Course Summary

Sports Journalism is the ideal course for those who wish to combine their journalistic flair with their passion for sport. With the guidance of industry practitioners, you'll gain experience of a wide range of journalistic work, including sports news reporting, news writing and feature writing.

To help you develop cross-industry editorial and production skills, you will also study the entrepreneurial aspect of the industry and its multimedia demands. You will gain an understanding of the sports and media industries as businesses and social forces.

The course aims to widen your knowledge of the history, governance and commercial development of all the worlds major sports. Guided by highly experienced professional journalists, you will be engaged in live match reporting of a range of sports, at a variety of local and regional sporting venues.

Why choose this course?

This course aims to give you the experience of the editorial and production skills needed in the media and sports industries - stage three can be devoted to a project or portfolio to take to interviews, and the course provides options for experience within radio, television, print and online journalism.

With the growth of sport supplements, radio sport coverage and dedicated sport television channels, the transferable skills which our journalism graduates acquire remain in demand. Career opportunities include publishing, copywriting, public relations work, in-house press office positions, sports journalism, media research and digital media.

During the course you will:

• Be taught by experts in sports journalism
• Have access to the Press Association industry-standard news wires service
• Work with current sport journalists
• Have access to our dedicated newsroom, equipped with professional news feed, Apple Mac computers and industry compatible software
• Have access to our radio studios
• Benefit from the strong professional links embedded within the course, giving opportunities to build professional contacts and experience
• Explore opportunities to be involved as sports writers and editorial decision makers with publications such as Life and The Blend
• Benefit from regular visits by leading figures from many areas of journalism

Areas of study you may cover on this course include:

• Reporting and writing
• Sub-editing, layout and design
• Practical sports reporting
• Sports media and culture
• Sport and physical activity in society
• Shorthand

BASPO-S

Assessment

Throughout the course, students will be encouraged to integrate assessment and the feedback from assessment, be it tutor, peer or self-assessed work to progress and develop your approaches and value of your work. Professional practice in presentation of your work, meeting deadlines and fulfilling word counts is part of what you do from the very start of your course.

Assessment methods vary across the course, enabling you to develop strategies for a range of tasks, methods of evaluation and presentation giving you valuable employability experience. At all stages you will receive detailed feedback on your work. The importance of relevant, constructive feedback in a written, clearly understood, format which is delivered rapidly enables you to incorporate the elements of feedback in your rolling programme of progressive work throughout your course. This is crucial to your academic and professional progression. Individual tutors all offer the opportunity to discuss any feedback in more detail. At each level of study. As your skills and subject knowledge develop over the duration of your course, it is expected that you will develop increasingly sophisticated responses to assessment and employ increasingly effective methods of peer and self-review.

This is a degree course which is not accredited by any external body and so the only assessments will be those set by your academic team relating directly to your degree qualification.

Educational Aims

To integrate informed and progressive teaching and learning throughout the degree course for every student, developing professional and academic practice.

Sport Journalism BA (Hons) at the University of Bedfordshire is aimed at enabling graduates to develop the necessary skills, knowledge, personal advancement, self-motivation, direction and approach to facilitate their entry onto satisfying and simulating career paths. The course is grounded in developing critical thinkers with the capability to gather information, assess, evaluate content and produce competent, challenging journalism across a range of sports.

Student support

At institutional level, the University already has in place a range of easily accessible support structures for new and existing students. These include the Student Services, which offers confidential advice on all aspects of academic study. Other areas of University-wide student support include: Housing, Health, Counselling, Study Support, Special Needs/Disability Advice and a highly successful Careers Service.

During your sport journalism course specific support will also be in place for you:

• First Year students will receive a comprehensive generic induction in the week prior to the commencement of term. In addition to this, each level of your studies will be introduced by individual unit leaders to each unit in the first session of that unit. This introduction will give you an outline of the structure of the unit, a snapshot of the ways you will be encouraged to develop your knowledge and skills, and signpost resources and materials to assist the process of your learning and success


• All students are allocated to a Personal Tutor who will be one of your core academic team. This Personal Tutor will work with you where possible throughout your degree, monitoring your academic progression and forming a consistent point of contact for academic support and guidance. This support may extend to providing advice on careers and further academic study


• Throughout your course, you will have 24-hour access to online support through BREO Virtual Learning Environment (VLE)

Team working

Teams within journalism form for collaborative work on many projects, with groups forming formally and informally to work on particularly production projects. This enables peer and self assessment practices and develops the communication and personal skills which are important in professional employment. Staff regularly work as part of student teams and also involve students, particularly in the third years whenever possible in professional work projects to increase practical and valid work experience.

Teams are not restricted within year groups. Projects are developed which are non assessed but enable students to gain experience of working in teams of diverse groupings some of which may be with journalism students from other years, some of which may involve students and staff from other disciplines across the University.

This enables students to experience the diversity of input and involvement which can operate in the industry and to develop individual professional practice.

The University is regularly approached by local media organisations seeking to develop collaborative projects. These often enable students individually and in groups to work within professional industry teams gaining practical and professional experience during their course.

