Sports Journalism MA

Study level: Postgraduate
Lecturer and group of students at a boardroom style table with lots of football shirts behind them

The Sports Journalism MA seeks to create graduates ready to excel in all media environments.

Year of entry

2023-24

Location

Coventry University (Coventry)

Study mode

Full-time
Part-time

Duration

1 year full-time
2 years part-time

Course code

AHT093

Start date

September 2023
January 2024

How to apply
Book an Open Day
Download a prospectus
Ask a question

Course overview

You will be challenged to create content for your favoured sports including cricket, rugby, football, golf, tennis, cycling, boxing, MMA and global sports of your choosing, across your period of study.

This content will be assessed within modules, but will also then be tailored to deliver maximum impact through your portfolios, showreels and future job applications. You can expect to learn the practical application of law and regulation in journalism as well as ethics.

  • Develop a deep understanding of essential theory and best practice.
  • Provide technical training to enable remarkable multi-media reporting and production.
  • Potential access to major sports industry events and live reporting opportunities2.
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Joint Top Modern University for Career Prospects

Guardian University Guide 2021 and 2022
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5 QS Stars for Teaching and Facilities

QS Stars University Ratings
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Top 5 UK Student City (Coventry)

QS Best Student Cities Index 2023

Why you should study this course

The course aims to offer you:

  • The focused training required to become precisely what is required in modern sports journalism. This will include skills to create remarkable news, feature and next-generation creative content, on all platforms.
  • Tuition from experienced industry professionals in the use of camera and audio capture, Adobe’s edit suite, content management systems (CMS), social media platforms and law (staff subject to change).
  • Regular on-location reporting opportunities including press conferences, events and sports industry launches2.
  • Connection with, and guidance from, notable industry writers and broadcasters as well as high-profile sports industry figures2.
  • Opportunities to contribute to and shape creative social media campaigns for local sports businesses, for platforms such as YouTube, TikTok and Twitter2.

Collaborations

We work in collaboration with The RSA (Royal Society of Arts, Manufactures and Commerce), and upon successful completion of the 'Creative Futures and Social Change' module, you will receive RSA digital badging.

What you'll study

Sports Journalism MA students learn how to tell stories in writing, on video, audio and for social media. We focus on storytelling in ways that both inform and entertain. You are encouraged to be ambitious, informed, and efficient media practitioners who can add value to any digital platform, newsroom or media organisation, able to produce professional standard material through a succession of news days which are supported by our Journalism Essentials sessions, which are spread across the modules.

Modules

  • You will have the opportunity to develop knowledge and technical skills relating to audio and video journalism which can create engaging content for social media, online platforms, radio and television. You will learn and discuss the ethical, legal and regulatory frameworks which govern journalistic work across different platforms. You will work under the supervision of a mentoring team on live specialist journalism programme projects either with a host organisation2 or at the university. All journalistic output will be supported by relevant social media. Projects will be crafted by course leaders to ensure that they provide adequate scope for development in skills and learning.

    Compulsory

  • You will develop a detailed understanding of the relationship between sport and celebrity and its evolution in contemporary society. This will focus on, for example, the rise of the superstar footballer, sport success and scandal as ‘front-page’ news and the role of social media in promoting and challenging the changing role of sportswomen and men. You will also analyse the growing influence of public relations, publicists and brands on the day-to-day life of modern sportsmen and women, and how that influence impacts the work of sporting organisations and journalists. The course aims to offer you the chance to speak with key figures in all of these areas2.

    Compulsory

  • This module aims to provide you with the opportunity to develop knowledge and skills relating to audio and video journalism which can create engaging content for social media, online platforms, radio and television. You will work under the supervision of a mentoring team on live specialist journalism programme projects either with a host organisation2 or at the university. All journalistic output will be supported by relevant social media. Projects are vetted to ensure that they provide adequate scope for development in skills and learning. Specific objectives for you will be set out in a learning agreement.

    Compulsory

  • Provides you with the opportunity to acquire and develop specialist knowledge and skills in your chosen field. It builds on practical journalism skills and techniques learned in earlier modules, making it possible for you to expand the depth of the content you create. This professional practice module also aims to provide you with the chance to develop professional, ethical and reflective skills at an advanced level within your chosen discipline and experience the working practices of your intended profession.

