Adrian Warner
Senior Lecturer in Journalism & Media
level:UG;top_up:false;international:true;foundation:true;clearing:false;full_time:true;part_time:true;start_month:September;location:Waterside
Multimedia Sports Journalism BA (Hons)
Key Facts
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UCAS Code
BA: P590
BA with Foundation: P591 -
Duration
Full Time: 3 years
Full Time Foundation: 4 years
Part Time: 4 years
-
BBC at A-Level or,
DMM at BTEC -
Full Time: £9,535
Part Time: £1,585 (per 20 credits)
Integrated Foundation Year: £9,535
Updated 19/11/2025
Updated 19/11/2025
Get in touch
UK STUDENTS ENQUIRIES
study@northampton.ac.uk
0300 303 2772
INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS ENQUIRIES
Working alongside the many sports clubs, bodies and media companies based in Northamptonshire, your first year on this Sports Journalism degree will see you learning and starting to apply key audio and video production skills. You will also learn how to write sports stories and understand laws and ethics which apply to sports reporting.
The second year of the course will see you apply those production and writing skills in live newsdays; attending press conferences and live events and reporting on our own FM radio station, NLive. You will learn how to report in the growing world of esports and develop skills in sports magazine production and sports commentary.
In the final year of the Sports Journalism course, you will apply your skills to professional standards in multi-platform newsdays, as well as develop your employment skills ready for that future career. You will learn about future trends in journalism tech and storytelling. Your final year project will be either a documentary or a magazine and your dissertation will analyse and question a key issue in sports media production, sports journalism or sports ethics.
Throughout this program, you will get on the chance to learn on the job. This will involve the covering of multiple sports press conferences and attending and working at live football, rugby and other sporting events within Northamptonshire. All of this will provide you a portfolio of work to showcase to future employers and give you the chance to build industry connections.
For satisfied with teaching in the Guardian University Guide 2026.
For satisfied with feedback in the Guardian University Guide 2026.
For overall student positivity in the National Student Survey 2025.
Based on Office for Students (OfS) data from the National Student Survey (NSS). And the 2026 Guardian University Guide Journalism Subject table, filtered by Satisfied with Teaching, and Feedback.
Accreditation
Our Multimedia Sports Journalism degree is accredited by the Broadcast Journalism Training Council.
The BJTC is a partnership between universities and the top broadcasters such as the BBC, Sky, ITN, Global Radio and more. When you graduate from us, you are also eligible for a BJTC skills certificate which will enhance your future employability.
Highlights
- Our Multimedia Sports Journalism course is accredited by the Broadcast Journalism Training Council (BJTC).
- Real-life experience working with Northampton’s elite sports teams and on our own radio station.
- Dedicated newsroom and specialist radio equipment – view our Media Suites Tour.
- Benefit from strong industry connections such as BBC and ITN.
- Learning trips to sporting events in the UK and abroad.
- Chance to build networking contacts with key media outlets within the industry and build your personal sports media portfolio
- Guaranteed paid internship with the Northampton Employment Promise.
- HP laptop and software included with this course for eligible Sports Journalism students* (*see Eligibility criteria and Terms and Conditions)
Students using the production desk and prepping the tele-prompter
Students using the gallery and studio space
A student using the production desk
A view from the studio into the green room
Two students sitting in the green room studio being filmed
Student operating a tele-prompter in the TV studio
Entry Requirements
A typical offer for Multimedia Sports Journalism is:
- BBC at A-Level or,
- DMM at BTEC/Cambridge Technical or,
- Merit at T Level
You will be expected to have achieved GCSE Mathematics and English (or equivalent) at grade C/4 or above.
We welcome applications from students with a mix of A levels and BTEC/Cambridge Technical qualifications.
For more information on how to make an application, please visit our How to Apply page.
If you are an International student and would like information on making an application, please see our How to Apply page.
