Program Overview

Sports Media and Communications Cert HE

Overview

The Sports Media and Communications Cert HE course is a 1-year program that provides students with the skills and knowledge to succeed in the sports media industry. The course is designed to equip students with the skills to create engaging media content, develop key practical skills, and benefit from partnerships with big names in sport.

Study Options

• Cert HE (1 year)
• Accelerated (2 years)
• Honours (3 years)

Course Information

UCAS Code

P905

Duration

1 Year

Start Date(s)

Sep / Nov / Jan / Feb / Apr / Jun

Entry Year

2025/26 | 2026/27

Entry Requirements

64*

Course Introduction

The Sports Media and Communications Cert HE course is a 1-year program that provides students with the skills and knowledge to succeed in the sports media industry. The course is designed to equip students with the skills to create engaging media content, develop key practical skills, and benefit from partnerships with big names in sport.

How You Will Study

Course Breakdown

• 24 weeks of study
• 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
• 100% coursework

Your Course Modules

Level 4

• 92 Programme

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.

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.

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

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 the academic year 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.
• Degrees and Certificates of Higher Education 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

THIS COURSE IS TAUGHT AT...

Old Trafford Campus

• This is where our story began, back in 2019.
• The UA92 Campus is in the heart of Old Trafford, Manchester.
• Inside there’s a fully equipped Sports Performance Centre, Media Studio and Digital Academy.
• The tram stop is a 1 minute walk, which gets you into the heart of Manchester city-centre in under 10 minutes.

Media Facilities

Editing Suites

• You will have access to the full Adobe Creative Cloud suite, providing you with all the tools to take your ideas from concept to delivery.

Camera Equipment

• You will have access to both Fuji and JVC camera systems so you can bring your ideas to life in 4k film broadcast quality imagery.

Media Studio

• The Media Studio has three remote operated cameras, software controlled lighting, autocue and a broadcast quality gallery, giving you all the tools you need to create industry level productions.

Podcast Booths

• The podcast room, sound desk and digital audio workstation (DAW) means you can broadcast to the world with the very best quality output.

Careers In Sports Media

• This 1-year course is the perfect stepping stone to a full sports communications and media degree.
• If you pass the Cert HE successfully, you will automatically be eligible to progress to the second year of the 3-year degree programme.
• If you choose to leave after the 1-year Cert HE, you’ll walk away with a valuable level 4 qualification which will support your job applications in the sector.
• Whatever you decide, you’ll be on your way towards a successful career in sports broadcasting, marketing, social media, content creation, public relations or advertising.

Meet the Media Team

Colin Stone

• Lecturer in Media & Journalism
• I have over 30 years’ experience working in television, and joined UA92 in 2024.
• I have directed programmes for major broadcasters, including sport, music and observational documentary.
• I have produced investigative current affairs films for ITV1’s ‘Tonight’, Channel 4’s ‘Dispatches’ and BBC1’s ‘Panorama’.
• As a Series Producer, I have worked on high-profile programmes, including 24hrs in A&E for Channel 4.
• My passion for developing the future generation of content creators has led me to become a media industry mentor, as well as delivering training courses and documentary masterclasses.
• As part of the Media Team, I am committed to sharing his extensive knowledge and experience with students at UA92.

G Randall

• Media Lecturer
• My background is in international news and video journalism.
• Some important moments of coverage include the Russia-Ukraine war, the US and UK elections, and holding politicians to account across parliaments.
• As a presenter, I have interviewed talent on the pink carpet and hosted a tour of the Big Brother House, and as a writer, my stories have featured in many of the UK and US national publications.
• I enjoy exploring social issues and forms of power with UA92’s Media students.

Gareth Taylor

• Media Lecturer
• As a Media Lecturer at UA92, I bring nearly two decades of international expertise to the classroom with experience of covering major news stories and producing sports programs focusing on football, boxing, and motorsport.
• My work as a self-shooting director and producer has taken me around the globe, resulting in award-winning documentaries.
• I have also contributed to various projects including films, commercials, music videos, and documentaries.
• I’m passionate about amplifying the voices and experiences of underrepresented individuals, bringing their stories to light through compelling visual narratives.
• In my role as an educator, I am dedicated to nurturing technically proficient, journalistically confident, and independent students who possess curiosity and critical thinking skills.
• Outside of work, I maintain an adventurous spirit and enjoy participating in competitive 5-a-side football matches.

Phil Jones

• Sports Journalism Lecturer
• With more than 30 years’ experience in journalism and broadcasting, I joined UA92 in 2020.
• I presented a daily show for CNN out of Atlanta from
• and was a presenter/reporter for BBC Sport for the next 15 years, covering such major events as the Olympics, World Cup, Commonwealth Games, Wimbledon, the Ryder Cup and the Augusta Masters.
• I’m a Salfordian born and bred, and I’m now able to share a wealth of knowledge with students across a variety of journalism and media and communications courses.

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.

Entry Requirements

• The standard entry requirements for the Sports Media and Communications Cert HE course is 64 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.

Level 2

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

Level 3

• UCAS Points: 64
• A Levels: CC (64 equivalent)
• BTEC National Extended Diploma: MPP
• BTEC Diploma: MM
• T Levels: P (C+)
• Scottish Advanced Highers: DD
• IB: 24 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 24 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