple facets of Global citizenship
  • Ethical engagement and practice
  • Cross-cultural issues and sensitivity
  • Intercultural communication

Theories, models and strategies of learning

  • Theories and models Intercultural competence
  • Theories and models of Integration and Multiculturalism
  • Critical thinking skills and models of Reflection
  • Experiential learning models
  • Self-directed experiential learning

Personal and placement-related skills

  • Enhanced independence
  • Improved command of multicultural behaviour
  • Increased knowledge and confidence in their individual facets of personal identity
  • Effective time management and organisational skills
  • Project management – working away from University and independent study
  • Self-management and personal development
  • Team building and team work

Part B:            Overseas

Students will engage in experiential learning activities overseas for at least 150 hours 


Module aims:

The purpose of this module is to enhance students’ prospects of completing an overseas placement to the best of their ability consequently it aims to:

  • To equip participants with appropriate knowledge and skills to study or work in a different cultural, linguistic and/or social environment; enhancing ethical, cultural and intercultural awareness.
  • To enhance students understanding of the ethical issues related to living and working abroad.
  • To increase students Global Citizenship skills
  • To provide an opportunity for students to reflect critically on their experience of living and learning within an unfamiliar culture, to their 'home' culture or ethnic group.

To challenge students to learn about themselves as global citizens in terms of life skills, career choices and academic development outside the classroom.

Module content:

Preparation for the year abroad will take place in Chester during level 5 and will include:

  • Cross-cultural issues and sensitivity
  • Host-country orientation, study methods– economic, political and social reality of the country
  • Orientation specific to exchange – health, education, gender issues
  • The United Nations Sustainable Development Goals
  • Practical matters relating to living and studying in the wider world

Theories, models and strategies of learning

  • Critical thinking skills, experiential learning       and models of reflection

Personal and placement-related transversal skills

  • Effective self-motivation and independent resourcefulness
  • Effective time management and organisational skills
  • Project management – working away from University and independent study
  • Self-management and personal development

Whilst abroad:

Students will undertake study at one of UoC’s partner universities; it is expected that students will choose a series of modules at the university abroad, which equal a full-time study load. This must be agreed by the host institution and the International Tutor. Students must supply details of their courses/modules on a learning agreement within 4 weeks of arrival at the host university, note students who fail to supply this within 4 weeks may have the opportunity withdrawn.


Module aims:

  1. To experience academic life in country outside of the EU, enhancing cultural and intercultural awareness and increasing transversal skills.
  2. To reflect on the impact of the experience in their destination on one’s own personal, academic and professional development.
  3. To engage with the experience of study at a partner university to gain extensive first-hand knowledge and understanding of the relevant society from the perspective of the resident.
  4. To further develop independent learning techniques.
  5. To foster critical evaluation.

Module content:

Preparation for the year abroad will take place in Chester during level 5 and will include:

  • Cross-cultural issues and sensitivity
  • Host-country orientation, study methods– economic, political and social reality of the country
  • Orientation specific to exchange – health, education, gender issues
  • The United Nations Sustainable Development Goals
  • Practical matters relating to living and studying in the wider world

Theories, models and strategies of learning

  • Critical thinking skills, experiential learning       and models of reflection

Personal and placement-related transversal skills

  • Effective self-motivation and independent resourcefulness
  • Effective time management and organisational skills
  • Project management – working away from University and independent study
  • Self-management and personal development

Whilst abroad:

Students will undertake study at one of UoC’s partner universities; it is expected that students will choose a series of modules at the university abroad, which equal a full-time study load. This must be agreed by the host institution and the International Tutor. Students must supply details of their courses/modules on a learning agreement within 4 weeks of arrival at the host university, note students who fail to supply this within 4 weeks may have the opportunity withdrawn.


Module aims:

  1. To experience academic life in country outside of the EU, enhancing cultural and intercultural awareness and increasing transversal skills.
  2. To reflect on the impact of the experience in their destination on one’s own personal, academic and professional development.
  3. To engage with the experience of study at a partner university to gain extensive first-hand knowledge and understanding of the relevant society from the perspective of the resident.
  4. To further develop independent learning techniques.
  5. To foster critical evaluation.