The University of Northampton now offers on a range of our courses an alternative route to study; the integrated foundation year (IFY). Admission to this foundation course is normally:
- DEE at A Level or,
- MPP at BTEC or,
- Pass (D or E) at T Level
However, we would also like to hear from you if you have professional or industry experience instead, a range of other qualifications or self-developed subject knowledge that relates to the course you wish to study.
In order to meet accreditation rules, all International and EU students studying this Multimedia Sports Journalism course must achieve the following minimum English language requirements:
- Minimum standard – IELTS 7.5 or equivalent
They may be able to work towards this whilst doing the course, following referral to the course tutor for consideration.
For information regarding English language requirements at the University, please see our IELTS page.
What You'll Learn
On our sports media degree, you will be taught by people who still work in the journalism industry to follow the career paths they still enjoy. Coupled with the opportunities given to you by our sports clubs and media around the county and beyond, this BJTC accredited course will give you opportunities to learn and be supported by tutors who see you as more than a number.
You will also have your learning future-proofed, by studying the growing areas of Esports reporting, data journalism, drone journalism and many other future technologies.
In your first year, you will study media law and how both political and sporting opportunities work, so you understand how to get a story and how sport works as an industry.
You will learn the core audio, video and mobile journalism skills which will allow you to conduct interviews, create reports and publish. You will also learn how to write sports stories and features.
The purpose of this module is to introduce students to the writing skills of a sports reporter across platforms including print, online, and broadcast Students will learn to write sports reports, match previews, full-time match reports, quote-led reports, post-match press conference features and follow-ups as well as using social media.
The purpose of this module is to introduce students to the international sports industryStudents will learn the structure of each sport and which governing body covers it both domestically and internationallyThey will examine the administration, regulation and structure of sport and its relationship with the media.
The purpose of this module is lay the groundwork for students ability to newsgather important public interest stories effectively and legally safelyIt covers the key civic structures for the UK and the essential elements of media law.
The purpose of this module is to introduce students to a range of skills connected to researching, writing and gathering of sports news storiesIt aims to allow students to develop technical and editorial expertise across print, radio, television and online journalism through guided instruction and completing a portfolio of practical assignments.
The purpose of this module is to introduce students to a range of skills connected to researching, writing and producing sports news storiesIt aims to allow students to develop technical and editorial expertise across radio, television and online journalism through guided instruction and completing a portfolio of practical assignments.
The purpose of this module is to equip students with the research and journalistic skills required to produce multimedia journalism relating to minority and/or `specialist sportsThe module will require students to demonstrate their adaptability to produce journalistic content relating to subject matters outside of their sphere of interest in a direct, in-person format and utilising several key elements of modern journalistic practice. Students will be required to engage with the subject matter in a way which is ethically responsible and demonstrates an ability to create content in three different formats, thus widening their skill set to incorporate a broader range of journalistic techniques.
Please note the modules shown here relate to the academic year 25/26. The modules relating to the academic year 26/27 will be available from June 2026.
At the University of Northampton, everything we do, from funded trips to paid internships, is to give you everything you need to make a difference when you leave.
If you join this full time Multimedia Sports Journalism degree, you will receive a laptop when your course begins*. The laptops are built to a bespoke custom specification ideal for use in the seminar room, collaborative group work or studying at home.
Whatever your ambitions, we’re here to help you achieve them. We’ll support you to identify the skills you’re learning during your course, find your strengths and secure practical experience so that when it comes to applying for jobs or further study, you’ll feel confident in standing out from the crowd. We’ve created the Northampton Employment Promise because we are so confident that if you focus on your studies and complete one of our awards you’ll be highly employable by the time you graduate. Putting you in a great position to secure employment or continue your studies.
To check out the full list of perks, visit our Student Perks page or dedicated International Perks page.
*UK fee payers only (see Terms and Conditions for further details).
The Integrated Foundation Year (IFY) offers a new and exciting route into studying for a degree, attracting ambitious and driven students who are willing to learn and advance.
