Sports Journalism Masthead

Key Information

Full-time

1 year

Typical Offer

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School

Lincoln School of Film, Media and Journalism

Campus

Brayford Pool

Validation Status

Validated

Fees

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Course Code

JOUSPOMA

MA Journalism (Sports)

Lincoln’s School of English and Journalism has become one of the first institutions in Europe to be awarded a 'Recognised for Excellence' accolade by the European Journalism Training Association (EJTA).

Key Information

Full-time

1 year

Typical Offer

View

School

Lincoln School of Film, Media and Journalism

Campus

Brayford Pool

Validation Status

Validated

Fees

View

Course Code

JOUSPOMA

John Cafferkey - Programme Leader

John Cafferkey - Programme Leader

John is a Senior Lecturer and Programme Leader of the BA Journalism and MA Sports Journalism. John worked for the BBC in news and sports programmes before moving into education. He is Programme Leader for the BA Journalism and MA Sports Journalism. He teaches Television News Production and Sports Journalism. His subject specialisms are Sport Journalism and Broadcast Journalism.

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Welcome to MA Journalism (Sports)

Now an essential part of many news organisations, sports journalism has become a well-respected element of the media. Combining a passion for sports with the practical skills of being a journalist, this Master's programme aims to prepare graduates for a career in this exciting arena.

At Lincoln, a digital news room culture offers students the chance to develop the skills needed to report on local and national sporting events. Alongside a series of practical workshops and seminars, students have the opportunity to broadcast and produce their own sports content.

Students have the chance to undertake a ten-day work placement, allowing them to gain hands-on experience. Previous students have secured placements with BBC Sport, BBC Radio 5 Live, talkSPORT, and ITV. Please note that students are responsible for their travel, accommodation, and general living costs while undertaking a work placement.

Students on this course may also have the opportunity to hear from a number of guest speakers. Previous speakers have included BBC Director of London 2012 Roger Mosey, Controller of 5 Live Jonathan Wall, Editor of FourFourTwo David Hall, and ITV commentator Clive Tyldesley.

How You Study

Study on this programme will be a blend of practical workshops, lectures, and seminars. The University of Lincoln also boasts an extensive academic library, which students can use for independent study.

An Introduction to Your Modules

† Some courses may offer optional modules. The availability of optional modules may vary from year to year and will be subject to minimum student numbers being achieved. This means that the availability of specific optional modules cannot be guaranteed. Optional module selection may also be affected by staff availability.

Advanced Research Methods 2023-24JOU9200MLevel 72023-24This module provides the opportunity to develop a methodological understanding and to receive support and advice on the final project. You will then be expected to prepare a written proposal for a dissertation, a documentary project, or a portfolio of articles.CoreContemporary Issues in Sports Journalism 2023-24JOU9164MLevel 72023-24This module explores the sports journalism industry and the work of sports journalists. Sports journalists are no longer just match reporters and commentators. They have a role to play in the greater industry of journalism, as court reporters, political correspondents and news gatherers. This module aims to enable you to expand your knowledge of sport and sports journalism, exploring issues in sport such as drugs, racism, hooliganism, economics, media and the history of sport and sports journalism. The module will also reflect on the cultural and sociological impact of sport and major sporting events, such as the World Cup and the Olympic games.CoreEssential Reporting 2023-24JOU9203MLevel 72023-24This module introduces students to the processes of newsgathering and writing news and features for a range of platforms. It aims to develop a critical understanding of editorial processes in news organisations and a working knowledge of how news and feature ideas are generated and packaged for different markets and readerships.CoreJournalism Production 2023-24JOU9204MLevel 72023-24This module introduces students to the editorial and production skills required for multiplatform and digital news production. The module focuses on newsgathering and preparing news content for broadcast and online. Students can work in a newsroom environment under appropriate time constraints, experiencing the pressures of operating as a multimedia journalist across a range of broadcast and web-based platforms, including social media.CoreMA Journalism - Final Project or Dissertation 2023-24JOU9170MLevel 72023-24The Final Project or Dissertation module consists of either a dissertation, portfolio of articles, radio or television documentary or chapters for a book or webpages. You are expected to spend the final term during the summer on self-directed learning, having already decided on the form of project that you will produce. You will be allocated your own tutor for support and guidance. This final project provides an opportunity to research and make an in-depth study of your chosen study area.CoreMedia Law 2023-24JOU9156MLevel 72023-24This module introduces students to the areas of the law most likely to be encountered in the practice of journalism and the practice of PR and related communications activities. Students will investigate the interaction between journalism, PR, communications and the law, and gain a clear insight into the relationships between journalists and officials, PR/communications practitioners and their clients/employers, and how information is communicated to an increasingly diverse public.CoreSpecialist Journalism Production 2023-24JOU9201MLevel 72023-24From a digital first perspective and focusing, in particular, on news and feature content in your specialist field(s) of interest, this module aims to develop the key skills of journalism through regular practice, including newsgathering, writing and interviewing, and live output production with text and audio and video output as required. Online skills will be used throughout, including social media to drive consumers to the content. The journalism and features produced will be outward facing, using techniques of electronic newsgathering, digital and non-linear editing, production/journalism for online and print, and an appropriate range of live news broadcasting techniques. On this module, you are expected to take up a work placement in one or several different media organisations of your choice. The module provides prior guidance, together with career advice. Tutors will help with research of the employment market, as you arrange international, national or local work placements, and will support you as you build an individual career profile, CV and work experience portfolio.CoreThe Business of Sport 2023-24JOU9178MLevel 72023-24This module is designed to allow you to explore in greater depth the relationships between sport, the media, finance, public relations, marketing and business. Incorporating expertise in the field from visiting lecturers and existing staff, the module will explore the role of marketing and PR in sports organisations and international sports events. The module will also look at how sport combines with the world of finance and business in a world of multi-million pound transfers, foreign ownership and media franchising.Core