Module content:

This module allows students to spend several weeks working on one major project working in a professional, 'simulated real world' working environment. Students will plan, execute and evaluate their work for the selected context appropriate to the programme of study.

The experiences gained in this module are invaluable to those students who see themselves working in their chosen field in the future. The staff teaching on this module bring a wealth of professional experience which they use when supervising the project work of the students.

The exact role of each student will vary according to the project undertaken, (and often with outside agencies) under staff supervision or direction. All work created will be designed to emulate best professional practice.


Module aims:

The aims of the module are as follows: 

  • To provide opportunities for students to engage with the processes necessary for the realisation of practice based work, drawing on and further developing skills gained in previous modules.
  • To approximate the demands of professional practice in making and delivering the work created, in order to prepare students for the greater autonomy expected at Level 6.
  • To enable students to contextualise their experiences in relation to current theoretical debates
  • To encourage students to consider longer term plans for their own career development as makers and producers of collaborative work in diverse contexts.

Module content:

This module allows students to spend several weeks working on one major project working in a professional, 'simulated real world' working environment. Students will plan, execute and evaluate their work for the selected context appropriate to the programme of study.

The experiences gained in this module are invaluable to those students who see themselves working in their chosen field in the future. The staff teaching on this module bring a wealth of professional experience which they use when supervising the project work of the students.

The exact role of each student will vary according to the project undertaken, (and often with outside agencies) under staff supervision or direction. All work created will be designed to emulate best professional practice.


Module aims:

The aims of the module are as follows: 

  • To provide opportunities for students to engage with the processes necessary for the realisation of practice based work, drawing on and further developing skills gained in previous modules.
  • To approximate the demands of professional practice in making and delivering the work created, in order to prepare students for the greater autonomy expected at Level 6.
  • To enable students to contextualise their experiences in relation to current theoretical debates
  • To encourage students to consider longer term plans for their own career development as makers and producers of collaborative work in diverse contexts.

Module content:

The module is intended to further develop expertise in the researching, generating and communication of news, enabling students to build on and extend skills acquired at Level Four to produce a cohesive portfolio of features.

Students will use a range of media techniques such as writing and audio/visual techniques, typically including news features and profiles in the context of, for example, an investigation or campaign.

Students will also be expected to be aware of legal, social and ethical constraints and the impact of audience, medium, market and available sources.


Module aims:

The aims of the module are as follows: 

  • To build on what students have learned at level four and introduce more specialised elements, including photography and feature-style video and audio.
  • To introduce students to literary journalism and encourage the development of deeper, more immersive storytelling skills
  • To introduce students to hyper-specialism, genre and niche audiences

Module content:

The module is intended to further develop expertise in the researching, generating and communication of news, enabling students to build on and extend skills acquired at Level Four to produce a cohesive portfolio of features.

Students will use a range of media techniques such as writing and audio/visual techniques, typically including news features and profiles in the context of, for example, an investigation or campaign.

Students will also be expected to be aware of legal, social and ethical constraints and the impact of audience, medium, market and available sources.


Module aims:

The aims of the module are as follows: 

  • To build on what students have learned at level four and introduce more specialised elements, including photography and feature-style video and audio.
  • To introduce students to literary journalism and encourage the development of deeper, more immersive storytelling skills
  • To introduce students to hyper-specialism, genre and niche audiences

Module content:

This module builds on journalistic skills established so far.

Students will be introduced to researching and generating sports reports and features across a number of distinct journalism platforms such as newspapers and fanzines/magazines through to emerging web-based elements and smartphone/tablet technologies.

This includes the exploration of the relationship between and evolution of print and digital content.

Legal, social and ethical constraints of content as well as its relevance to audience, medium and market.


