Program Overview

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Sports Media and Communications

BA (Hons)

Overview

Manchester’s definitely sports obsessed! With so much going on, it’s got to be the most exciting place to study a sports media and communications degree.

Working closely with big-name sports partners, including Manchester United, Lancashire Cricket and the JD Group, we’ve designed a course that gives you the skills the industry needs.

Our 3-year BA (Hons) Sports Media and Communications degree will give you a firm foundation in media production, communication technologies and an understanding of social, cultural and political considerations.

You’ll get to grips with marketing and PR, work on storytelling in the digital world and build practical media skills using cameras, audio equipment and editing software.

Study Options

• STUDY OPTIONS CERT HE (1 YEAR) ACCELERATED (2 YEARS) HONOURS (3 YEARS)

Entry Requirements

• 104 UCAS points
• 5 GCSEs at Grade C/4 or above including English Language
• Accepted Alternatives: Functional Skills Level 2 (English and Maths)
• A Levels: BCC (104 equivalent)
• BTEC National Extended Diploma: DMM
• BTEC Diploma: D*D
• T Levels: M
• Scottish Advanced Highers: AB
• IB: 28 points with 14 from Higher Level Subjects

Course Introduction

• What you will learn
  • Manchester’s definitely sports obsessed! With so much going on, it’s got to be the most exciting place to study a sports media and communications degree.
  • Working closely with big-name sports partners, including Manchester United, Lancashire Cricket and the JD Group, we’ve designed a course that gives you the skills the industry needs.
  • Our 3-year BA (Hons) Sports Media and Communications degree will give you a firm foundation in media production, communication technologies and an understanding of social, cultural and political considerations.
  • You’ll get to grips with marketing and PR, work on storytelling in the digital world and build practical media skills using cameras, audio equipment and editing software.

How You Will Study

• Course breakdown
  • 24 weeks of study per year
  • 4 x 6-week blocks per year
  • 1 subject module per block
  • 4 CPD focus days per block
• Subject Module Breakdown
  • 250 hours of study per module
  • 80 hrs face-to-face (32%)
  • 20 hrs Digital Wednesdays (8%)
  • 150 hrs independent study (60%)
• Assessment Breakdown
  • No traditional end-of-year exams
  • Year 1 – 100% coursework
  • Year 2 – 100% coursework
  • Year 3 – 100% coursework

Module 1 - Media, Technology and Culture

• You’ll reflect on your own everyday media usage, explore how rapid changes in information and communication technologies shape other social, economic and cultural transformations and consider issues of media production, dissemination and reception.

Module 2 - Communication Techniques and Creating Content

• You’ll explore a range of different approaches to media products, produce a magazine, podcast or documentary; working together in a group to present your work.

Module 3 - Media Production

• You’ll develop your practical media skills; working individually and collectively using different digital tools (including cameras, audio equipment, editing software), and learn to display your work online in a professional context.

Module 4 - Sports Media and Public Relations

• You’ll explore how different sports organisations use media and communications tools to create forms of individual and collective persuasion. You’ll be introduced to the different communication techniques and how they are used professionally and create media artefacts that respond to a specific brief.

Module 1 - Politics, Power and Communication

• You’ll critically interrogate how media communications are bound up with forms of political, economic, social and cultural power. You’ll explore how transnational corporations use new technologies to exert influence and understand how political power is reinforced and challenged through different media forms.

Module 2 - Media Narratives

• You’ll explore how to communicate stories in an online non-linear environment, examine digital narratives and learn how to create stories using different narrative structures and understand how digital technologies, immersive media and interactivity, have reconfigured media experiences and the news.

Module 3 - Audio and Video Production

• You’ll further develop your video and audio production skills; working in a small group to create sophisticated media artefacts.

Module 4 - Integrated Sports Marketing Communication

• You’ll explore the importance of market research, product design, promotion, corporate identity and customer feedback loops in professional sports and media industries. You’ll develop an understanding of the key role digital media plays and further enhance your creative skills in order to respond to professional situations.

Module 1 - Media Law and Ethics

• You’ll gain an in-depth knowledge of the legal, ethical and regulatory constraints that exist within the media industries. Focusing on a UK context, you’ll explore some of the key tensions that determine the media coverage of events and get to grips with relevant laws, regulations and professional codes of conduct.

Module 2 - Advanced Marketing and Communication Techniques

• You’ll further refine your creative skills by responding to a professional marketing brief. You’ll advance your research, communication and presentation techniques by creating a well-designed and appropriate response to the brief.

Module 3 - Sports Media and Communications: Professional Practice

• You’ll look at case studies of different media and communication roles; developing a personal career plan and identifying the key skills and experience required. You’ll engage in practical media work, to showcase your skills, and present your work in a professional context.

