Multimedia Sports Journalism BA (Hons)

Course Content

• Course Details

  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 (like Meliz pictured below), create reports and publish. You will also learn how to write sports stories and features.

  

  Journalism student Meliz interviewing Northampton Saints player James Grayson

  In the second year, you will enhance your skills on all of the above, with extended teaching in magazine journalism, sports media regulation, sports commentary and documentary making skills and we will prepare you for your final year projects and dissertation.

  In your final year, you will create a documentary or magazine on a sports

  

  Student Jamie – about to graduate and start his full time job at NTFC.

  issue of your choice and you will create a dissertation which investigates a key issue in sports media. You will also conduct newsdays where you create sports news content to deadlines and professional standards, much like you see and hear on Five Live, talkSPORT, Sky Sports News or BBC Local Radio.

  Upon completing the course you will be equipped with the skills to work in any area and across all platforms within the sports media, from local newspapers, newsrooms and commercial communication departments to national broadcasters such as BBC Sport, Sky Sports, Radio 5 and Associated Press. Or you cloud take a leaf out of Jamie’s book (pictured above), who has just secured a job at Northampton Town Football Club.

  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.

  (*All trips subject to national and local Covid-19 guidelines and restrictions. See our situation updates page for more on the University’s response to Covid-19)

  Industry guest speakers

  BBC Sport’s Editor, Dan Roan, visits Waterside

   

  • Stage 1
    • Writing Skills for Sports Journalists (20 Credits)
      Module code: JOU1012

      Status: Compulsory
      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 International Sports Industry (20 Credits)
      Module code: JOU1013

      Status: Compulsory
      The purpose of this module is to introduce students to the international sports industry. Students will learn the structure of each sport and which governing body covers it both domestically and internationally. They will examine the administration regulation and structure of sport and its relationship with the media.
    • Reporting Skills for Sports Journalists (40 Credits)
      Module code: JOU1014

      Status: Compulsory
      The purpose of this module is to introduce students to the editorial and production skills of sports reporting. Students will learn to operate mobile digital and studio television cameras audio recorders and editing software. Students will learn to produce news assignments for sport audiences across all platforms.
    • Law for Journalists (10 Credits)
      Module code: JOU1017

      Status: Compulsory
      This module will introduce students to the judicial system in the context of how journalists carry out their work. Students will engage with the day-to-day life of courtrooms and similar legal envionments while also studying the general principles behind important legislation such as contempt of court defamation and copyright.
    • Public Affairs for Journalists (10 Credits)
      Module code: JOU1018

      Status: Compulsory
      The purpose of this module is to develop reporting and editing skills in the context of studying governmental functions/operations from a media standpoint. Students will engage with the day-to-day life of council and civic operations while also studying the general principles behind democracy in the UK.
    • The Social Context of Sport and Exercise (20 Credits)
      Module code: SPO1038

      Status: Compulsory
      The purpose of this module is to introduce students to the various ways in which sport and exercise are shaped by the social contexts in which they occur. It offers a broad introduction to sociological investigation by outlining some key contemporary social issues in sport exercise and physical activity. Thus providing a foundation for the further study of socio-cultural issues connected to sport exercise and physical activity.
  • Stage 2
    • Sports Journalism in Print and Online (20 Credits)
      Module code: JOU2014

      Status: Compulsory
      The purpose of this module is to give students the technical skills necessary to produce their own sports magazine or newspaper and website. Students will learn page layout using industry-standard design and publishing software. Editorially consideration will be given to the type of sports publication produced and its potential readership.
    • Sports News Day (40 Credits)
      Module code: JOU2015

      Status: Compulsory
      The purpose of this module is to develop students? story finding research interviewing reporting writing and editing skills. Using industry standard equipment students will take part in ?News Days? reflecting contemporary journalism practice compiling sports stories for a variety of media platforms.
    • Sports Broadcasting and Regulation: Commentating and Documentaries (20 Credits)
      Module code: JOU2016

      Status: Compulsory
      The purpose of this module is to enable students to convey the excitement of a live sports event through broadcast commentary. Students will learn advanced radio techniques for live broadcasting as well as how to compile a television documentary. Using industry standard equipment students will compile a portfolio of their broadcast work.
    • Sports Journalism Research Skills (10 Credits)
      Module code: JOU2022

      Status: Compulsory
      The purpose of this module is to examine the relationship between the theory and practice of sports journalism emphasizing research as part of both academic and professional work. Research skills are explored as well as how to write a proposal the structure of a dissertation presentation and referencing.
    • Esports Reporting (10 Credits)
      Module code: JOU2023

      Status: Compulsory
      This module introduces students to the growing area of eSports -the facilitation of competitive gaming through digital systems either on online networks or at live events. Students will engage with the historical development of the sport and learn how to report on today?s events.
    • Sports Development (20 Credits)
      Module code: SPO2007