Module aims:

The aims of the module are as follows:

  • To facilitate the development of practical written skills and apply them in a number of journalistic platforms (newspaper design and layout/web-based content management and production).
  • To support research and conceptualise publication ideas and build a coherent portfolio of work.
  • To ensure student have an understanding of what constitutes legally and ethically safe content of general public interest.
  • To facilitate students' capacity for reflection and awareness of issues involving sports journalistic practice.

Module content:

This module builds on journalistic skills established so far.

Students will be introduced to researching and generating sports reports and features across a number of distinct journalism platforms such as newspapers and fanzines/magazines through to emerging web-based elements and smartphone/tablet technologies.

This includes the exploration of the relationship between and evolution of print and digital content.

Legal, social and ethical constraints of content as well as its relevance to audience, medium and market.


Module aims:

The aims of the module are as follows:

  • To facilitate the development of practical written skills and apply them in a number of journalistic platforms (newspaper design and layout/web-based content management and production).
  • To support research and conceptualise publication ideas and build a coherent portfolio of work.
  • To ensure student have an understanding of what constitutes legally and ethically safe content of general public interest.
  • To facilitate students' capacity for reflection and awareness of issues involving sports journalistic practice.

Module content:

Sports Broadcasting introduces students to broadcast media and develops the core audio and video skills required in any broadcast journalism environment.

Areas introduced include producing, interviewing, shooting/recording and editing for audio and video, as well as scriptwriting for different mediums.

Students master production planning, the use of medium-specific hardware and software, and the special skills of live 'on location' broadcasting, such as pieces to camera and 'as live' time-limited interviews.


Module aims:

The aims of the module are as follows: 

  • To enable students to understand and apply a range of particular technical skills required by sports broadcasts journalists.
  • To facilitate the students' understanding of sourcing and production of sports broadcast news audio and video content, both recorded/edited and 'as live'.

Module content:

Sports Broadcasting introduces students to broadcast media and develops the core audio and video skills required in any broadcast journalism environment.

Areas introduced include producing, interviewing, shooting/recording and editing for audio and video, as well as scriptwriting for different mediums.

Students master production planning, the use of medium-specific hardware and software, and the special skills of live 'on location' broadcasting, such as pieces to camera and 'as live' time-limited interviews.


Module aims:

The aims of the module are as follows: 

  • To enable students to understand and apply a range of particular technical skills required by sports broadcasts journalists.
  • To facilitate the students' understanding of sourcing and production of sports broadcast news audio and video content, both recorded/edited and 'as live'.

Module content:

This module will provide an overview of academic research methods in the field of media, communication and journalism studies and its relevance to  journalistic research practise. 

Skills will be introduced to facilitate the analysis of social science research for academic and journalistic purposes and in preparation for advanced academic and industry projects such as academic dissertations practical projects. 

Key techniques will be introduced to enable students to generate and conduct primary and secondary research as well as interpret and present findings.


Module aims:

The aims of the module are as follows: 

  • To provide an overview of key research methods in journalism and media studies.
  • To introduce a range of techniques used in generating and conducting primary and secondary research.
  • To enable students to interpret research findings and present them.
  • To ensure students are able to evaluate current academic research and identify gaps in the literature that could potentially be addressed in dissertations or major projects.

Module content:

This module will provide an overview of academic research methods in the field of media, communication and journalism studies and its relevance to  journalistic research practise. 

Skills will be introduced to facilitate the analysis of social science research for academic and journalistic purposes and in preparation for advanced academic and industry projects such as academic dissertations practical projects. 

Key techniques will be introduced to enable students to generate and conduct primary and secondary research as well as interpret and present findings.


Module aims:

The aims of the module are as follows: 

  • To provide an overview of key research methods in journalism and media studies.
  • To introduce a range of techniques used in generating and conducting primary and secondary research.
  • To enable students to interpret research findings and present them.
  • To ensure students are able to evaluate current academic research and identify gaps in the literature that could potentially be addressed in dissertations or major projects.