Career Management Skills

The journalism team work closely with employers within the industry and the Centre for Personal and Career Development at the University of Bedfordshire. These links result in talks which students at all levels are able to attend, practical professional experience events in which students are encouraged to take part, and enable every student to build contacts and network within their area of interest. All journalists have access to a group BREO site established and maintained by the Course Leader which offers career advice, practical skills, opportunities for work experience and contacts.

In practical terms professional skills and values underpin this course and are an integral part of teaching and learning within all units. We assist every student to develop the ability to evaluate effectively and reflect on their own and work of others, and understand the demands and requirements of employers. Visits to media employers and producers within print, online and broadcasting are arranged for students. Visits to the University by senior journalists and editors together with visiting lecturers being practitioners within the media enables this course to have employment currency as well as reiterating the career skills and approaches so necessary for students to gather during their degree studies.

Former journalism graduates now working in the media in different fields regularly return to outline their experiences, and discuss opportunities with current undergraduates which is very valuable. Links have also been established for alumni unable to visit in person to communicate via email and social networking sites with current students.

Throughout your course work experience is encouraged to enable you to understand the expectations of the industry and individual employers.

Career/Further study opportunities

Career:

There are multiple opportunities open to sport journalism graduates. The obvious openings are as news and/or features journalists within newspapers, radio, television and online. Each of these media platforms is structured into local, regional, national and international layers, all of which require journalists. Behind the scenes in regional, national and international media companies are teams of researchers, sub-editors, production staff, editors, new media producers, columnists and subject specialists.

Subject specialisms often demand journalists with particular knowledge in a specific field, and those fields may form part of a larger organisation such as the BBC or Reuters, or have their own newspapers, trade press and/or websites. News, sport and features journalists are employed permanently within a wide variety of agencies, including news and specialist agencies, and an increasing number of freelancers operate at all levels and within all sectors of the media. The field of sport journalism has been expending rapidly in the last few years with the growth of sport supplements, radio sport coverage, dedicated sport television channels, and sport oriented websites.

The transferable and relevant skills which journalism graduates acquire on their courses, if these are carefully developed, remain in demand in the fields of publishing, copywriting, public relations work, in-house press office positions, teaching, sports journalism, media research, digital media production and academia.

Further study:

Postgraduate courses at the University of Bedfordshire currently include a wide range of Media orientated Masters degree opportunities.

Opportunities are being increased within the Postgraduate portfolio for Sport Journalism MAs and Journalism related MA courses.

There are also research opportunities and opportunities for postgraduate research degree work, associated with the Journalism and the Olympic Games(JOG) research group.

Entry

Standard:

Standard entry requirements for UK students i http://www.beds.ac.uk/howtoapply/ukugentryreqs

This says:

We will consider you as an individual and take into account all elements of your application, not just your qualifications. We are looking for both breadth and depth in your current studies as well as enthusiasm for the subject you wish to study.

The general requirement is one of the following:

• UCAS Tariff Score greater than 160, which should include either two A level passes or an AVCE Double Award
• An Access qualification
• Equivalent qualifications such as Irish Leaving Certificate, Scottish Highers, International Baccalaureate or BTEC National Diploma

If you left school or the further education sector without the normal academic qualifications for entry to higher education, the 4-year extended degree route may be suitable for you.

Students from the European Union - http://www.beds.ac.uk/howtoapply/eu/guides

International students - http://www.beds.ac.uk/howtoapply/international/apply

Additional:

UK students Undergraduate entry requirements

Standard entry requirements for Foundation degrees (FD/FdSc)

A foundation degree will be of particular interest if you have completed a Modern Apprenticeship, vocational A levels, BTEC National or equivalent.

Foundation degrees are also particularly suitable if you want to qualify while working.

• As a guideline, a typical offer would require you to obtain a UCAS tariff score of between 80-120 points, based on your level 3 studies.

Many students studying for foundation degrees come to us through work-based routes so you can apply for a foundation degree even if you don’t have traditional academic qualifications.

We welcome applicants with relevant work experience.

Standard entry requirements for Undergraduate degrees (BA/BSc)

We will consider you as an individual and take into account all elements of your application, not just your qualifications. We are looking for both breadth and depth in your current studies as well as enthusiasm for the subject you wish to study.

The general requirement is one of the following:

• UCAS Tariff Score greater than 200, which should include either two A level passes or an AVCE Double Award
• An Access qualification
• Equivalent qualifications such as Irish Leaving Certificate, Scottish Highers, International Baccalaureate or BTEC National Diploma

Students from the European Union

Entry requirements

As a general guide, to apply for a place on an undergraduate course (BA/BSc) at the University you need to have completed your high school education and have the required English qualification.

We have students from all the European Union member countries so we are quick to make decisions on most qualifications.