How you are assessed

Assessments are a mixture of essays, presentations, portfolios of journalism, broadcast media packages, and timed examinations.

The University of Lincoln's policy on assessment feedback aims to ensure that academics will return in-course assessments to students promptly - usually within 15 working days of the submission date.

Fees and Funding

For eligible students, there are more ways than ever before to fund your postgraduate study, whether you want to do a taught or research course. For those wishing to undertake a Master's course, UK students can apply for a loan as a contribution towards the course and living costs. Loans are also available to those who wish to undertake doctoral study. The University offers a number of scholarships and funded studentships for those interested in postgraduate study. Learn how Master's and PhD loans, scholarships, and studentships can help you fund your studies on our Postgraduate Fees and Funding pages.

Programme Fees

Programme-Specific Additional Costs

For each course you may find that there are additional costs. These may be with regard to the specific clothing, materials or equipment required, depending on your course.

With regards to text books, the University provides students who enrol with a comprehensive reading list and you will find that our extensive library holds either material or virtual versions of the core texts that you are required to read. However, you may prefer to purchase some of these for yourself and you will be responsible for this cost.

Entry Requirements 2023-24

First or second class honours degree or equivalent professional experience.

If you have studied outside of the UK, and are unsure whether your qualification meets the above requirements, please visit our country pages https://www.lincoln.ac.uk/home/studywithus/internationalstudents/entryrequirementsandyourcountry/ for information on equivalent qualifications.

Overseas students will be required to demonstrate English language proficiency equivalent to IELTS 7.0 overall, with a minimum of 6.5 in each element. For information regarding other English language qualifications we accept, please visit the English Requirements page https://www.lincoln.ac.uk/home/studywithus/internationalstudents/englishlanguagerequirementsandsupport/englishlanguagerequirements/.

If you do not meet the above IELTS requirements, you may be able to take part in one of our Pre-session English and Academic Study Skills courses. https://www.lincoln.ac.uk/home/studywithus/internationalstudents/englishlanguagerequirementsandsupport/pre-sessionalenglishandacademicstudyskills/ . These specialist courses are designed to help students meet the English language requirements for their intended programme of study.

Accreditations

The School of English and Journalism is one of the first institutions in Europe to be awarded a 'Recognised for Excellence' accolade by the European Journalism Training Association (EJTA).

Research Areas, Projects and Topics

Key research areas in the department include:

  • Contemporary Issues in Sports Journalism
  • Specialist Sports Reporting and Production
  • Business of Sport
  • Law and Institutions
  • Core Broadcast

Days Taught

Where possible, core sessions are scheduled on Thursday and Friday, although students may be required to attend on other days of the week depending on module options. Full time students should expect approximately 12 hours of contact time per week and should be prepared to undertake at least two hours of self-study for every taught hour.

Career and Personal Development

A career in Sports Journalism can provide a stimulating and rewarding environment, working to tight deadlines in an ever-changing landscape while writing about a topic you are passionate about.

Graduates from MSc Journalism Sport can develop the skills needed for a career in print media, broadcasting, or online.

Postgraduate Events

Find out more about how postgraduate study can help further your career, develop your knowledge, or even prepare you to start your own business at one of our postgraduate events.

Find out More

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Prioritising Face-to-Face Teaching

At the University of Lincoln, we strive to ensure our students’ experience is engaging, supportive, and academically challenging. Throughout the Coronavirus pandemic, we have adapted to Government guidance to keep our students, staff, and community safe. All remaining Covid-19 legal restrictions in England were lifted in February 2022 under the Government’s Plan for Living with Covid-19, and we have embraced a safe return to in-person teaching on campus. Where appropriate, face-to-face teaching is enhanced by the use of digital tools and technology and may be complemented by online opportunities where these support learning outcomes.

We are fully prepared to adapt our plans if changes in Government guidance make this necessary, and we will endeavour to keep current and prospective students informed. For more information about how we are working to keep our community safe, please visit our coronavirus web pages.

The University intends to provide its courses as outlined in these pages, although the University may make changes in accordance with the Student Admissions Terms and Conditions.