SPORTS JOURNALISM
Explore the rapidly changing practices and possibilities of journalism.
Sports Journalism Overview
In a world where a smartphone is all you need to break a story, what sets the good and the great apart? How do you start? You will explore the rapidly changing practices and possibilities of journalism within the wider context of contemporary media industries and digital technologies.
Grounded in theory, rich in practice, this programme will enable you to:
- Understand the place and practice of journalism in the rapidly changing context of contemporary media and social media.
- Build key critical thinking, analytical and problem-solving skills essential in a competitive professional environment.
- Develop wide-ranging knowledge of the production, meaning and consumption of various news media, including sport and investigative reporting.
- Gain practical reporting, editing and presenting skills across a range of digital media technologies, techniques and platforms.
- Become an ethically informed, critically minded and highly reflective practitioner.
- Enjoy a relevant placement opportunity with one of UA92’s leading partners.
All UA92 degrees are awarded by Lancaster University.
KEY INFORMATION
Duration
- 2 - 4 Years
Intakes
- September
- November†
- January
- February†
- April
- June†
Location
- Manchester - Old Trafford Campus
You can complete your degree in as little as two years, depending on your starting point and study preference. For example:
- Standard degree – three years to complete*
- Accelerated degree – two years to complete*
- Foundation with standard degree – four years to complete
- Foundation with accelerated degree – three years to complete
†Not applicable for two year accelerated degree
*Entry via Integrated Year One or direct entry
Page Section
The International Foundation Programme will be taught at the UA92 Business School
- Academic and English Skills
This module is designed to provide students the grounding ready to undertake Level 4 study. It focuses on developing students’ knowledge, communication, analytical, critical thinking and key transferable skills which support undergraduate study. It includes a planned combination of lectures, tutorials and seminars, peer support activities, and blended learning to enable candidates to achieve these essential skills. There is an emphasis on student-driven learning and student engagement and participation in the design and evaluation of the module.
- Introduction to Numerical Techniques
This module will introduce students to basic maths theory and concepts to prepare them for studies in the first year of a degree. It includes a planned combination of lectures, tutorials and seminars, peer support activities, and blended learning to enable candidates to achieve these essential skills. There is an emphasis on student-driven learning and student engagement and participation in the design and evaluation of the module.
- Introduction to Research
This module is designed to provide students with the necessary research skills to be able to succeed at Level 4 study and beyond. It will enable students to understand, generate, analyse and interpret data and to draw valid conclusions from data. It develops students research skills, how to conduct effective research supported by a clear research plan and data analysis techniques. It includes a planned combination of lectures, tutorials and seminars, peer support activities, and blended learning to enable candidates to achieve these essential skills. There is an emphasis on student-driven learning and student engagement and participation in the design and evaluation of the module.
- Introduction to Media and Communications
This module is part of a planned pedagogic approach to ensure students are prepared to achieve and succeed in undergraduate study. It focuses on developing students’ knowledge, communication, analytical, critical thinking and key transferable skills which support undergraduate study. It includes a planned combination of lectures, tutorials, seminars, practical work, peer support activities, and blended learning to enable candidates to achieve these essential skills. There is an emphasis on student-driven learning and student engagement and participation in the design and evaluation of the module.
- Media, Technology and Culture
- Media Production
- Communication Techniques and Creating Content
- Introduction to Journalism
- Interactive Learning and Communication Skills (Integrated Year One only)
- Journalism Practice
- Media Narratives
- Audio and Video Production
- News Journalism
- Project
- Media Law and Ethics
- Advanced Journalism
- Data Journalism
To enable you to complete your degree and enter the world of graduate-work much faster, you will study 6 blocks of 6 weeks per year for 2 years. This is instead of studying the three-year standard structure of 4 blocks of 6 weeks per year.
Students choosing the two-year accelerated degree, will study all the modules outlined above but in a more condensed period.
The two-year accelerated degree is only available when commencing in the September, January and April intakes. When applying, please indicate that you wish to apply for this two-year option.
Designed for international students, this entry point will develop a greater understanding of the skills you will need to develop in order to successfully and confidently progress with your UK degree.
The additional module has been designed to help students develop their academic literacy, and research and communication skills in preparation for undergraduate study. The areas of reading, writing, speaking, and listening will be covered. The Integrated Year One will also help students understand the institutional culture, practices and core terminology of UK higher education.
Integrated Year One students will study all academic modules with direct Year One entrants. Additional support and guidance, designed for international students, will also be provided.
The Integrated Year One accepts students with a lower academic level than the standard Year One.
Students will regularly enjoy guest lectures and masterclasses, often from industry professionals currently working within the creative media industries. Student assignment work is regularly supported by advice from professional journalists, broadcasters and marketing experts. UA92 Journalism, Media and Communication students can expect enlightening visits to MediaCity, ITV News, sporting events and even a bespoke session with Gary Neville (former Manchester Utd player) about his broadcasting career.
It is also hugely important to focus on the freelance and flexible nature of work in this sector, therefore working with respected freelance journalists and marketing agencies will help you understand the exciting possibilities available in this sector. Students will get the opportunity to present back to industry specialists who will critique their work.
Further industry connections are built through the Character and Personal Development modules within the Target Talent Curriculum. Students work on projects set by a range of partners and undertake placements which build on their subject discipline.
The facilities and venues in the Trafford area of Manchester provides UA92 students with the possibility to enjoy sport in some of the best venues in the world, with many also offering volunteering and paid work opportunities alongside your studies and long-term graduate careers. A number of our current students work as Football Coaches for Foundation 92 alongside their studies.