Sport Journalism

Sport reporting is always a major section in newspapers, magazines, on television and on radio. Sport journalism is a multi-skilled vocation requiring professionals who can communicate with a diverse audience across a range of media.

Chelsea School has brought together a strong group of academics and practitioners who are well qualified to deliver a dedicated course in sport journalism. The Chelsea Journalism Centre with state-of-the-art equipment as well as two newsrooms provides the right setting for journalism students to hone their skills.

Professional accreditation

Sport Journalism is accredited by the National Council for the Training of Journalists (NCTJ). Brighton is one of the few universities that offers the opportunity to gain both the NCTJ Sport Journalism qualification as well as the NCTJ pre-entry certificate - the most recognised professional qualification in journalism.

Course structure

Year 1 introduces students to the practical skills of journalism, such as shorthand and news writing, as well as to the critical studies which place these skills in context. Year 2 is spent developing further knowledge of practical journalism and preparing for the NCTJ examinations, which will be sat by qualifying students. The other year 2 modules are devoted to developing an understanding of how sport and the media intertwine nationally and globally.

In the final year students develop and refine their skills as sport journalists, undertaking a significant piece of investigative research as well as taking specialist options such as multimedia and public relations.

Students are expected to undertake at least 10 days work experience in year 3. These are essential for a career-focused course and are also a requirement of the NCTJ Certificate. Typical examples of work placements include the Arsenal FC press office, When Saturday Comes, Hayters Sport Agency and Eastbourne Gazette and Herald sports desk.

Areas of study

Students explore practical journalism skills, such as shorthand and news writing, and the wider critical and contextual study of leisure, sport and the media, and the links between them.

Career and progression opportunities

Career opportunities include newspaper, magazine, radio, television and online journalism, as well as associated roles in public relations and media management in sport organisations.

Mode of Attendance : Full - time