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HomeStudyUndergraduate StudySports Journalism BA(Hons)

Sports Journalism BA(Hons)

Start your career as a modern day sports journalist. Join digitally adept reporters, commentators and feature writers eager to put sport on the front pages and at the top of broadcast news bulletins and websites.

Graduate interviewing racing driver in leathers and Red Bull cap.

Key details

Course Duration3 years
AttendanceFull-time
UCAS code46G1
LocationFalmouth Campus
Contact01326 254350

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Introduction

Building on Falmouth’s strong tradition of journalism education, this course is accredited by both the National Council for the Training of Journalists (NCTJ) and the Broadcast Journalism Training Council (BJTC). You'll gain a grounding in the fundamentals of sports journalism and communication, while being challenged to rise to industry standards and meet tough deadlines. In your final year, you'll specialise in your personal sporting interests and work on real live sports desks.

  • Students
  • Course details
  • How to apply
  • Fees, costs & funding

    What our students do

    Falmouth Journalism #getreal

    Article
    Article

    Bright Future for Sports Journalism Star

    21 January 2019

    With positions at global powerhouses ESPN and Reuters already under his belt and Match of the...
    Article
    Article

    Kate Adie Comes to Falmouth

    25 October 2018

    Journalism students heard first-hand about the reality of frontline...

    Article
    Article

    Sports Journalists Quiz FIFA Representative

    10 October 2018

    Sports Journalism students have sat down via Google Hangout...

    Student filming in the newsroom on smartphone.
    Group of Journalism students stood in front of the sea with palm trees at an event.
    Students in ties and suits holding an award.
    Student and lecturer working in room full of computers.
    Student working camera.
    Student reporting from football game.

    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.

    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

    25%

    75%

    0%

    2

    29%

    71%

    0%

    3

    21%

    70%

    9%

     

    How you'll be assessed

    Year

    Written exams

    Practical exams

    Coursework

    1

    20%

    7%

    73%

    2

    18%

    64%

    18%

    3

    0%

    0%

    100%

     

    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.

    Staff profile
    Staff profile

    Tom Ingate

    Senior Lecturer

    With a background in photography education across the key stages, FH and HE I have...
    Staff profile
    Staff profile

    Dr Abigail Wincott

    Senior Lecturer Journalism and Communications

    Abigail Wincott has over 20 years' experience as a journalist in print, broadcast and online,...
    Staff profile
    Staff profile

    Andy Chatfield

    Senior Lecturer, Production Journalism

    Andy is a former deputy editor of the Oxford Mail, who worked in the newspaper industry for 20...
    Staff profile
    Staff profile

    Kevin Bishop

    Lecturer, Multimedia Journalism

    Kevin Bishop is an broadcast news producer with over 30 years experience in newsgathering....
    Staff profile
    Staff profile

    Steve Bough

    Lecturer, Multimedia Journalism

    Steve has enjoyed a successful 25 year career in the magazine industry with experience writing...
    Staff profile
    Staff profile

    Julia Kennedy

    Senior Lecturer

    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.

    Take a virtual tour

    How to apply

    Entry requirements

    104 - 120 UCAS points, primarily from Level 3 qualifications like A-Levels, a BTEC Extended Diploma, or a Foundation Diploma.

    Check how many points your qualifications are worth

    We’ll also consider you based on your individual merit and potential. So get in touch if:

    • You’re predicted points below our requirements
    • You’re thinking about transferring from another institution
    • You have other qualifications or professional experience

    Language requirements

    GCSE English Language Grade 4 (C), or equivalent.

    We also accept qualifications equivalent to the IELTS Academic 6.0 overall score, with at least 5.5 in Reading, Writing, Speaking and Listening.

    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).

    Apply via UCAS

    Enter these codes at UCAS Apply and Track

    • University code F33
    • Course code 46G1

    Deadlines

    UK/EU applications: 15 January
    Late applications will be considered if there are places available.

    International fee payers can apply after the deadline. But we recommend applying as early as possible, to make time for visa and travel arrangements.

    Next steps

    1. Application process
    2. Interview information

    Once you’ve applied, you’ll receive a Falmouth Applicant Portal login, where you’ll find more details about these requirements.

    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 2018-19

    £9,250 - full-time UK/EU

    £15,000 - full-time international

    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

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