Module content:

Pre-placement:

  • Structured approaches to researching, selecting and securing a suitable work placement relevant to the student’s interests and career aspirations*.
  • Writing an effective CV. Constructing a letter of application.*
  • Interview skills.*

 *Note: Students are required to undertake these pre-placement tasks during term 1 level 5, as part of the placement acquisition process and will be supported by the Work Based Learning team and the Careers and Employability department.

 Induction Programme and Placement:

  • The organisational context: research-informed analysis of the placement organisation’s aims, structure, culture.
  • Self- assessment of needs: identification of the range of transferable skills, competencies and attitudes employees need and employers expect graduates to possess. (Employability Skills: e.g. verbal and written communication, analytical / problem solving capabilities; self-management; team working behaviours; negotiation skills; influencing people; positive attitude, resilience, building rapport).
  • Devising a strategy for integrating into the workplace and work based teams
  • Completion of online assignment tasks covering sourcing and obtaining placement; health and safety procedures in general; general workplace integrity; placement requirements. 

During and post-placement: Learning effectively in and from the workplace:- 

  • Devising and implementing strategies to improve own approach and performance
  • Critical analysis/evaluation of approach to skill development and performance in the workplace;
  • Influencing the Placement Provider’s appraisal;
  • Devising an action plan to develop gaps in transferable skills based on the placement experiences;

Module aims:

This module aims to enhance students’ prospects of gaining graduate level employment through engagement with a University approved work placement**, which will enable them to:

  • Develop their understanding of workplace practice and lifelong learning;
  • Enhance their work readiness and employability prospects through development of transferable skills;
  • Take responsibility for their own learning and acquisition of workplace employability skills;
  • Articulate, in writing, their employability skills.

Module content:

Pre-placement:

  • Structured approaches to researching, selecting and securing a suitable work placement relevant to the student’s interests and career aspirations*.
  • Writing an effective CV. Constructing a letter of application.*
  • Interview skills.*

 *Note: Students are required to undertake these pre-placement tasks during term 1 level 5, as part of the placement acquisition process and will be supported by the Work Based Learning team and the Careers and Employability department.

 Induction Programme and Placement:

  • The organisational context: research-informed analysis of the placement organisation’s aims, structure, culture.
  • Self- assessment of needs: identification of the range of transferable skills, competencies and attitudes employees need and employers expect graduates to possess. (Employability Skills: e.g. verbal and written communication, analytical / problem solving capabilities; self-management; team working behaviours; negotiation skills; influencing people; positive attitude, resilience, building rapport).
  • Devising a strategy for integrating into the workplace and work based teams
  • Completion of online assignment tasks covering sourcing and obtaining placement; health and safety procedures in general; general workplace integrity; placement requirements. 

During and post-placement: Learning effectively in and from the workplace:- 

  • Devising and implementing strategies to improve own approach and performance
  • Critical analysis/evaluation of approach to skill development and performance in the workplace;
  • Influencing the Placement Provider’s appraisal;
  • Devising an action plan to develop gaps in transferable skills based on the placement experiences;

Module aims:

This module aims to enhance students’ prospects of gaining graduate level employment through engagement with a University approved work placement**, which will enable them to:

  • Develop their understanding of workplace practice and lifelong learning;
  • Enhance their work readiness and employability prospects through development of transferable skills;
  • Take responsibility for their own learning and acquisition of workplace employability skills;
  • Articulate, in writing, their employability skills.

In Year 3, you will work closely with a sports club and have the option of undertaking an academic or production dissertation.

Module content:

This self-directed module allows students to initiate and develop their own major project ideas appropriate to their discipline of study. Students at this point in their studies are often very focussed on their ultimate work aspirations, and this module helps them to gain 'graduate trajectory' to enable them to better move into their chosen profession as seamlessly as possible when they have finished their studies.  

After the initial lectures, students decide on the content of their module, and pitch this to staff by way of project proposals. Students then receive tutorial support throughout the year and agree the form that their assessment will take. Students are encouraged to work with others, often across subject areas where this works for the project.

This exciting project helps to promote the ideas of student independence, project management and professional practice.


