Sports Journalism | BA (Hons) | University of Lincoln

John Cafferkey - Programme Leader

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

Academic Staff List

Welcome to BA (Hons) Sports Journalism

This specialist course offers students the opportunity to develop core journalistic skills in preparation for careers in the media, working within local, national, and international sport. The course is accredited by the NCTJ (National Council for the Training of Journalists).

Students on the programme can work in our fully-equipped newsrooms and have the opportunity to produce video, audio, and written content to be published on both digital and traditional platforms.

With teaching from industry professionals and academics, the course examines how to operate as a journalist in the sports industry, covering the core journalistic skills of newsgathering, media law, ethics, interviewing, and writing.

Accreditations

This course is accredited by the NCTJ (National Council for the Training of Journalists).

How You Study

Students can develop their understanding of digital and multiplatform broadcast journalism, and apply that knowledge in project work. This enables them to focus on aspects of the sports industry that align with specific interests and career aspirations.

An understanding of the commercial aspects of sports reporting forms an important part of the course. Students can gain an insight into the financial and business elements of national and international sports, as well as the cultural and social implications of reporting sport in the contemporary world.

What You Need to Know

We want you to have all the information you need to make an informed decision on where and what you want to study. To help you choose the course that’s right for you, we aim to bring to your attention all the important information you may need. Our What You Need to Know page offers detailed information on key areas including contact hours, assessment, optional modules, and additional costs.

Find out More

Practice Your Skills With Our Student Media Platforms

We have many media outlets at Lincoln, where your journalism work can be seen by a potential world-wide audience. LSJ magazine is produced by our students and is published in print and online. LSJ News is the news and features hub used by all our students to showcase their course work, The Linc is a student-run news site, Siren Radio is our campus-based community radio station, and Cygnet PR is a student-run PR agency.

Facilities

This course benefits from a suite of newsrooms, with associated work stations and specialist print production software. Broadcast journalism is catered for with exclusive access to the School’s radio and television presentation studios and opportunities for output on the University’s Ofcom-licensed community radio station. Students also have access to a TV studio, where they have the opportunity to use the latest virtual studio technology to produce television news programmes.

Work Placements

Work experience is important in the journalism industry and all students are encouraged to seek placements as soon as possible. Previous students in the School of English and Journalism have gained placements with organisations such as Sky Sports, BT Sport, ITV Sport, and BBC Sport.

The School has good links with local media organisations, including internship opportunities with local newspapers, broadcasters, and magazines. The School also has an excellent relationship with Lincoln City Football Club and students may have opportunities to undertake work experience with the club, as well as reporting on their games for the School’s website, LSJ News.

Please note that students are responsible for their own travel, accommodation, and general living costs while undertaking work experience.

In third year, the core module Journalism Production 3: Professional Practice enables students to undertake work experience. The module aims to give students the opportunity to experience the media and communication industries that can be linked to their studies, gain vital skills which may prepare them for the job market and also establish and maintain links with industry professionals who may help them in their chosen career.

Please note that students are responsible for their own travel, accommodation, and general living costs while undertaking work experience.

In addition to formal work experience, students can develop their writing skills at the University’s student newspaper and news website, and at the community and student radio stations, Siren Radio and Brayford Radio. Students have also produced a weekly sports TV programme for YouTube, featuring match reports, interviews, and sports news from local teams.

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.