If you have non-standard qualifications or do not quite meet the admissions requirements for this course, we can offer you a fantastic opportunity to study a four year programme which includes an Integrated Foundation Year. The Integrated Foundation Year will help you develop the theoretical/practical and academic skills you need, in order to successfully progress to the full award.
Our four-year courses will enable you to successfully follow the degree pathway of your choice while gaining essential study skills. The foundation year of your chosen degree will be studied on a full-time basis and is aimed at supporting the transition to higher education. Years two, three and four are then studied as a standard degree programme.
How will I be taught?
Our multimedia sports journalism degree is taught by a combination of lectures, seminars and workshops, both face to face and online through blended learning.
You will be learning from industry professionals who have years of experience and can help you to develop the practical skills you need to enjoy a successful sports journalism career.
How will I be assessed?
You will be assessed through a variety of methods including practical portfolios, essays, reports, presentations, practical projects and written examinations and timed tests.
Do you organise any study trips?
In the below video, our Journalism students present highlights of their trip to Berlin, taking in an EU conference, a celebration of the anniversary of the fall of the Berlin Wall, and reporting on sporting events; the students put into practice the skills that they’ve learned on their course.
We organise trips like this periodically, so throughout your degree, you will have the chance to partake in a trip similar to the one shown below.
Are there any specialist facilities and features?
- Course accredited by the Broadcast Journalism Training Council
- Our own, 24/7 FM radio station, NLive – community radio station for Northampton.
- Broadcast standard multi-camera TV studio.
- Broadcast-standard radio studios.
- Free laptop with access to Adobe suite of editing and design programmes.
Will I get to ‘learn on the job’?
You will attend Northampton Saints rugby and Northampton Town football press conferences and games on a weekly basis from year one. You will also attend events at Silverstone, Northants Cricket, Huntingdon Races, Kettering esports tournament and Towcester Greyhounds.
You will work on a student sports show on NLIVE community radio and also interview many other sports people from the area as part of your experience.
You will get to meet well-known names who already work in the industry. Previous guest speakers include Jacqui Oatley, Faye Carruthers, Dan Roan, Liam Fisher, Sue Smith.
Watch our YouTube video to see BBC Sport’s Editor, Dan Roan, visiting our Waterside campus:
Is sports journalism well paid?
Salaries and earning potential varies widely within the sports journalism and media sector. High salaries or freelance fees can be earned by people within the industry depending on their experience, location, expertise, availability and other factors.
Fees and Funding
2025/26 Tuition Fees
- UK Full Time: £9,535
- UK Part Time: £1,585 per 20 credit module
- UK Integrated Foundation Year: £9,535 for the foundation year; thereafter standard fees apply
- International Full Time: £15,700
- International Integrated Foundation Year: £15,700 for the foundation year; thereafter standard fees apply
Fees quoted relate to study in the Academic Year 2025/26 only and may be subject to inflationary increases in future years. UON will adjust UK fees annually in line with Government Policy.
- printing costs: £50+ per year
- external hard drive to store material: £50
- travel on Newsdays to stories: No more than £50
Optional
Subscription to Adobe Creative Cloud. This will give you access to creative tools at home and costs £15 per month.
For information on the scholarships available to you, please see our scholarships page.
For more information about possible funding options, please visit our Fees and Funding pages.
Fees quoted relate to study in the Academic Year 24/25 only and may be subject to inflationary increases in future years.
- UK – Full Time: £9,250
- UK – Part Time: £1,540 per 20 credit module
- UK – Integrated Foundation Year: £9,250
- International – Full Time: £15,200
- International – Integrated Foundation Year: £15,200
Staff
Robin Britten
Associate Lecturer (Journalism & Media)
Kate Ironside
Senior Lecturer in Journalism & Media
Hilary Scott
Senior Lecturer in Journalism and Broadcast Journalism
Careers and Employability
A university degree in multimedia sports journalism will open up a range of career opportunities, including:
- Sports Journalist
- Club media officer
- Sports video content creator
- Sports commentator
- esports reporter
- TV reporter
- Feature writer
- Magazine writer