Module aims:

The aims of the module are as follows: 

  • To promote the development of personal discourse and its practice
  • To promote the underpinning of practice with a strong theoretical framework
  • To enable the emulation of professional practice in taking responsibility for small scale projects from conception to realisation.

Module content:

This self-directed module allows students to initiate and develop their own major project ideas appropriate to their discipline of study. Students at this point in their studies are often very focussed on their ultimate work aspirations, and this module helps them to gain 'graduate trajectory' to enable them to better move into their chosen profession as seamlessly as possible when they have finished their studies.  

After the initial lectures, students decide on the content of their module, and pitch this to staff by way of project proposals. Students then receive tutorial support throughout the year and agree the form that their assessment will take. Students are encouraged to work with others, often across subject areas where this works for the project.

This exciting project helps to promote the ideas of student independence, project management and professional practice.


Module aims:

The aims of the module are as follows: 

  • To promote the development of personal discourse and its practice
  • To promote the underpinning of practice with a strong theoretical framework
  • To enable the emulation of professional practice in taking responsibility for small scale projects from conception to realisation.

Module content:

This module gives the student the opportunity to research in depth and write at length about a topic/author of their own choice, working with a supervisor from their own discipline.


Module aims:

The aims of the module are as follows:

 

• To enable the student to identify and independently pursue a suitable research topic derived from the content of their programme of study;
• To encourage the student to apply appropriate research methods and critical/ theoretical perspectives;
• To provide the opportunity for the student to develop skills in critical thinking and communication;
• To prepare students for postgraduate research and/or develop research-related transferrable skills, and increase their confidence in working autonomously.

Module content:

This module gives the student the opportunity to research in depth and write at length about a topic/author of their own choice, working with a supervisor from their own discipline.


Module aims:

The aims of the module are as follows:

 

• To enable the student to identify and independently pursue a suitable research topic derived from the content of their programme of study;
• To encourage the student to apply appropriate research methods and critical/ theoretical perspectives;
• To provide the opportunity for the student to develop skills in critical thinking and communication;
• To prepare students for postgraduate research and/or develop research-related transferrable skills, and increase their confidence in working autonomously.

Module content:

Journalism increasingly relies on risk to generate public interest in a fragmented media marketplace. This tendency has worsened since the advent of social media, but is rooted in the long-established media framing of 'moral panic'. It is governed by prevailing news values and might focus on pandemics, paedophilia or terrorism – whichever dominates the news agenda at any given time. 

This module will examine and critically evaluate these issues from an ethical perspective, by analysing and reflecting on press and broadcast coverage of various ‘risks’, as well as related issues of agenda-setting and public opinion.

The culture clash between journalism and science, faith and reason, populism and centrism, is an increasingly important part of the wider public agenda. The media is criticised for distorting risk issues by its urge to sensationalise, thereby frequently distorting the public response - and an ethical approach to the topic is urgently needed. 


Module aims:

The aims of this module are as follows: 

  • To enable students to examine the ethical dimensions of contemporary journalistic practice
  • To provide opportunities for the analysis of relevant theory, including moral panic and risk
  • To encourage students to consider and evaluate the effects on the wider public and political sphere of this form of journalism
  • To give students the skills to analyse media coverage of science in the context of social media and political populism

Module content:

Journalism increasingly relies on risk to generate public interest in a fragmented media marketplace. This tendency has worsened since the advent of social media, but is rooted in the long-established media framing of 'moral panic'. It is governed by prevailing news values and might focus on pandemics, paedophilia or terrorism – whichever dominates the news agenda at any given time. 

This module will examine and critically evaluate these issues from an ethical perspective, by analysing and reflecting on press and broadcast coverage of various ‘risks’, as well as related issues of agenda-setting and public opinion.

The culture clash between journalism and science, faith and reason, populism and centrism, is an increasingly important part of the wider public agenda. The media is criticised for distorting risk issues by its urge to sensationalise, thereby frequently distorting the public response - and an ethical approach to the topic is urgently needed. 


