Sport Journalism BA(Hons)
Sport reporting is always a major section in newspapers, magazines, on television and on radio. Sport journalism is a multi-skilled vocation requiring professionals who can communicate with a diverse audience across a range of media. Sport Journalism equips graduates with the knowledge and skills to work in this exciting industry.
Chelsea School has brought together a strong group of academics and practitioners who are well qualified to deliver a dedicated course in sport journalism. The Chelsea Journalism Centre with state-of-the-art equipment as well as two newsrooms provides the right setting for journalism students to hone their skills.
Professional accreditation
Sport Journalism is accredited by the National Council for the Training of Journalists (NCTJ). Brighton is one of the few universities that offers the opportunity to gain both the NCTJ Sport Journalism qualification as well as the NCTJ pre-entry certificate - the most recognised professional qualification in journalism.
Course structure
Year 1 introduces students to the practical skills of journalism, such as shorthand and news writing, as well as to the critical studies which place these skills in context. Year 2 is spent developing further knowledge of practical journalism and preparing for the NCTJ examinations, which will be sat by qualifying students. The other year 2 modules are devoted to developing an understanding of how sport and the media intertwine nationally and globally.
In the final year students develop and refine their skills as sport journalists, undertaking a significant piece of investigative research as well as taking specialist options such as multimedia and public relations.
Students are expected to undertake at least 10 days work experience in year 3. These are essential for a career-focused course and are also a requirement of the NCTJ Certificate. Typical examples of work placements include the Arsenal FC press office, When Saturday Comes, Hayters Sport Agency and Eastbourne Gazette and Herald sports desk.
Areas of study
Students explore practical journalism skills, such as shorthand and news writing, and the wider critical and contextual study of leisure, sport and the media, and the links between them.
Syllabus
Year 1
A Practical and Critical Introduction to Sport Journalism
News Journalism
Introduction to Sports Policy
Introduction to Graduate Skills and Research Methods
Sport, Leisure and Social History
Introduction to Politics and Sport
Year 2
Sports Writing
Research and Recording Skills for Sport Journalism (including shorthand)
Newspaper Journalism
Public Administration
Media Law
Sport, Leisure and the Media
Year 3
Work placement
Critical Investigations of Sport/Dissertation
Advanced Research and Recording Skills (including shorthand)
Politics and Power in the Sport Media
Options from a wide range including:
Multimedia Sport Journalism
Sports Fictions and Biographies
Advanced Sport Journalism
Public Relations - Sport Documentaries
Critical and Interdisciplinary Approaches to Football Cultures
Race, Ethnicity and Popular Culture
Career and progression opportunities
Career opportunities include newspaper, magazine, radio, television and online journalism, as well as associated roles in public relations and media management in sport organisations.