    Compulsory

  • This module aims to provide you with the opportunity to acquire knowledge and skills relating to the production of magazines and online content. Fundamental skills are acquired and revised through “Journalism Essentials”, a series of online lectures/workshops. You will work under the guidance of specialist tutors in groups through seminars and workshops, to develop the skills of planning, scheduling and project managing the production process, and to acquire proficiency in the use of key production software and hardware.

    Compulsory

  • You will explore the role that sport plays within modern UK society, and its impact globally. You will analyse the role of governance and governing bodies within sport and evaluate the role that sport plays in driving and defining social and political opinion related to contemporary and historic issues within society.

    You will also consider the role of Government in sport. You will take that knowledge and learn how to create professional-standard written content for multiple platforms including print, online and social media. This will include sports news reports, live match coverage and in-depth features.

    Legal and ethical frameworks in broadcast, print and online journalism will be learned, discussed and applied.

    Compulsory

  • This module explores the changing world of work which you as arts and humanities students enter after study. New technology and the changing global economy mean that jobs and skills are changing and evolving quickly and will continue to do so. This is an exciting and new world, and this module is designed to empower you to realise your potential in it. This module provides tools for you to develop into changemakers, thrive in a changing world of work and participate in creating a better future for society. You will be guided through a process of reflection that explores four possible futures for the world of work and how to situate your own professional identity as the future of work changes through your careers.

    This module is designed in collaboration with The RSA (Royal Society of Arts, Manufactures and Commerce), and upon successful completion, you will receive RSA digital badging.

    Compulsory

We regularly review our course content, to make it relevant and current for the benefit of our students. For these reasons, course modules may be updated.

How you'll learn

The course aims to produce capable, critical, analytical, reflective and creative journalism professionals with specialist knowledge, familiar with the contemporary journalistic context and proficient in cross-media and cross-platform skills and techniques (especially print, broadcast and digital).

The educational aims for the course are in line with the university's mission statement:

  • to obtain a systematic knowledge of the forms, practices, institutions, issues, technologies and artefacts/texts within the field of sports journalism
  • to acquire a range of specific skills, capabilities, knowledge and practical understanding of techniques, conventions and forms used within specific journalistic contexts and both established and emerging media platforms and thereby communicate effectively/competently with various target audiences
  • to critically examine, through focused enquiry, journalism and public relations in sport and the political, societal, legal, ethical, regulatory, technological, economic and stylistic topics and conventions relevant to those related industries
  • to advance your professional and reflective skills/expertise appropriate to the field of sports journalism, for evaluation and criticism of your own and others’ work, in a practice context
  • to improve your knowledge of the theoretical issues and thematic concerns currently framing journalistic practice, and the dissemination and consumption of journalistic output in all its forms for various target audiences
  • to develop a comprehensive understanding of the techniques/methods applicable in the field, and the ability to evaluate and critique methodologies and, where appropriate, to propose new ideas.

This course can be offered on a part-time basis. Whilst we would like to give you all the information about our part-time offering here, it is tailored for each course each year depending on the number of part-time applicants. Therefore, the part-time teaching arrangements vary. Request further information about part-time study.

Teaching contact hours

The number of full-time contact hours may vary from semester to semester, however, on average, it is likely to be around 12 contact hours per week. The contact hours may be made up of a combination of face-to-face teaching, individual and group tutorials, and online classes and tutorials.

Additionally, you will be expected to undertake significant self-directed study of approximately 25 hours each week, depending on the demands of individual modules.

As an innovative and enterprising institution, the university may seek to utilise emerging technologies within the student experience. For all courses (whether on-campus, blended, or distance learning), the university may deliver certain contact hours and assessments via online technologies and methods.

In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, we are prepared for courses due to start in or after the 2023/24 academic year to be delivered in a variety of forms. The form of delivery will be determined in accordance with Government and Public Health guidance. Whether on campus or online, our key priority is staff and student safety.

Assessment

This course will be assessed using a variety of methods which will vary depending upon the module.

Assessment methods include:

  • Formal examinations
  • Essays
  • Group work
  • Presentations
  • Reports
  • Projects
  • Coursework
  • Exams
  • Individual Assignments

The Coventry University Group assessment strategy aims to ensure that our courses are fairly assessed and allows us to monitor student progression towards achieving the intended learning outcomes.

