Learn from award-winning writers, broadcasters, and academics on our hands-on Sports Journalism degree.
Study to be a sports journalist on our award-winning degree that combines work experience, theory, and hands-on training. Our students get the opportunity to:
- write for the Sports Gazette
- network with industry professionals
- produce podcasts, films, TV shows, and documentaries.
- secure work experience and industry placements
- obtain an NCTJ Diploma in Multimedia Journalism.
Accreditation and praise from the National Council for the Training of Journalists (NCTJ)
Our master’s degree was the first postgraduate sports journalism programme to be accredited by the NCTJ.
The programme has consistently been the NCTJ’s top ranked sports journalism course and was also named top postgraduate journalism degree in England in 2021.
Contribute to the Sports Gazette
Kickstart your career by contributing to our celebrated online magazine, Sports Gazette. You will create and edit exciting content alongside industry professionals and other students.
A focus on networking and employability
We run an exciting industry networking programme that includes:
- attending press conferences and live sporting events
- mentoring
- insider tips on CVs, interviews, and jobs
- interviewing editors, producers, and our graduates.
Championing women journalists
We have trained more female sports journalists than any other course in the UK.
Expert teaching and support
Our academics are award-winning journalists, broadcasters, and researchers. They currently include Richard Lenton, Marina Izidro, and Daniel Gallan.
Work placements: build professional experience
We guarantee every student a work placement, and there are often opportunities to earn while you learn.
Gain recognised certification
Micro-credentials are short, focused courses designed to help you develop valuable skills in a flexible and accessible way. Whether you want to enhance your academic abilities or improve employability, micro-credentials are a great way to stand out at university and in your future career.
By taking a micro-credential course, you will:
- Quickly learn or improve key skills that are essential for academic success and career development.
- Gain official recognition for your efforts with a Moodle badge and an official certificate upon completion.
- Demonstrate your commitment to lifelong learning—a quality highly valued by employers.
We are continuously expanding our micro-credential offerings. Currently, we provide the following courses:
- Become a Microsoft Office Expert – Basic Level (Online, Self-Access)
- Advocacy Skills (Interactive Workshop)
- Professional Presenting (Practical Workshop).
Dr Daragh Minogue
Associate Professor and Course Leader - Sport Journalism
Upcoming webinars and events
Postgraduate events
Join us at a postgraduate event
What our students say about this course...
I thoroughly enjoyed my time at St Mary’s and it’s safe to say I wouldn’t be in my dream job without the course.
Emma Paton
Course content
Modules
These modules are the modules that were available to students in the 2024/25 academic year and are illustrative of what may be offered for 2025/26.
Please note: it is possible that a module listed on the website will not be able to run due to reasons beyond our control. For more information please refer to our course information disclaimer.
Entry requirements
2:1
Previous degree
We normally require a good degree in any discipline.
Additional requirement information
In exceptional circumstances, we may accept a student without such a qualification if they demonstrate an aptitude and commitment to sport and/or journalism.
All candidates selected for interview will be asked to submitted samples of their journalism and sit a short one-hour entrance test. You can do this online or in person. The entrance test assesses your media skills, creativity, sporting knowledge, sub-editing and writing.
International Requirements
International students should check our country-specific pages for equivalents. If English is not your first language you will need to achieve an IELTS score of 7.0 overall with no less than 7.5 in writing.
We now accept IELTS Indicator test results as proof of your English language level.
Further Information
For more information about entry requirements please get in touch.
Fees & funding
September 2025
Home
£11,910
International
£18,750
Funding Information
A non-refundable deposit of £500 is required for Home/EU students to confirm their place.
The Journalism Diversity Fund is available to applicants without the financial means to attend an NCTJ training course.
Additional costs
Your tuition fees cover the cost of all core elements of your degree course including all your NCTJ exam fees (approximately £350). We don't pay for resits. You can also incur travel costs as part of the course.
For further information about additional costs please contact daragh.minogue@stmarys.ac.uk
Alumni discount
A 10% tuition fee discount is available for our alumni (undergraduate and PGCE) planning to study this Master's degree. Those studying for a PGDip of PGCert are not eligible for the discount.
Funding
Except for any iQTS courses, you can check on the UK government website to see if you may be eligible for a loan of up to £12,167 to help with course fees and living costs while you study a postgraduate programme.
Home and international students for non-iQTS courses may also be eligible for external sources of funding. International students should check their eligibility for our International Scholarship.
For more information, please look at our postgraduate funding page.
How the degree is taught
Assessment methods
Our approach to assessment reflects industry practice. There is plenty of scope to be creative. Tasks include writing regular stories for immediate publication, sub-editing, participating in editorial meetings and working in teams on live news days. We work to strict deadlines and you will get the opportunity to publish your work for a range of publications.
You will also sit a number of NCTJ Diploma Exams.
Career opportunities
Our Sports Journalism degree offers one of the best routes into the industry. We will train you to become a journalist and content creator for the digital age. Some of our graduates include:
- Hugh Woozencroft
- Emma Paton
- Katie Shanahan
- Daldeep Kaur
- Júlia Belas
- Daniel Gallan (NCTJ student sports journalist of the year 2019)
- Yara El-Shaboury (FWA Vikki Orvice Student Football Writer of the Year 2022)
- Shubi Arun (SJA Academy Award winner 2023).
The Sports Journalism master's will also help you develop essential transferrable skills, such as communication, adaptability, and critical thinking.
Contact our Career Services at careers@stmarys.ac.uk for further information on jobs and postgraduate opportunities.
Apply now
September 2025
Make sure to check our step-by-step guide to application process.
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