SPORTS MEDIA AND COMMUNICATIONS

The International Foundation Programme will be taught at the UA92 Business School

• Academic and English Skills

This module develops your academic English, critical thinking, research, and digital literacy skills in preparation for undergraduate study. It combines general language development with subject-specific academic practices to support your transition into higher education. The module is benchmarked to the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR), and assessments are designed to measure your proficiency across all four key academic language skills: reading, writing, listening, and speaking. By the end of the module, you will be equipped with the communication and study skills necessary to succeed in a university setting.

• Introduction to Numerical Techniques

This module builds your confidence and competence in working with numerical information, a key skill for success in Level 4 study. You will develop a solid understanding of basic mathematical concepts and learn to apply numerical techniques to real-world academic and professional contexts. Successful completion of the module demonstrates your ability to engage with numerical data and apply it effectively in problem-solving scenarios relevant to your chosen field of study.

• Introduction to Research

This module introduces you to essential research skills required for academic study and inquiry. You will learn how to plan, conduct, and evaluate research using appropriate methods and data analysis techniques. The module focuses on developing your ability to formulate research questions, gather and interpret data, and draw valid, evidence-based conclusions. These skills will form the foundation for future academic research and informed decision-making.

• Introduction to Media and Communications

This module introduces key concepts in media and communication to support your transition to undergraduate study. You will explore how signs, symbols, and language shape meaning, and how institutions like the media construct and communicate different versions of reality. Alongside developing your understanding of communication processes, you will strengthen core academic and transferable skills such as critical thinking, analysis, and effective communication across different audiences.

Media, Technology and Culture

You’ll reflect on your own everyday media usage, explore how rapid changes in information and communication technologies shape other social, economic and cultural transformations and consider issues of media production, dissemination and reception.

Communication Techniques and Creating Content

You’ll explore a range of different approaches to media products, produce a magazine, podcast or documentary; working together in a group to present your work

Media Production

You’ll develop your practical media skills; working individually and collectively using different digital tools (including cameras, audio equipment, editing software), and learn to display your work online in a professional context.

Sports Media and Public Relations

You’ll explore how different sports organisations use media and communications tools to create forms of individual and collective persuasion. You’ll be introduced to the different communication techniques and how they are used professionally and create media artefacts that respond to a specific brief.

Interactive Learning and Communication Skills (Integrated Year One only)

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.

Politics, Power and Communication

You’ll critically interrogate how media communications are bound up with forms of political, economic, social and cultural power. You’ll explore how transnational corporations use new technologies to exert influence and understand how political power is reinforced and challenged through different media forms.

Media Narratives

You’ll explore how to communicate stories in an online non-linear environment, examine digital narratives and learn how to create stories using different narrative structures and understand how digital technologies, immersive media and interactivity, have reconfigured media experiences and the news.

Audio and Video Production

You’ll further develop your video and audio production skills; working in a small group to create sophisticated media artefacts.

Integrated Sports Marketing Communication

You’ll explore the importance of market research, product design, promotion, corporate identity and customer feedback loops in professional sports and media industries. You’ll develop an understanding of the key role digital media plays and further enhance your creative skills in order to respond to professional situations.

Media Law and Ethics

You’ll gain an in-depth knowledge of the legal, ethical and regulatory constraints that exist within the media industries. Focusing on a UK context, you’ll explore some of the key tensions that determine the media coverage of events and get to grips with relevant laws, regulations and professional codes of conduct.

Advanced Marketing and Communication Techniques

You’ll further refine your creative skills by responding to a professional marketing brief. You’ll advance your research, communication and presentation techniques by creating a well-designed and appropriate response to the brief.

Sports Media and Communications Professional Practice

You’ll look at case studies of different media and communication roles; developing a personal career plan and identifying the key skills and experience required. You’ll engage in practical media work, to showcase your skills, and present your work in a professional context.

Final Project

You’ll complete a project, on a relevant subject area that demonstrates your research, problem-solving and practical skills.

A sports media and communications degree will give you a running start in a sports media career, whether you’re keen to go into broadcast, press, marketing, advertising or public relations.

As a graduate, you will be suitable for a diverse range of roles such as advertising executive, content creator, social media manager, PR and influencer executive, communications officer, press officer, publicist or partnerships manager .

Our high-profile partners, unique connections and lively location all come together to create a springboard to success, whatever your goal.