Sports Journalism MA

Overview:

The combination of an MA and NCTJ Diploma will significantly boost your employability as a sports journalist. This is an intensive course that trains you to think, write and research like a journalist; previous study of journalism is not a requirement.

You will learn how to write previews, match reports and sports features, and you will also cover media ethics and law, reporting and shorthand. In the final stage of the course, you will undertake a dissertation or a practical project, such as a sports journalism website or a series of in-depth articles.

Employment:

On completing this course, you will be equipped for employment at an advanced level, with opportunities throughout the sports journalism industry. Potential roles include various positions across the communications, media, marketing and sports industries.

Employability:

The course’s accreditation by the National Council for Training of Journalists (NCTJ) will boost your employability within journalism. You can choose, at an additional cost, to gain the NCTJ’s Diploma in Journalism.

Recent Sunderland graduates are now working with organisations such as Sky Sports News, Sky Tyne and Wear, Middlesbrough FC, Norwich FC, the European Golf Tour, and Durham County Cricket Club.

During the course we encourage you to gain industry experience which will enhance your skills, build up a valuable network of contacts and boost your employability. The Department has close links with regional organisations including North East Press and NCJ Media. The North East is famous for its sport and you will have opportunities for match visits, press conferences and interviews at local clubs including Sunderland AFC, Newcastle United, Newcastle Falcons and Durham CCC.

Typical offer is 2:1 classification or equivalent from 3 year / 4 year (in case of engineering) graduation degree from an AICTE / UGC recognised university. We will consider applicants with professional and vocational experience. If you are suitably qualified, we will invite you to an interview to assess whether this is the right course for you. We may ask you to undertake a short course that covers essential skills and knowledge, before you join the main Masters course. We also require three passes at GCSE grade C or above, which must include Mathematics and English Language, or an equivalent qualification, for example; a minimum of Level 2 Key Skills in Communication and Application of Number. If you have studied for a new GCSE for which you will be awarded a numerical grade then you will need to achieve a grade 4 or above.