How to apply

International students

• Undergraduate applications (BA/BSc) can be made direct to the University or via our representatives in your home country. If you intend to apply to more than one university in the UK you should apply via UCAS. If you want to apply to the University of Bedfordshire only you should apply directly using our international application form (link below) or via our representatives in your home country
• Postgraduate applications should be made directly to the University using our international application form (link below) or via our representatives in your home country
• Healthcare, nursing and midwifery students Many of these courses are not available to overseas students due to UK immigration law in regard to bursary funding. Please contact international admissions to find out if you are eligible to apply
• BA Nursing Studies Level 3 (with or without Overseas Nursing Programme) is available to overseas students - please contact International Admissions by email at international-admissions@beds.ac.uk for further information

(Please note that applicants on a full student visa are not eligible for part-time study)

Course application form for international students

We recommend that you apply directly to the University where possible, as this allows us to offer the quickest turnaround time for your application.

• Course application form for direct applications [PDF]

How to complete your course application

Please read the Direct application instructions before completing the course application form.

Application forms for accommodation in the student halls at Bedford campus and Luton campus are available in the Student life section

Accreditation of prior certificated learning (APL)

APL is available for international students applying for undergraduate (Bachelor degree) study. Please do not use this APL form to apply for postgraduate courses.

Use the APL form to tell us about any non-standard qualifications and/or work experience you have that you think should be taken into consideration with your application. `

The APL form should be submitted at the same time as the course application form.

We regret we are unable to process APL forms from students who have not submitted a formal course application form.

• APL application form for International students [100Kb] updated 041007

What next?

Return your completed application to:

University of Bedfordshire
International Admissions
Park Square
Luton
Bedfordshire
LU1 3JU
United Kingdom

Contact International Admissions

T: +44 (0)1582 489326 (non-EU Students)
F: +44 (0)1582 743469
E: international-admissions@beds.ac.uk

Awarding institution

University of Bedfordshire

Professional, Statuatory and Regulatory Body Accreditation

N/A

Students with disabilities

The University of Bedfordshire is committed to ensuring that curricula across all courses are inclusive to all students. The Disability Advice Team is available to discuss any issues students may have and can provide services such as sign language interpreters, note takers, dyslexia screening / tuition and support with mobility on campus. They offer confidential advice and information about academic and personal issues, adjustments in examinations, applying for the Disabled Students' Allowances (DSA) and buying suitable equipment.

All students concerned their studies may be affected by disability are encouraged to contact either their Field Chair, Course Leader or Personal Tutor for advice at whatever point in their course the need to do so becomes apparent.

Skills Development

Communication

To help with the development of this you will:

• Be writing regularly accurate, readable copy from a variety of sources for a variety of media platforms


• Evolve interviewing skills in various styles and forms


• Develop strategies and approaches to produce effective individual and group work


• Expand your written and oral skills to communicate with a variety of audiences

Information Literacy

To help with the development of this you will:

• Develop professional familiarity with industry standard hardware and software


• Understand the potential and employment of specific technical facilities and skills


• Through practice develop broadcast recording, editing and production skills


• Develop an understanding of the variety of ways in which material can be communicated and the demands each method places upon the journalist

Research and Evaluation

To help with the development of this you will:

• Appreciate the importance of effective and credible sources of research and know where to find and evaluate these sources


• Evaluate your work, and that of others effectively and constructively


• Develop effective research techniques


• Understand the values of differing resources collections


• Recognise the professional codes which apply to the industry

Creativity and Critical Thinking

To help with the development of this you will:

• Build an understanding of the requirements for constructive, informed criticism in developing creative work


• Develop confidence in your originality


• Explore and evaluate the ethical issues facing journalists


• Analytically assess works across a range of disciplines and draw connections to your own work


• Create a synthesis between the many platforms and disciplines you encounter in your academic and professional practice

Improving learning and performance

Professional skills and values are an integral part of this course at every level. The progressive nature of the integrated teaching, learning, assessment, feedback and implementation of feedback is designed to enable every student to maximise their knowledge and skills.

Progress files

Students have constant access to the transcript of their results and progression through the SITS E:Vision system, and in addition to this formal statistical outline of your individual progress you are encouraged to have regular meetings with your Personal Tutor to assist the reflective process in monitoring your progress. Many students find it helpful to maintain a personal blog of their progress monitoring academic and skill development which can be developed within the University platforms of either the BREO or the MAD Wiki.

Professional standards

The importance of professional standards of behaviour in terms of attitude, approach to your work, the basics of meeting deadlines and the brief are an integral part of this course at every level. They are not only what is expected of you by employers but something which is important for you to develop as individuals for your own professionalism and employability. Professional standards of work, presentation and approach are introduced throughout your course in every unit to enable you to develop an awareness and automatic implementation of such standards at all times.

Strategy for developing and embedding the professional standards

The content and structure of the course is built around what the industry expects its journalists to know, to understand, and to do. These essentials are delivered within units at all level by course tutors and visitors from the industry, through making work experience opportunities both in-house and with external employers available to students, and by encouraging networking and contact between undergraduates and industry professionals. The move towards industry accreditation is part of the journalism team and University determination to ensure professional standards and practices underpin and form an integral part of the course at every level and within every unit.