Essential Journalism 1 2023-24JOU1091MLevel 42023-24This module will be a blend of practice and theory and aims to create a progression through the key journalistic skills needed to tell stories on the most appropriate platform using traditional, digital and mobile media. This module aims to develop a rounded awareness of the media and to give students the skills and insight that equip them to develop further in levels two and three. The focus is on newsgathering and storytelling skills.CoreEssential Law 2023-24JOU1092MLevel 42023-24Journalism students are required to abide by the law, in terms of newsgathering and research methods, data collection and retention, use of communication networks, publishing and broadcasting material to audiences. This module aims to introduce students to the legal system, to the operation of the courts, and examines the impact of legislation and codes of practice on the work of journalists.CoreJournalism Production 1 2023-24JOU1094MLevel 42023-24This module aims to introduce students to the editorial and production skills required for web-based multiplatform news production with a focus on digital convergence and effective use of social media. From the basis of a digital core of content production, the focus is on newsgathering and output for broadcast and online. Students will have the opportunity to work in a newsroom environment under strict but appropriate time constraints.CorePolitics for Journalists 2023-24JOU1095MLevel 42023-24Journalists need to understand how legislation is drafted and enacted in the UK and how journalism the Fourth Estate effects a check on Government and Parliament(s). This involves a study of the political, democratic and administrative structure of the Monarch as head of state, Parliament, the Prime Minister, Central Government, local government, the judiciary and EU institutions. Topics explored include constitutional government (the unwritten constitution), ministerial roles and cabinet government, political parties and MPs, the civil service, local government structures, councillors, best value and ethics in local government, and the government information service.CoreSport and the Media 2023-24JOU1098MLevel 42023-24To many the Ancient Olympics in Greece are where the origins of organised sport began. This module takes students through the development of organised sport in Victorian Britain, the development of sport media, including the work of Hazlitt and Egan, through to the Sky Sport revolution in football broadcasting, looking at the major historic moments in sports history along the way. Students can learn about the relationship between sport and the media, the way in which we watch sport has developed and how sport has impacted everyday life.CoreSport Writing and Reporting 2023-24JOU1099MLevel 42023-24Sport Writing and Reporting introduces students to the essential skills of writing and reporting for sports. The work of a sports journalist is wide and varied, students could be reporting on the latest drug scandal in sport one day and covering a live sports event the next. A good sports reporter will be able to write news, ask the important questions, write creative live reports and produce imaginative features. This module aims to develop these skills and more.CoreShorthand 2023-24JOU1012MLevel 42023-24Shorthand is a key skill for journalists and enables fast, accurate note taking in any situation. Students have the opportunity to be taught the theory of the Teeline system and then work on building their speed with the aim of achieving the NCTJ 'gold standard' 100 words per minute qualification.OptionalEssential Journalism 2 2024-25JOU2284MLevel 52024-25This module aims to develop the basic skills studied in Journalism Skills at Level One. Students are expected to proactively gather news and feature stories employing the full range of research and interview techniques. Students will be encouraged to produce imaginative and original copy conforming to professional standards, with careful consideration of topic, angle, choice of interviewees, necessary attribution and corroboration of facts in a variety of writing styles suitable for a range of traditional, digital and mobile platforms.CoreJournalism Production 2: News Days 2024-25JOU2291MLevel 52024-25From a digital first perspective, 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 use 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.CoreJournalism Production 2: Project 2024-25JOU2292MLevel 52024-25This module gives the students the opportunity to specialise in a medium of their choice. In consultation with tutors, students will be able to produce radio or television bulletins, features and magazine programmes, a web site with multimedia content or print magazines and newspapers. More advanced skills appropriate to each medium will be taught and workshops will be tutor led and supervised as required. Materials produced will be outward facing where appropriate.CoreLaw, Ethics and Regulation 2024-25JOU2287MLevel 52024-25This module aims to build on legal and administrative knowledge gleaned in Essential Law at Level One. It examines how criminal and civil legislation affecting print, online and broadcast journalists has developed; identifies areas of conflict and uncertainty; and requires students to apply knowledge of legislation and case law to given scenarios, including responses to actions in the civil courts.CoreResearch methods 2024-25JOU2289MLevel 52024-25This module is designed to equip students with the understanding of research design and methods for undertaking research. The module gives students the opportunity to develop their observational, analytical and writing skills. It has vocational relevance in enabling students to select a relevant research topic for in-depth analysis and evaluation in their final year.CoreSport and Society 2024-25JOU2096MLevel 52024-25Sport has impacted British society at every level for centuries, from the folk sport tradition in medieval Britain, through the Victorian health revolution and the mass spectator spectacle of the Olympic Games. This module will look at how sport has affected our lives and how it has been shaped by social attitudes including racism, sexism and gender equality.CoreJournalism International Exchange 2024-25JOU2011MLevel 52024-25Students who opt to take this module will have the opportunity to study for a term at one of the international institutions with which the School has a partnership arrangement. During the term abroad, students can share classes with local students. Not only will students have the chance to live and socialise in another culture, providing opportunities to study their respective countries, they will also have an opportunity to examine the international journalism industry practice. Please see the fees tab for further information relating to the costs incurred when studying abroad.OptionalJournalism Production A 2024-25JOU2010MLevel 52024-25OptionalShorthand 2024-25JOU2293MLevel 52024-25Shorthand is a key skill for journalists and enables fast, accurate note taking in any situation. Students have the opportunity to be taught the theory of the Teeline system and then work on building their speed with the aim of achieving the NCTJ 'gold standard' 100 words per minute qualification.OptionalJournalism Independent Study 2025-26JOU3016MLevel 62025-26Students undertake a dissertation topic of their choice within their chosen field of study and are expected to apply theoretical concepts to their research. They will be allocated an individual tutor to support their work but students are expected to demonstrate a high degree of personal commitment and to work on their own initiative.CoreJournalism Production 3: Major Project 2025-26JOU3143MLevel 62025-26Working in small production groups and independently, students will have the chance to build on the experience they have gained at Levels 1 and 2 and produce weekly and termly news and features outputs, in their choice of media, some of which will be for public consumption. Using the School's web-based multimedia news site, LSJ News, and the University's campus-based community radio station, Siren Radio, students will work in a professional environment for the full year. An advanced level of editorial and production skills will be expected, including story and idea origination, news and feature management and agenda setting, along with an awareness of the differing journalistic treatment demanded by each medium.CoreJournalism Production 3: Professional Practice 2025-26JOU3145MLevel 62025-26Work experience is seen as essential in today's competitive jobs market. This core module aims to give students the opportunity to experience the media and communication industries that can be linked to their studies, gain vital skills which may prepare them for the job market and also establish and maintain links with industry professionals who may help them in their chosen career. Previous students have completed placements at a variety of national and local media outlets.CoreProfessional Journalism Production 2025-26JOU3154MLevel 62025-26Working on an individual basis, students will have the opportunity to produce project work in either broadcast, news and magazine brands, online and sport. It is expected that the resulting work will be at industry-standard and suitable for public consumption. An advanced level of editorial and production skills will be expected, including story and idea origination, news and feature management and agenda setting, along with an awareness of the differing journalistic treatment demanded by each medium. Students will be expected to be work on their own initiative, making their own editorial decisions, with tutor supervision.CoreSport, PR and Communication 2025-26JOU3150MLevel 62025-26In the nineties the growth of the internet had a massive impact on the work of sports journalists as sports clubs, teams and associations began to create their own media outputs. This growth has continued into the social media and mobile age with most professional football, rugby and cricket clubs creating their own content. This has meant a new branch of work for sports journalists but has also meant that access to clubs for the media has become more restrictive. This module explores the relationship between journalists and PR practitioners and outlines an alternative career for the sports journalist. In addition to team sports the role of the sporting agency with respect to tennis, F1, athletics and the equine industry will also be addressed.CoreAdvanced Court Reporting 2025-26JOU3024MLevel 62025-26This is offered to students who wish to take the Court Reporting option for their NCTJ diploma and further develop their court reporting skills. Following on from law modules in the previous two years of study, this module aims to develop the skills required for a news reporter covering litigation in the courts and the process of writing news stories about the workings of the civil and criminal courts.OptionalIntro to PR for Journalists 2025-26JOU3153MLevel 62025-26This module offers students an introduction to key PR principles. By the end of this module, students should be able to write a basic PR campaign strategy and produce a news release suitable for distribution to a range of media platforms.OptionalSpecialist Journalism 2025-26JOU3142MLevel 62025-26Students have the opportunity to examine and analyse their chosen specialism across a wide range of publications, from general readership websites, magazines, and newspapers to specialist and niche publications aimed at the 'expert'. Students can study the particular attributes needed for specialist journalism including: authority, expertise, ability to access specialist information and format requirements. Throughout this module, students will select one particular strand to focus on in order to develop their specialism in the following indicative areas: sport, music, fashion, science, arts or business.OptionalThe Business of Sport 2025-26JOU3152MLevel 62025-26This 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.Optional