Module 4 - Final Project

• You’ll complete a project, on a relevant subject area that demonstrates your research, problem-solving and practical skills.

What is the 92 Programme?

• Alongside your subject modules, you will complete the 92 Programme.
• Engaging with the 92 Programme is a requirement for all students and will count towards your overall grade.
• In each block, you will take part in a number of Character and Personal Development focus days. During these focus days, you will complete activities designed to boost your mindset, develop your skillset and get you set for future career success.
• Throughout the 92 Programme, you will develop skills in self-reflection and awareness, wellness and resilience and professionalism and employability, as well as upskill in different areas.

Why the 92 Programme is part of your course?

• In a recent study*, 78% of employers believe graduates do not arrive in the workplace fully equipped with the skills they need to be work-ready.
• Another study conducted by the World Economic Forum** identified ‘10 Skills You Need for the Future of Work’. These skills include:
  • Emotional intelligence (EQ)
  • Analytical (critical) thinking
  • Active learning with a growth mindset
  • Interpersonal communication skills
  • Leadership skills
  • Technology skills
• At UA92, we prepare you for life after graduation and equip you with the skills employers value most. You may not realise it, but developing these skills now, will get you set for career success and could land you that dream job in the future.

How is the 92 Programme assessed?

• You will produce a learning journal that will document your experiences. This will be submitted at the end of each academic year (or level of study) to assess whether you have met the required standard to pass the module.

Why study at UA92

• UA92 offer a deliberately different experience to traditional universities; with fixed morning or afternoon timetables and no end of year exams. Our industry-inspired courses, place character and personal development firmly at the core of the learning experience. This is more than a degree. It’s preparation for life.
• Degrees awarded by the prestigious Lancaster University
• No traditional end of year exams**
• Study one module at a time
• Courses co-designed with industry
• Fixed morning or afternoon timetable**
• Multiple start dates throughout the year
• Focus on Character and Personal Development

Careers In Sports Media

• A sports media and communications degree will give you a running start in a sports media career, whether you’re keen to go into broadcast, press, marketing, advertising or public relations.
• As a graduate, you will be suitable for a diverse range of roles such as advertising executive, content creator, social media manager, PR and influencer executive, communications officer, press officer, publicist or partnerships manager .
• Our high-profile partners, unique connections and lively location all come together to create a springboard to success, whatever your goal.

Industry Partnerships

• We have over 60 industry partners who support our mission to develop career-ready graduates. These partnerships provide you with access to industry-leading expertise, mentorship opportunities and work-place experiences.
• Our industry partners play a vital role in shaping both the curriculum you study and your student experience. From delivering guest lectures and masterclasses to providing internships and graduate roles. Here are just some of our partners:
  • McCann
  • Citypress
  • Lancashire Cricket
  • Manchester United

Meet the Media Team

• Colin Stone
  • Lecturer in Media & Journalism
• G Randall
  • Media Lecturer
• Gareth Taylor
  • Media Lecturer
• Phil Jones
  • Sports Journalism Lecturer

Fees and Finance

• FEES AND FINANCE
• FUNDING

Entry Requirements

• The standard entry requirements for the BA (Hons) Sports Media and Communications course is 104 UCAS points.* However, each application is assessed on an individual basis, taking into consideration a wide range of factors. Depending on your personal circumstances, and in line with our Contextual Admissions Policy, your application may still be considered on an individual basis. If you would like to know more about applying to UA92 or have any questions about our entry requirements, please contact our Student Futures Team.

Level 2

• 5 GCSEs at Grade C/4 or above including English Language
• Accepted Alternatives: Functional Skills Level 2 (English and Maths)

Level 3

• UCAS Points: 104
• A Levels: BCC (104 equivalent)
• BTEC National Extended Diploma: DMM
• BTEC Diploma: D*D
• T Levels: M
• Scottish Advanced Highers: AB
• IB: 28 points with 14 from Higher Level Subjects

Non-Traditional

• Some qualifications do not carry UCAS Tariff points but may still be considered. We take into account a range of qualifications and work/life experience that can demonstrate your ability to succeed on the course. Each application is assessed on an individual basis, taking into consideration a wide range of factors.

International

• International Baccalaureat
  • Pass the IB Diploma with minimum 28 points overall, with 14 points from Higher Level Subjects.
• English Language Requirements
  • In addition to meeting the academic criteria, if your first language isn’t English, you may be asked for a recognised English language qualification. This is especially important if you are not a national of a majority English speaking country or you haven’t completed a degree in English. If you are an international student, in order to obtain a student visa, you will be required to demonstrate that you have the correct level of English language competency to study in the UK.
  • IELTS: Overall score of 6.5, with no section lower than 5.5