Sports Journalism
MA, PGDip, PGCert

Modules

• Core Skills in Journalism 

Core Skills in Journalism

On this module, students either focus on online sub-editing or shorthand. Shorthand remains an invaluable tool for the trainee journalist which editors still value, particularly for telephone interviews or in situations that demand quotes be turned around quickly or where recording equipment cannot be used. To apply for the Sky Sports News Graduate Internship Scheme you need to achieve 100 words per minute. Students who opt out of Shorthand can focus on other core skills that are in high demand in online news including digital production, sub-editing and using data analytics.  

Assessment: Either shorthand exam or practical digital production editing exercise.

20 Credits

• Critical Issues in Sports Journalism 

Critical Issues in Sports Journalism

Critical Issues in Journalism is a overarching comparative module that critically evaluates some of the most pressing issues in journalism today. Drawing on journalism and media theory, topics considered include the ethical dilemmas journalists face everyday to concerns around 'fake' news, copyright, media bias, and the role of PR in news. We examine these issues in different regional contexts as well as developing an industry awareness to help students prepare for the workplace.

This module also includes a Masterclass guest speaker programme. Recent Masterclasses have been led by Bryan Swanson (Sky Sports News), Matt Lorenzo (documentary film maker), Amar Singh (Chief Content Officer, Squawka) Ian Moss (Deputy Editor, BBC Sport), Laurie Tucker, (Sky Sports News, Day Editor), Richard Conway, (BBC Sports Reporter), Greg Dyke (former Chairman of Football Association) and Matt Lawton, Sports Journalist of the Year 2016 (Chief Sports Reporter, Daily Mail).

Assessment: One essay and one presentation.

20 Credits

• Digital Sports Journalism 

Digital Sports Journalism

Technology has transformed news production. Journalists today need a lot of digital skills to work across different platforms. The ‘hands on’ approach of this module focuses on media production skills that are in high demand in news rooms. We generally cover smartphone journalism, creative graphic design, video production, radio production, podcasting, photography, and live broadcasting, but this changes as the technology changes.

Assessment: Portfolio of best work is submitted for final assessment.

20 Credits

• Media Law 

Media Law

Understanding media law and regulation is essential knowledge that employers look for in new recruits. We cover court reporting, media regulation, copyright, defamation, privacy, the libel laws and numerous other legal and ethical issues that confront journalists and media organisations every day. This includes understanding how the internet and social media is posing new challenges for existing media law, but we also examine carefully what you can and can't do on social media as this is constantly changing. We aim to include study visits so you can experience the legal system in action too.

Assessment: NCTJ exams in Media Law and Court Reporting.

10 Credits

• Public Affairs 

Public Affairs

It is often said that sport and politics don't mix, but whether we like it or not they do. Understanding complicated political issues at the local and national level is a key skill for any trainee journalist. Indeed, most journalists start their careers on a local paper or a regional radio or television station. Local government is therefore still a significant source for news. It also underpins a lot of sports news. On the public affairs modules, you learn the basics structures of British politics. You will interview politicians and journalists as well as observe politics in action at the Houses of Parliament, City Hall, and Richmond Council.

Assessment: NCTJ examination in public affairs and one public affairs news story that can have a sporting angle.

10 Credits

• Reporting and News Writing 

Reporting and News Writing

Journalism requires many skills. On this module, we not only train you to write a news story, but where to find one and how to develop it. The module involves a regular news quiz, lots of practical news writing exercises and submission of stories to the local media for publication. We will also prepare you for your NCTJ Reporting exam.

Assessment: NCTJ Reporting Examination and Multimedia Portfolio, which includes your best stories from the year.

20 Credits

• Sports Journalism 

Sports Journalism

This module is led by award-winning sports partners at News Associates/Sportsbeat. Led by Managing Editor James Toney, author of Sports Journalism: The Inside Track (Bloomsbury, 2012) and sports reporter, Graham Moody, the module covers all the essential skills to become a successful sports journalist. This involves in-class practical exercises and reporting from local and national sporting events. Here, you have the opportunity to practice match reporting and interviews, sometimes at nationally televised sporting events.You will also receive training and guidance in online sports writing with Visiting Lecturer, Julian Shea.

Assessment: Portfolio of published sports stories and NCTJ exam in Sports Journalism.

20 Credits

• Sports Journalism Project 

Sports Journalism Project

Under supervision students produce an extended piece work to graduate with a Masters degree. Most of this project work is carried out between April and August. Students can either write a research report, produce a documentary (radio or video), build a website, design a sports magazine, an immersive multimedia project or develop a sports app. They also have the option of producing a professional practice portfolio during a work placement. This is where students get the opportunity to pursue a subject they are passionate about or explore a topic in real depth. It offers scope for developing project management skills as well as showcasing a range of journalism skills in one project. Students receive professional and technical guidance throughout the process.

Assessment: submission of final project at the end of the course.

60 Credits