International experience opportunities

You will be actively encouraged to explore international stories and coverage opportunities2 across your studies at Coventry. The course team will assist you with developing international connections, where appropriate, to this end.

Please note that all international experience opportunities may be subject to additional costs, competitive application, availability and meeting applicable visa and travel requirements are therefore not guaranteed2.

We believe that students must be provided with the core theories and skills to create high-quality written and broadcast output. However, instead of spending hours in lecture theatres, we know that this learning is best enhanced when tested in live sports environments (alongside local and national reporters), with support and guidance provided by tutors on how to achieve optimum results.

Coventry University’s Sports Journalism MA aims to ensure this is the case through working collaborations established with governing bodies, professional sports clubs, talent agencies and media businesses.

Matt Read, Course Director, Sports Journalism MA, in the press box at Wembley, quoted 2023
A view from the Wembley Stadium press box ahead of kick-off

Entry requirements

Typical offer for 2023/24 entry.

Applicants should hold an honours degree of 2:1 or above in any subject. Applications from candidates with relevant experience will be considered on an individual basis.

Successful applicants are usually expected to hold a good honours degree, or equivalent. Applicants may be invited to interview or to provide a portfolio of work.

For students entering with advanced standing, the course conforms to the standard University RP(E)L procedure. Find further information via the Postgraduate Study page.

Mature applicants with journalistic experience, but who may not hold a traditional degree at the required level, may be considered if they can evidence their experience and achievements.

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Select your region to find detailed information about entry requirements:

Europe

Americas

Middle East

South Asia

South East Asia

East Asia

Africa

Russia and Central Asia


You can view our full list of country specific entry requirements on our Entry requirements page.

Alternatively, visit our International hub for further advice and guidance on finding in-country agents and representatives, joining our in-country events and how to apply.

Typical entry requirements

Successful applicants are usually expected to hold a good honours degree, or equivalent. Applicants may be invited to interview or to provide a portfolio of work.

English language requirements

  • IELTS: 7.0 overall, with no component lower than 5.5

If you don't meet the English language requirements, you can achieve the level you need by successfully completing a pre-sessional English programme before you start your course. 

For more information on our approved English language tests visit our English language requirements page.

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Fees and funding

2023/24 tuition fees.

Student Full-time Part-time
UK £11,200   Request fee information
International £18,600   Not available

For advice and guidance on tuition fees3 and student loans visit our Postgraduate Finance page.

We offer a range of International scholarships to students all over the world. For more information, visit our International Scholarships page.

Tuition fees cover the cost of your teaching, assessments, facilities and support services. There may be additional costs not covered by this fee such as accommodation and living costs, recommended reading books, stationery, printing and re-assessments should you need them.

The following are additional costs not included in the tuition fees:

  • Any optional overseas field trips or visits: £400+ per trip.
  • Any costs associated with securing, attending or completing a placement (whether in the UK or abroad).

  • We carry out an initial fee status assessment based on the information you provide in your application. Your fee status determines your tuition fees, and what financial support and scholarships may be available to you. The rules about who pays UK (home) or international (overseas) fees for higher education courses in England are set by the government's Department for Education. The regulations identify all the different categories of student who can insist on paying the home rate. The regulations can be difficult to understand, so the UK Council for International Student Affairs (UKCISA) has provided fee status guidance to help you identify whether you are eligible to pay the home or overseas rate.

    If you meet all the criteria required by any one category, including any residence requirements, your institution must charge you the home rate. You only need to find one category that you fit into.

Facilities

Our aim is to offer you sector-leading facilities4.

Exterior front of the Ellen Terry building.

Media Loan Shop

As a student, you’ll have access to Coventry University’s two specialist media loan shops. These well-stocked facilities offer an extensive range of specialist, professional photography, audio and film equipment. And it’s free to access for our students.


Shot of TV studio with couches in foreground and green screen in background

Television Studio

You will have access to our on-campus TV studio, The Tank, with its specialist TV equipment, including studio cameras, autocues, green screen and a large gallery including multi-screen display, mixing facilities and fibre-optic wiring throughout.


Faculty arts humanities new building illustration

Delia Derbyshire Building

Coventry University’s newest development is a technologically advanced and diverse creative space. It is home to immersive studios, hyper studios, hack labs, audio hubs, galleries and lecture facilities. That’s audio, video, photography, AR, VR and the written word under one roof, which are all increasingly playing their part in journalistic storytelling.

