Sports Journalism

Sports Journalism

The Sports Journalism BA Honours programme here at the University of Chester aims to prepare graduates who are able to thrive and exploit opportunities in a field of journalism that has changed beyond recognition during the past decade.

Sport has long extended into areas way beyond the realms of what takes place on the pitch, track or arena. Sports journalism merges with politics and social issues, and the role played by finance now means that sport and business are as much a part of the mainstream media environment as coverage of performances are themselves.

Hence, the Sports Journalism programme here at UoC seeks to reflect this transformation by embedding such issues into course content throughout – the very necessary practical skills are taught along with ample opportunities to develop essential skills in writing, audio and video production and most importantly, spotting a good sports story.

Alongside and embedded within these key practical elements are the theoretical foundations on which sports journalism and journalism in general are built on - enabling the student to make sense of why sports journalists do what they do. Context is key throughout all of this and we believe that the sports journalist who makes sense of that will have a far richer experience on the programme which will extend well into their future career.

“I had a really enjoyable three years studying sports journalism, in which we covered a number of interesting modules, with the sports writing and sports industry sticking out the most. One of the best parts of the course is the opportunities you are given in terms of learning about the industry and gaining experience. A standout moment for me was covering a Man City academy game at the City training complex, being a City fan, it was unreal to think that this could be classed as work. It’s an engaging and exciting course, that I would definitely recommend.”

Jack Harrison (BA Sports Journalism graduate)

Structure

All Sports Journalism students begin with the fundamentals of journalism – the practical skills and competencies common to all journalists regardless of specialism. This provides the foundational elements for effective newsgathering, production and presentation which are the essence of professional practice. Modules such as Sports Writing and How to be a Journalist: Essentials at Level Four, lead into Sports Publishing and Research Methods for Journalists at Level Five, all of which prepare students for the flagship Sports Industry module at Level Six and ample opportunities to put into practise the skills and understanding developed in the two years leading up to it.

The role of social media – both positive and negative – is clearly a key context, and the course provides plenty of opportunities to consider the ways in which it alters the relationship between sports stars, the media, and the public.

This does not preclude the opportunities for further practical and theoretical development through the Work Based Learning and dissertation modules that students must also undertake during their final two years on the course.

Opportunities

Although at the moment it might seem a lifetime away, the Sports Journalism programme here at UoC has its eyes firmly fixed on life beyond graduation. The programme’s approach is therefore very simple: preparing students for the workplace starts from the moment the course begins – everything that is discussed, experienced and understood is a crucial step towards that end goal. For most of our graduates, that goal will be something in the sports media – whether managing the social media account of one of the biggest football clubs in the world or working as a successful motorsports journalist interviewing Formula One legends on a regular basis. But there are other routes to success, like digital marketing, teaching or post-graduate research –whatever direction life may take, those who successfully complete the Sports Journalism degree here at UoC are in a strong position to take on the exciting challenges that lie ahead.

“My time studying Sports Journalism at the University of Chester has been the best period of my life. The opportunities I have been provided with have been exceptional, including: Being in the press box at Anfield for a Champions League tie, working with Tranmere Rovers FC and interviewing multiple sporting professionals such as Liverpool legend Alan Kennedy. In addition to this, the tutors on the course do everything in their power to ensure that you succeed to the best of your ability. The modules are engaging and interesting, so work and assessments become extremely enjoyable, rather than a chore. Overall, if I was speaking to a potential student thinking about attending University of Chester to study Sports Journalism I would say this: Choose Chester because they will choose to help YOU!”

Daniel Brown

(Level Six BA Sports Journalism)

Experiential learning

Alongside the formal teaching structures that are foundational to the programme, Sports Journalism students at UoC are encouraged to make the most of opportunities to build on their experience through activities beyond the classroom. As well as work based learning at Level Five, the Journalism programmes have been organising study trips abroad for several years which have included opportunities for students to see and experience cities such as Brussels, Berlin, Prague and Amsterdam. There are opportunities to visit places relevant to the programme in the UK too. Media City in nearby Salford (next door to Manchester) - home to a major broadcasting facility for the BBC among other broadcasters and media companies - is a notable example.

Facilities and Chester itself

One of the strengths of the University of Chester is its strong community at the heart of an historic and vibrant city. Positioned in the North West of England, Chester is situated on the border with Wales and its stunning and varied landscape. The cities of Liverpool and Manchester are within an hour’s journey by train. Aside from the deep-rooted football heritage of both cities, the North West has an astonishing pedigree when it comes to football and other major sports in the UK – phoenix club Chester FC train at the University’s Exton Park Campus and close rivals Wrexham, Crewe and Tranmere Rovers are nearby. Rugby league giants Warrington Wolves train and play a few miles away in Warrington and along with St Helens, Wigan, Widnes and Leigh, are an integral part of the rugby league heartland in the region. Leading basketball club Chester Phoenix and a thriving cricket scene – particularly with Lancashire CC based at Old Trafford and rugby union – Sale Sharks – also based in nearby Manchester, are all within easy reach and have enabled the Sports Journalism programme to forge strong links with a range of sports clubs and organisations in the region.

Facilities at Gateway House, in the city centre include two modern and well-equipped teaching spaces, access to industry-standard hardware and software, and a multimedia broadcasting suite for the exclusive use of journalism students and staff.

For more information contact:

Programme Leader Ato Erzan-Essien a.erzan@chester.ac.uk

Department of Music, Media and Performance

www.chester.ac.uk

For admissions enquiries: Undergraduate Admissions

University of Chester

Parkgate Road

Chester, CH1 4BJ

t: 01244 511000

e: enquiries@chester.ac.uk

For further information, please contact:

Department of Music, Media and Performance

Creative Campus, Kingsway

Kingsway

Chester, CH2 2LB

t: 01244 515855

e: mmp@chester.ac.uk

Like many universities across the UK, we are carefully planning for the next year to ensure the health and safety of our students and to ensure that however the situation may develop or change, the academic year will be completed for all students. This may mean we use some alternative modes of delivery to those described in this leaflet, but we’ll still be delivering a high quality learning experience. Further details will follow on our website once plans have been confirmed.