Program Overview

Sports Journalism BA (Hons)

Course Overview

The Sports Journalism degree course at the University of Chester combines the dynamic worlds of creative journalism and professional sports. Students will explore the power and reach of digital, written, and broadcast media, and discover how they shape people's perceptions and understanding of the fast-paced and ever-changing sports industry.

Why You'll Love It

• Subject-specific facilities to enhance learning: Students will have access to cutting-edge facilities, including state-of-the-art Apple Mac suites, a custom-made radio recording studio, multimedia broadcast suites, and podcast rooms.
• Network with industry contacts: Students will develop strong contacts outside the classroom, receiving exclusive information and opportunities to produce original stories.
• Ideally located for access to professional sport: Chester is uniquely positioned for sports coverage, with access to Premier League football teams, regional rugby Super League teams, and Chester Racecourse.

What You'll Study

• Foundation Year: The Law, Humanities, and Social Sciences Foundation Year route offers a preparation year as part of the four-year degree.
• Year 1: Students will be introduced to industry-embedded practice, including basic storytelling techniques, digital production skills, and critical reflection.
• Year 2: Students will build on their skills further, with more developed applications integrating advanced critical thinking around relevant issues.
• Year 3: Students will integrate expertise in practice, theory, and real-world experiences, achieving industry-standard competencies and preparing for employment.

Modules

• Introduction to Storytelling (100 Credits): This module will introduce students to the skills, knowledge, and experiences foundational to the theory and practice of journalism.
• Live Journalism (20 Credits): This module is all about breaking news and telling stories in real-time.
• Language options (20 Credits): Students can choose to learn a new language or build on their existing language skills.
• Production Skills and Feature Writing (40 Credits): Students will develop further skills in newswriting, reporting, and video production.
• More than a Game: Sports Literature (20 Credits): This module will give students the opportunity to consider sports literature in context.
• Sport, Culture & Society (20 Credits): Students will reflect on the role of sports journalists in wider society.
• From the Golden Age to 'Fake News': The History of Journalism (20 Credits): This module will examine the historical development of journalism and locate this within the wider social, economic, and political context.
• Creativity in the Modern Workplace (40 Credits): The module provides students with an opportunity to undertake a 140-hour work placement.
• Creative Futures: CSP (40 Credits): This module will provide students with the practical and theoretical underpinning of professional practice in their specific subject.
• Language options (40 Credits): Students can choose to learn a new language or build on their existing language skills.
• Professional Practice & Publishing (40 Credits): This module will extend the student's experience of journalistic practice developed thus far.
• Sports Business & PR (40 Credits): Sport and business have become increasingly intertwined over recent years, and this module will let students explore the issues surrounding the links.
• Current Affairs & Conflict (40 Credits): The mediatized nature of modern conflict and its effects on public opinion is one of the most crucial topics shaping the world.
• CSP Negotiated Research Project (40 Credits): This self-directed module allows students to initiate and develop their own major project ideas appropriate to their discipline of study.

Entry Requirements

• Home Students: 104 UCAS points from GCE A Levels or equivalent.
• International Students: Students from countries outside the UK are expected to have entry qualifications roughly equivalent to UK A Level for undergraduate study.
• Foundation Year: 72 points overall, including grade D in A level.

Fees and Funding

• Home Students: £9,535 per year for a full-time course (2025/26).
• International Students: £14,450 per year for a full-time course (2025/26).
• Additional Costs: Students will need to cover costs such as books, printing, photocopying, educational stationery, and related materials.

Who You'll Learn From

• Mark Hannaby: Senior Lecturer in Journalism.
• Dr. Simon Roberts: Senior Lecturer in Journalism.
• Dr. Simon Morrison: Senior Lecturer.

Where You'll Study

• Gateway House, Chester: Our central hub in Chester city centre provides easy access to shops, bars, restaurants, and the Storyhouse Theatre.

Your Future Career

• Job Prospects: We are immensely proud of our graduates who have found employment in the sports media sector.
• Progression Options: Journalism MA, Digital Marketing MSc.
• Careers Service: The University has an award-winning Careers and Employability service which provides a variety of employability-enhancing experiences.