Module aims:

The aims of this module are as follows: 

  • To enable students to examine the ethical dimensions of contemporary journalistic practice
  • To provide opportunities for the analysis of relevant theory, including moral panic and risk
  • To encourage students to consider and evaluate the effects on the wider public and political sphere of this form of journalism
  • To give students the skills to analyse media coverage of science in the context of social media and political populism

Module content:

This module is positioned at the leading edge of wider changes to the media and political landscape. It will allow students to look afresh at the 'crisis' in public communication and journalism, and requires them to implement feasible sustainable solutions. 

Interpretations of the contemporary media industry tend to leave the social and environmental dimensions of journalism aside, but this module directly addresses them, viewing them as an essential part of the long term survival of the industry.

The module acknowledges contemporary economic realities but requires students to seek opportunities within the new paradigm, as freelancers or entrepreneurs operating their own media companies. lt is designed to build on the traditional journalistic skills developed during the early part of their career and offer students the opportunity of becoming their own media outlets, offering services for external clients.


Module aims:

The aims of this module are as follows: 

  • To equip students with the creativity, resilience and entrepreneurial instinct required for working in the contemporary media environment.
  • To examine sustainability and environmental awareness as a means of reinvigorating the industry and the wider public sphere.
  • To encourage students to interrogate the concept of sustainability in the context of the wider media.
  • To ensure students have appropriate knowledge to enable them to understand how to formulate feasible, fully-costed client-orientated sustainable business proposals.

Module content:

This module is positioned at the leading edge of wider changes to the media and political landscape. It will allow students to look afresh at the 'crisis' in public communication and journalism, and requires them to implement feasible sustainable solutions. 

Interpretations of the contemporary media industry tend to leave the social and environmental dimensions of journalism aside, but this module directly addresses them, viewing them as an essential part of the long term survival of the industry.

The module acknowledges contemporary economic realities but requires students to seek opportunities within the new paradigm, as freelancers or entrepreneurs operating their own media companies. lt is designed to build on the traditional journalistic skills developed during the early part of their career and offer students the opportunity of becoming their own media outlets, offering services for external clients.


Module aims:

The aims of this module are as follows: 

  • To equip students with the creativity, resilience and entrepreneurial instinct required for working in the contemporary media environment.
  • To examine sustainability and environmental awareness as a means of reinvigorating the industry and the wider public sphere.
  • To encourage students to interrogate the concept of sustainability in the context of the wider media.
  • To ensure students have appropriate knowledge to enable them to understand how to formulate feasible, fully-costed client-orientated sustainable business proposals.

Module content:

This module outlines the guiding principles required for the production of reports that reflect the shift in sport towards an adjunct of business. 

It enables students to explore the specialist terminology used in the reporting of business issues within sporting contexts as well as setting out the ethical requirements of sports journalists in the reporting of sports issues within sports business context.


Module aims:

The aims of this module are as follows: 

  • To ensure students understand the shift of sport towards an adjunct of business.
  • To enable students to develop a sophisticated understanding of the specialist terminology used in the reporting of business issues within sporting contexts.
  • To develop the student's ability to show a wide ranging and in-depth appreciation of the requirements of sports journalists in reporting issues that focus on the business aspects of sport.

Module content:

This module outlines the guiding principles required for the production of reports that reflect the shift in sport towards an adjunct of business. 

It enables students to explore the specialist terminology used in the reporting of business issues within sporting contexts as well as setting out the ethical requirements of sports journalists in the reporting of sports issues within sports business context.


Module aims:

The aims of this module are as follows: 

  • To ensure students understand the shift of sport towards an adjunct of business.
  • To enable students to develop a sophisticated understanding of the specialist terminology used in the reporting of business issues within sporting contexts.
  • To develop the student's ability to show a wide ranging and in-depth appreciation of the requirements of sports journalists in reporting issues that focus on the business aspects of sport.

Module content:

Students on this module are involved with professional journalistic practice in preparation for work in the industry. It supports them to consolidate and deepen any experience of professional practice gained during during their studies and any work experience. 

It enables further development and refinement of specialised production skills required for working in journalism in digital and multimedia contexts.