How you are assessed

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 after the submission date.

The way students are assessed on this course may vary for each module. Examples of assessment methods that are used include coursework, such as written assignments, reports or dissertations; practical exams, such as presentations, performances or observations; and written exams, such as formal examinations or in-class tests. The weighting given to each assessment method may vary across each academic year. The University of Lincoln aims to ensure that staff return in-course assessments to students promptly.

Entry Requirements 2023-24

United Kingdom

A Level: BBC (112 UCAS Tariff points from a minimum of 3 A Levels or equivalent qualifications).

International Baccalaureate: 29 points overall

BTEC Extended Diploma: Distinction, Merit, Merit, or equivalent.

T Level: Merit

Access to Higher Education Diploma: 45 Level 3 credits with a minimum of 112 UCAS Tariff points.

A combination of qualifications which may include A Levels, BTEC, EPQ, etc.

Applicants will also be required to have at least three GCSEs at grade C or above (or equivalent), including English.

The University accepts a wide range of qualifications as the basis for entry. We will also consider applicants with extensive and relevant work experience and will give special individual consideration to those who do not meet the standard entry qualifications.

International

Non UK Qualifications:

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.

EU and 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-sessional English and Academic Study Skills courses.

https://www.lincoln.ac.uk/home/studywithus/internationalstudents/englishlanguagerequirementsandsupport/pre-sessionalenglishandacademicstudyskills/

If you would like further information about entry requirements, or would like to discuss whether the qualifications you are currently studying are acceptable, please contact the Admissions team on 01522 886097, or email admissions@lincoln.ac.uk

Fees and Scholarships

Going to university is a life-changing step and it's important to understand the costs involved and the funding options available before you start. A full breakdown of the fees associated with this programme can be found on our course fees pages.

Course Fees

For eligible undergraduate students going to university for the first time, scholarships and bursaries are available to help cover costs. The University of Lincoln offers a variety of merit-based and subject-specific bursaries and scholarships. For full details and information about eligibility, visit our scholarships and bursaries pages.

Course-Specific Additional Costs

Students are expected to cover their own transport, accommodation, and general living expenses while undertaking work experience.

Career Opportunities

This course is designed to equip graduates with the skills needed for a career in sports journalism across print, digital, and broadcast media.

Students may pursue related opportunities in magazine and editorial work, copy editing, reporting for news outlets in other fields, or managing content and public relations in sports environments. Graduates may find roles at football clubs, sports clubs, sports bodies and sporting organisations.

Visit Us in Person

The best way to find out what it is really like to live and learn at Lincoln is to join us for one of our Open Days. Visiting us in person is important and will help you to get a real feel for what it might be like to study here.

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Key Information

BA (Hons) Sports Journalism