Program Overview

Specialist Sports Journalism with Foundation Year BA (Hons)

Course Description

Study our brand-new curriculum, which has been updated to keep pace with the industry and develop skills which you can utilise in the world of journalism and communications. Build your experience by working in the sport you’re most passionate about while you’re studying. We’ll use our extensive contacts to help you get your foot in the door at sports clubs and media organisations, and we’ll provide access to international, national and domestic sporting events. Learn from tutors that are experienced and well connected, having worked for organisations such as the BBC, ITV, the Premier League, The Guardian and The Times.

Foundation Year

Including a foundation year as part of your four-year study programme will give you a head start in your academic and professional life. The foundation year offers the chance to strengthen your skills, knowledge and confidence – with extensive support from our expert staff – before you advance to stage one of your honours degree. It could also be beneficial if you are planning a career change and want to get to grips with aspects of subjects which are new to you.

Study Options

• Full-time: 4 Years
• UK fee: £9,535 per year (2025/26)
• International fee: £16,900 per year (2025/26)
• UCAS points: 72 (September 2025 entry)
• UCAS code: P505
• Start date: September
• Location: Markeaton Street, Derby Campus

What You Will Study

• Foundation Year
• Year 1
• Year 2
• Year 3

Core modules:

• Literature
• Study Skills
• Creative Project
• Law

Optional modules:

• English
• Mathematics
• Culture and Ideas
• Political Studies

Careers

This course develops the broad range of knowledge and skills you need to become a multimedia professional, adept in the production of journalistic content for print, online and broadcast outlets. While it equips you to work in sports journalism specifically, it also prepares you for careers in broader areas of journalism.

Entry Requirements

• UCAS points: 72
• A Level: DDD
• T Level: Pass
• BTEC: MMP
• GCSE: GCSE Maths and English are preferred, however if you don't have these qualifications you will be able to undertake Maths and English at Level 2 as part of your course of study
• Access to HE: Pass Access to HE Diploma with 60 credits: 45 at Level 3 with a minimum of Distinction: 0, Merit: 30, Pass: 15
• English language requirements: IELTS: 7.0 (with at least 6.5 in each skills area)

Fees and Funding

• UK: £9,535 per year (2025/26)
• International: £16,900 per year (2025/26)

How to Apply

Please look at our application deadlines before you apply.

• UK students: Apply through UCAS or directly to the University.
• International students: Apply through our online application portal or through one of our trusted local representatives.

Additional Information

• Teaching hours: Like most universities, we operate extended teaching hours at the University of Derby, so contact time with your lecturers and tutors could be anytime between 9am and 9pm.
• Course updates: The information provided on this page is correct at the time of publication but course content, costs and other individual course details do change from time to time and are updated as often as possible.