Students also have further opportunities for journalistic writing and research, subbing, broadcast audio/video, web production and photography and aspects of developing convergent media in terms of ethics and accessibility.


Module aims:

The aims of this module are as follows: 

  • To give students an expert grasp of essential creative production, narrative and journalistic skills for online and multimedia content production.
  • To develop students' understanding of the guiding principles needed for the production of multimedia journalism products in a digital environment.
  • To enable students to produce content to an expert standard for online platforms, building on multimedia production skills already acquired.
  • To enable students to understand co-operation in a journalistic capacity throughout the creation of media products.

Module content:

Students on this module are involved with professional journalistic practice in preparation for work in the industry. It supports them to consolidate and deepen any experience of professional practice gained during during their studies and any work experience. 

It enables further development and refinement of specialised production skills required for working in journalism in digital and multimedia contexts.

Students also have further opportunities for journalistic writing and research, subbing, broadcast audio/video, web production and photography and aspects of developing convergent media in terms of ethics and accessibility.


Module aims:

The aims of this module are as follows: 

  • To give students an expert grasp of essential creative production, narrative and journalistic skills for online and multimedia content production.
  • To develop students' understanding of the guiding principles needed for the production of multimedia journalism products in a digital environment.
  • To enable students to produce content to an expert standard for online platforms, building on multimedia production skills already acquired.
  • To enable students to understand co-operation in a journalistic capacity throughout the creation of media products.

Who you'll Learn from

Ato Erzan-Essien

Programme Leader for: Sports Journalism, Single and Combined Honours Journalism, and MA Journalism
Ato Erzan-Essien

Dr Simon Gwyn Roberts

Senior Lecturer in Journalism
Dr Simon Gwyn Roberts

Mark Hannaby

Senior Lecturer in Journalism
Mark Hannaby

Dr Simon Morrison

Senior Lecturer and Programme Leader for Music Journalism
Dr Simon Morrison

Dr Mark Duffett

Associate Professor
Dr Mark Duffett

How you'll Learn

Assessment: The range of assessments will be both individual and group based.

Beyond the Classroom

On this module, you have the opportunity to spend five weeks working for a host organisation via our innovative Work Based Learning module. You will have the chance to test-drive a future career, boost your CV and gain real work experience.

On this module, you will have the opportunity to apply what you have learned so far to a specific media project.

Our Experiential Overseas Learning module offers a unique opportunity to participate in a short-term placement around the world.

This course offers the exciting opportunity to study abroad for a full academic year at one of our bilateral exchange partners or through ISEP (International Student Exchange Programs), a network of over 300 additional higher education institutions worldwide.

 

Entry Requirements

104 UCAS points

UCAS Tariff 104 points
GCE A Level Typical offer – CCC - BCC
BTEC BTEC Extended Diploma: DMM
International Baccalaureate 26 points
Irish / Scottish Highers Irish Highers: H3 H3 H3 H4 H4
Scottish Highers: BBBB
Access requirements Access to HE Diploma, to include 45 credits at level 3, of which 30 must be at Merit or above
T Level T Level - Pass grade with C or above on the core
OCR Cambridge Technicals OCR Extended Diploma: DMM
Extra Information Welsh Baccalaureate Advanced and A level General Studies will be recognised in our offer.  We will also consider a combination of A Levels and BTECs/OCRs. Applicants will be required to attend an interview / workshop day. 

Students from countries outside the UK are expected to have entry qualifications roughly equivalent to UK A Level for undergraduate study and British Bachelor's degree (or equivalent) for postgraduate study. To help you to interpret these equivalents, please click on your country of residence to see the corresponding entry qualifications, along with information about your local representatives, events, information and contacts.

We accept a wide range of qualifications and consider all applications individually on merit. We may also consider appropriate work experience.

English Language Requirements

  • IELTS Academic: Undergraduate: 6.0 (minimum 5.5 in each band)
  • Postgraduate: 6.5 (minimum 5.5 in each band)

For more information on our English Language requirements, please visit International Entry Requirements.

