Sports Journalism BA(Hons)
Gain a grounding in the fundamentals of sports journalism and communication, while being challenged to rise to industry standards, on this NCTJ and BJTC accredited course.
Key details
| Location | Falmouth Campus |
| Course Duration | 3 years |
| Attendance | Full-time |
| UCAS code | 46G1 |
| Contact | 01326 254350 |
Apply
Introduction
On this course you’ll be doing it for real from the off: developing creative multimedia storytelling skills by engaging directly with local sport, whether it’s on the touchline reporting Cornwall’s vibrant rugby and football scene, or on the beach capturing the drama of the many surfing championships hosted here. Combined with rigorous industry accreditations, it’s a recipe for the perfect introduction to journalism.
You will:
- Complete 15 days of work placement in your third year with the likes of the BBC and ESPN.
- Benefit from our excellent links to various local sports clubs, including the Cornish Pirates.
- Have the option to create a mini-documentary as your third year project.
- Graduate with strong employability across the sports media and communications industries.
What our students do
Bright Future for Sports Journalism Star
With positions at global powerhouses ESPN and Reuters already under his belt and Match of the...
Kate Adie Comes to Falmouth
Journalism students heard first-hand about the reality of frontline...
Sports Journalists Quiz FIFA Representative
Sports Journalism students have sat down via Google Hangout...
Course details
What you'll learn
Focusing on initiative as well as employability, you’ll learn essential skills for a successful career in the changing media world. You’ll train in state-of-the-art newsroom and studio environments, and learn to work ethically as well as effectively by combining critical thinking with practice. And by learning to build your own brand as well as pitch to media outlets, you’ll prepare for the new media landscape.
Learning by doing is central to your degree. Exploring wider current affairs contexts, you'll cover politics, media law, and the language of news and opinion writing. We’ll teach you practical skills in shorthand and using a range of technical equipment, and you’ll visit a working newsroom. Critically, you’ll reflect on everything you do.
Modules
News Reporting 1
Sports Journalism in Context
Multimedia Methods
Blogging & the Personal Voice
Politics & Law for Journalists
Sports Reporting
Building on your sports writing and critical thinking skills, you’ll explore current issues in sports journalism, and produce multimedia magazines and news sites. On top of learning about reporting, law and public affairs, you’ll visit local government and law institutions.
Modules
Magazine Content & Creation
Applied Media Law & Public Affairs
Sports Writing
News Reporting 2
Sports Journalism & Communications Research
Advanced Multimedia Methods
On top of producing a portfolio and completing your dissertation, you’ll have the chance to operate a multimedia sports desk for two semesters, and contribute to creative and commercial publications and websites. You’ll also have the opportunity to take on work placements and go on a class trip to London or Manchester, where you’ll be shown around digital newsrooms like Sky Sports or Radio Five Live, and visit locations like Parliament and the Old Bailey.
Modules
International Sports Journalism
Dissertation or Mini Documentary
Multimedia Enterprise 1
Multimedia Enterprise 2
Optional modules
Multimedia Storytelling
Literature & Journalism
The modules above are those being studied by our students, or proposed new ones. Programme structures and modules can change as part of our curriculum enhancement and review processes. If a certain module is important to you, please discuss it with the Course Leader.
From module information to course aims and assessment criteria, discover the full course details
How you'll learn
On top of the unique amount of practical workshops, you’ll also learn through news days, seminars, lectures, and group and one-to-one tutorials. During term time you’ll spend at least 12 hours a week on campus, and at least 24 hours a week studying and working on assignments.
We’ll also push you to make the most of our facilities and equipment by finding and working on outside opportunities.
How you'll spend your time
Year | Timetabled teaching and learning activity | Guided independent study | Placements |
|---|---|---|---|
1 | 24% | 76% | 0% |
2 | 31% | 69% | 0% |
3 | 20% | 71% | 9% |
How you'll be assessed
Year | Written exams | Practical exams | Coursework |
|---|---|---|---|
1 | 20% | 7% | 73% |
2 | 22% | 18% | 60% |
3 | 0% | 0% | 100% |
The above percentages relate to 2019/2020 data.
Assessment methods
- Continuous assessment via practical assignments, portfolios, academic essays and presentations.
- One exam on politics & law for journalists.
- Deadline-driven, in-class tests set by the National Council for the Training of Journalists, concentrated in the second year of your studies.