Careers and opportunities

Upon successful completion of this course, you will be able to:

  • Create sports content to professional standards for digital, broadcast, print and social media.
  • Understand how the sports journalism industry works and how it connects with the broad and rapidly evolving sports industry including authorities, clubs, talent/athletes, brands, PR firms and agencies.
  • Source news and feature content ahead of packaging this to engage a large audience.
  • Develop stories beyond their news core for multiplatform roll-out, to ensure coverage reaches the maximum audience.
  • Build relationships across the sport and sports media spectrum.
  • Apply a wide range of journalism and communication skills and knowledge to the production of sports content to professional standards.

You should be able to:

  • Work collaboratively and communicate effectively with fellow students and those in a professional work setting.
  • Demonstrate the ability to identify and successfully engage with a range of audiences, genres and media platforms within sports journalism.
  • Work creatively, sustainably and independently within professional situations, employing a range of journalism strategies and techniques.
  • Demonstrate resilience during challenging tasks and demonstrate the ability to take a leadership role or follow the leadership of a colleague with equal commitment.
  • Respond to challenges, problems or tasks and propose potential solutions to creative problems to successfully manage journalistic projects.
  • Understand the wider socio-political, cultural and economic context in which practice exists and embrace diversity and inclusion in workflow, relationships, and creative output.
  • Feel prepared, connected, supported and assisted when applying for job roles within the sports media.

My personal preference for sports revolves around motorsport and the team has been great in helping me pursue my interests. I have taken on an incredible placement with Alpine F1 and spoken with a member of McLaren F1’s communications team. In the coming months, there are plans to work with the England Under-21s team and local Ice Hockey franchises.

Since I arrived at Coventry University, the amount of sporting opportunities that have come up has been amazing. I’ve personally been able to attend the England Men’s World Cup squad announcement at St George’s Park which gave me the opportunity to be in the press conference with the leading reporters in the country. 

Fintan Starkey, Journalism BA (Hons), 2022
A group of students in the press box at a sporting event

How to apply

  • Coventry University together with Coventry University London Campus, CU Coventry, CU London, CU Scarborough and Coventry University Online come together to form part of the Coventry University Group (the “University”) with all degrees awarded by Coventry University. 

    1Accreditations

    The majority of our courses have been formally recognised by professional bodies, which means the courses have been reviewed and tested to ensure they reach a set standard. In some instances, studying on an accredited course can give you additional benefits such as exemptions from professional exams (subject to availability, fees may apply). Accreditations, partnerships, exemptions and memberships shall be renewed in accordance with the relevant bodies’ standard review process and subject to the university maintaining the same high standards of course delivery.

    2UK and international opportunities

    Please note that we are unable to guarantee any UK or International opportunities (whether required or optional) such as internships, work experience, field trips, conferences, placements or study abroad opportunities and that all such opportunities may be subject to additional costs (which could include, but is not limited to, equipment, materials, bench fees, studio or facilities hire, travel, accommodation and visas), competitive application, availability and/or meeting any applicable travel COVID and visa requirements. To ensure that you fully understand the visa requirements, please contact the International Office.

    3Tuition fees

    The University will charge the tuition fees that are stated in the above table for the first Academic Year of study. The University will review tuition fees each year. For UK (home) students, if Parliament permit an increase in tuition fees, the University may increase fees for each subsequent year of study in line with any such changes. Note that any increase is expected to be in line with inflation.

    For International Students, we may increase fees each year but such increases will be no more than 5% above inflation. If you defer your course start date or have to extend your studies beyond the normal duration of the course (e.g. to repeat a year or resit examinations) the University reserves the right to charge you fees at a higher rate and/or in accordance with any legislative changes during the additional period of study.

    4Facilities

    Due to COVID-19, some facilities (including some teaching and learning spaces) and some non-academic offerings (particularly in relation to international experiences), may vary from those advertised and may have reduced availability or restrictions on their use.

    Student Contract

    By accepting your offer of a place and enrolling with us, a Student Contract will be formed between you and the university. The 2023/24 Contract is currently being updated so please revisit this page before submitting your application. The Contract details your rights and the obligations you will be bound by during your time as a student and contains the obligations that the university will owe to you. You should read the Contract before you accept an offer of a place and before you enrol at the university.

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