72 UCAS points

UCAS Tariff 72 points
GCE A level 72 points overall, including grade D at A Level
BTEC BTEC Extended Diploma: MMP
International Baccalaureate 24 points
Irish / Scottish Highers Irish Highers: H4 H4 H4 H4 H4
Scottish Highers: CCDD
Access requirements Access to HE Diploma – Pass overall
T Level T Level: Pass (D or E on the core)
OCR Cambridge Technicals OCR Extended Diploma: MMP
Extra Information Welsh Baccalaureate Advanced and A level General Studies will be recognised in our offer.  We will also consider a combination of A Levels and BTECs/OCRs. If you are a mature student (21 or over) and have been out of education for a while or do not have experience or qualifications at Level 3 (equivalent to A Levels), then our Foundation Year courses will help you to develop the skills and knowledge you will need to succeed in your chosen degree. 

Where you'll Study Gateway House, Chester

Fees and Funding

£9,250 per year (2024/25)

Our full-time undergraduate tuition fees for Home students entering University in 2024/25 are £9,250 a year, or £1,540 per 20-credit module for part-time study.

The University may increase these fees at the start of each subsequent year of your course in line with inflation at that time, as measured by the Retail Price Index. These fee levels and increases are subject to any necessary government, and other regulatory, approvals.

Students from the UK, Isle of Man, Guernsey, Jersey and the Republic of Ireland are treated as Home students for tuition fee purposes.

Students from countries in the European Economic Area and the EU starting in or after the 2021/22 academic year will pay International Tuition Fees.

Students who have been granted Settled Status may be eligible for Home Fee Status and if eligible will be able to apply for Tuition Fee Loans and Maintenance Loans.

Students who have been granted Pre-settled Status may be eligible for Home Fee Status and if eligible will be able to apply for Tuition Fee Loans.

Irish Nationals living in the UK or Republic of Ireland are treated as Home students for Tuition Fee Purposes.

£13,950 per year (2024/25)

The tuition fees for international students studying Undergraduate programmes in 2024/25 are £13,950. 

This fee is set for each year of study. All undergraduate students are eligible for international and merit-based scholarships which are applicable to each year of study.  

For more information, go to our International Fees, Scholarship and Finance section.

Irish Nationals living in the UK or ROI are treated as Home students for Tuition Fee Purposes. 

Your course will involve additional costs not covered by your tuition fees. This may include books, printing, photocopying, educational stationery and related materials, specialist clothing, travel to placements, optional field trips and software. Compulsory field trips are covered by your tuition fees.

If you are living away from home during your time at university, you will need to cover costs such as accommodation, food, travel and bills.

 

The University of Chester supports fair access for students who may need additional support through a range of bursaries and scholarships. 

Full details, as well as terms and conditions for all bursaries and scholarships can be found on the Fees & Finance section of our website.

 

Your Future Career

Job Prospects

We are immensely proud of our graduates who have found employment in the sports media sector including for the likes of FC Barcelona, LFCTV, Widnes Vikings, The England and Wales Cricket Board, Press Association, The National League, Wakefield Wildcats, Chester FC and The Anfield Wrap, to name a few. Some of these positions were secured after successful placements facilitated by course tutors. 

Progression options

  • Journalism MA
  • Digital Marketing MSc

Careers service

The University has an award-winning Careers and Employability service which provides a variety of employability-enhancing experiences; through the curriculum, through employer contact, tailored group sessions, individual information, advice and guidance.

Careers and Employability aims to deliver a service which is inclusive, impartial, welcoming, informed and tailored to your personal goals and aspirations, to enable you to develop as an individual and contribute to the business and community in which you will live and work.

We are here to help you plan your future, make the most of your time at University and to enhance your employability. We provide access to part-time jobs, extra-curricular employability-enhancing workshops and offer practical one-to-one help with career planning, including help with CVs, applications and mock interviews. We also deliver group sessions on career planning within each course and we have a wide range of extensive information covering graduate jobs and postgraduate study.