- Special attention to teamwork and collaborative practice in your final year, plus the production of a freelance portfolio and an extended critical dissertation.
Staff
You’ll learn from industry professionals with experience covering sports and events like the Olympic Games, the World Cup, Wimbledon, surfing and boxing.
Tom Ingate
My undergraduate was in photographic communication from Falmouth Collage of Art and my teacher...
Dr Abigail Wincott
Abigail Wincott has over 20 years' experience as a journalist in print, broadcast and online,...
Andy Chatfield
Andy is a former deputy editor of the Oxford Mail, who worked in the newspaper industry for 20...
Kevin Bishop
Kevin Bishop is an broadcast news producer with over 30 years experience in newsgathering....
Steve Bough
Steve has enjoyed a successful 25 year career in the magazine industry with experience writing...
Julia Kennedy
Graduating as a mature student with an English and media studies degree in 2001 (...
Facilities
- A well-equipped digital newsroom, featuring news feeds and 25 workstations with professional scriptwriting and editing software.
- TV and radio studios.
- A comprehensive range of DV cameras and audio recording devices.
How to apply
Apply via UCAS
Ready to join us? If you're applying through UCAS Apply and Track, you'll need to reference the university and course codes below.
- University code: F33
- Course code: 46G1
Applying as an international student?
International students can apply for a course through UCAS, via an agent or directly with the university. For more information about how to apply as an international student, visit our International applications page.
We consider all applications on their own individual merit and potential. We invite all applicants to an interview day or audition to give them the opportunity to demonstrate this along with what inspires and motivates them in their field. Applicants will also be able to show their portfolio or give a performance depending on the course. We welcome applications from all subject backgrounds, whether you’ve specialised in STEM, the arts or humanities.
As a guide our typical offer at undergraduate level is 104 – 120 UCAS Tariff points, primarily from Level 3 qualifications such as but not limited to A-levels, a BTEC Extended Diploma or a Foundation Diploma.
For applicants whose first language is English we require you to have or be working towards GCSE English Language Grade 4 (C), or equivalent.
If English is not your first language you will need to meet the same standard which is equivalent to the IELTS Academic 6.0 overall score, with at least 5.5 in Reading, Writing, Speaking and Listening. We accept a range of in country equivalencies and approved tests.
If you need a Tier 4 student visa to study in the UK, you’ll need to take an approved Secure English Language Test (SELT). You can read our English Language Requirements for more information.
UK/EU applications: 15 January 2020 (for equal consideration)
Late applications will be considered if there are places available.
International fee payers can apply throughout the year. But we recommend applying as early as possible, to make time for visa and travel arrangements.
Interview information & application advice
How to Apply
Get application information including personal statement advice, interview tips and what to include in your portfolio.
Personal Statement Guide
How do you write a personal statement and what should you include? Read our advice.
Interview Information: Sports Journalism BA(Hons)
Find out what to expect from your Sports Journalism interview.
After You Apply
Find out what happens after you apply to Falmouth and what you'll need to do.
What we're looking for
We want someone who:
- Is committed and enthusiastic about the subject.
- Has studied relevant subjects.
- Engages with a school magazine, personal blog, or similar.
- Knows about world affairs, politics and popular culture.
- Makes informed references to current developments across a range of subjects.
- Has analytical skills and can comment intelligently and incisively on recent news and events (including but not exclusively sporting events).
- Is independent and takes the initiative.
- Engages with extra-curricular activities, like part-time jobs or hobbies.
Fees, costs & funding
Tuition fees 2020-21
£9,250 - full-time UK/EU
£16,000 - full-time international
Tuition fees are set annually and are subject to review each year. The University may therefore raise tuition fees in the second or subsequent years of a course, in line with inflation and/or the maximum permitted by law or Government policy. Students will be notified of any changes as soon as possible.
Typical course costs
- £100-£200 - Recurring annual costs
- £600 - Optional study visits and placements for the course duration
If you need to bring equipment or materials with you, these will be outlined in your Welcome Letter.
The figures above don't include accommodation and living costs
Funding
For information about funding available, please visit our undergraduate funding page.
Ask a student
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From course details, our facilities and the local area to the social scene and settling in, our students are ready and available to answer any questions you might have. Simply set up your account, send them a question and they'll get back to you within 24 hours.