      Status: Compulsory
      This module focuses on the varied roles of sport development on the delivery of sport in the United Kingdom. The changing nature of sports development is governed by government priorities for sport and is often conflicted by the twin principles of delivering mass participation and achieving international success. These principles are explored to explain their relationship to successful sport development.
  • Stage 3
    • Journalism Practical Project (20 Credits)
      Module code: JOU3002

      Status: Compulsory
      The purpose of this module is to facilitate independent creative and critical work in a specified area of journalistic production. It requires students to initiate discuss and negotiate a body of work for the year and then to take responsibility for the successful completion of that work to deadline.
    • Launchpad: Careers in Sports Journalism (20 Credits)
      Module code: JOU3015

      Status: Compulsory
      This module prompts students to consider a specific role within sports journalism and to investigate how this might become a future career path. Teaching requires students to research and critically reflect on the structure of the sector and their own intentions and professional development.
    • International Sport and the Media (20 Credits)
      Module code: JOU3016

      Status: Compulsory
      This module enables students to develop a comprehensive understanding of the origins development and expansion of the contemporary sports media business and its relationship with the governing bodies of national and international sport and media regulation. In particular the commercialisation of sport and sports rights will be examined.
    • Multiplatform Journalism (20 Credits)
      Module code: JOU3019

      Status: Compulsory
      This module is the principal module for Multimedia Journalism students. The focus is on establishing and managing a local journalism newsroom with outputs on digital radio and television. Students will submit a portfolio providing evidence of their journalistic contributions during the period of the project.
    • Future Trends in Journalism (20 Credits)
      Module code: JOU3020

      Status: Compulsory
      The purpose of this module is to examine the development of future trends in journalism. Journalism has undergone several waves of significant change such as the emergence of digital journalism social media and data journalism this module aims to critically examine those changes and critique emerging future trends.
    • Journalism Dissertation (20 Credits)
      Module code: JOU4001

      Status: Compulsory
      The purpose of this module is to provide an opportunity for students to develop at length a particular disciplinary interest. This may derive either from study in the first two years of the degree or from reading and/or practice activities on their own initiative.

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• Entry Requirements

  Standard entry requirements apply. A typical offer is BCC at A-Level or DMM at BTEC. Applicants need either an A Level or BTEC in any of the following subjects: English, Media, Humanities, Sports Science or a PE-related subject. You will be expected to have achieved GCSE Mathematics and English (or equivalent) at grade C/4 or above.

  For more 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.

  Integrated Foundation Year (IFY) Entry Requirements

  Admission to this foundation course is normally DEE at A Level or MPP at BTEC. 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.

  English Language Requirements

  All International and EU students applying for a course with us must meet the following minimum English language requirements:

  • Minimum standard – IELTS 7.5 or equivalent
    for study at undergraduate level.

  For information regarding English language requirements at the University, please see our IELTS page.

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• Fees and Funding

  21/22 Tuition Fees

  Fees quoted relate to study in the Academic Year 21/22 only and may be subject to inflationary increases in future years.

  • UK – Full Time: £9,250
  • UK – Part Time: £1,465 per 20 credit module
  • UK – Integrated Foundation Year: £6,780 as part of a four year programme (subsequent years will be charged at standard BA rate)
  • International – Full Time: £13,000
  • International – Integrated Foundation Year: £13,000 as part of a four year programme (subsequent years will be charged at standard BA rate)

  Additional Costs

  • printing costs: £50+ per year
  • external hard drive to store material: £50
  • travel on Newsdays to stories: No more than £50

  2020/21 Tuition Fees

  Fees quoted relate to study in the Academic Year 20/21 only and may be subject to inflationary increases in future years.

  • UK and EU – Full Time: £9,250
  • UK and EU – Part Time: £1,450 per 20 credit module
  • UK and EU – Integrated Foundation Year: £6,750 as part of a four year programme (subsequent years will be charged at standard BA rate)
  • International – Full Time: £12,900
  • International – Integrated Foundation Year: £12,900 as part of a four year programme (subsequent years will be charged at standard BA rate)

  Additional Costs

  • printing costs: £50+ per year
  • external hard drive to store material: £50
  • travel on Newsdays to stories: No more than £50

   

  For information on the scholarships available to you, please see our scholarships page.

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• Accreditation

  Our Multimedia Sports Journalism programme is accredited by the Broadcast Journalism Training Council.

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• Student Perks

  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 degree at Northampton 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 to 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.

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• Integrated Foundation Year (IFY)

  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 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.

  Featuring a reduced tuition fee in the first year, 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.

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• 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, as well as 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.

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• FAQs

  How will I be taught on Multimedia Sports Journalism BA (Hons)?

  For this course your taught study will be a combination of lectures, seminars and workshops, both face to face and online through blended learning.

  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.
  

   

  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.

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Careers and Employability

This course 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.