Brayford Pool
3 years
6 years
P503
This specialist, industry-accredited course offers students the opportunity to develop core journalistic skills in producing sports news, reports, and features content for print, online, or broadcast platforms in preparation for careers in the media, working within local, national, and international sport.
The course is accredited by the National Council for the Training of Journalists (NCTJ), and teaching is delivered by experienced industry professionals and academics. The course explores what it takes to be a journalist in the sports industry, covering the core journalistic skills of newsgathering, writing, use of social media, media law, public affairs, ethics, interviewing, and match and event reporting.
Equipped with mobile technology and print production and design software, our newsrooms provide the perfect opportunity for you to hone these journalistic skills in a practical setting. You can also produce broadcast content in digital radio and television studios.
The programme is continually revised to reflect advances in digital news and features production.
Course accredited by the NCTJ
Links with local sports clubs including Lincoln City Football Club
Work placement opportunities throughout
Get involved with student-run media platforms
A suite of newsrooms and specialist equipment
A range of optional modules
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Through this course, students can examine sports journalism and the sports media, as well as exploring essential ethical and legal considerations. Students may have the opportunity to contextualise their learning by producing sports reports, news, and features content across print, online, radio, and television platforms. Taking a multiplatform approach from the outset, students are able to explore the fundamental principles of sports journalism practice and produce sports news and feature items on a regular basis. This multiplatform approach enables students to focus on aspects of the sports industry that align with their 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 sport, as well as the cultural and social implications of reporting sport in the contemporary world.
When they have progressed to their second year, students are able to take part in news days, replicating industry practice in a range of media. There is also the choice to begin to follow a specialist broadcast, digital or magazine route.
In the final year of the degree students can produce sport-related individual projects, including a dissertation.
The school's journalism and sports industry links can help students secure work placements with media organisations. Please note students are expected to cover their own transport, accommodation, and general living expenses while on placements.
This course is accredited by the industry recognised National Council for the Training of Journalists (NCTJ). The University of Lincoln pays for students to take the NCTJ Diploma in addition to their course. However, students are responsible for any exam retake fees. Passing the NCTJ Diploma has no bearing on the outcome of the BA (Hons) Sports Journalism degree.
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This module introduces students to journalism's most fundamental vocational skills and techniques, and then guides them through the effective real-world deployment and practical use of these competencies.
Across the year, this includes providing the skills needed to identify news values and news factors; to find original stories and generate exclusive content; to interview and research effectively for a variety of different purposes; and to produce a range of journalistic writing suitable for a suite of different media platforms, outlets and purposes. The module also aims to provide students with both the personal road map and knowledge of relevant industry codes to empower navigation of the ethical dilemmas and debates which come with a career in the media.
The above will be done through highly practical and vocational teaching methods which place the emphasis on student involvement, activity and engagement, as well as a continual feedback loop to empower improvement and emphasise cross-relevance with other modules on the programme.
Assessment will come in the form of two portfolios which students work towards throughout the module.
Journalism students are required to abide by the law, in terms of newsgathering and research methods, data collection and retention, use of communication networks and publishing and broadcasting material to audiences. This module introduces 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 when covering crime stories and the courts.
The module provides a strong foundation for the range of practical multiplatform skills that graduating students need to succeed in the journalism and communications industry. All the teaching and assessments are based on current industry practices and production methods. However, as AI develops, the module will adapt to new methods of story gathering and delivery – and update teaching as more advanced software and hardware is developed.
Journalists 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.
Shorthand 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.
To 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.
Sport 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.
This module progresses the student journey through journalism's most fundamental skills while also introducing a range of advanced and higher level techniques vital for a successful career in modern media.
The progression element includes advancing and professionalising skills needed to find original news stories and generate exclusive content; to interview and research effectively for a variety of different purposes; and to produce a range of journalistic writing suitable for a suite of different media platforms, outlets and purposes. The new advancements include introducing techniques which may include - but are not limited to - producing data journalism, live reporting, and partaking in active press conferences.
The above will be done through highly practical and vocational teaching methods which place the emphasis on student involvement, activity and engagement, as well as a continual feedback loop to empower improvement and emphasise cross-relevance with other modules on the programme.
Assessment will come in the form of a portfolio which students work towards throughout the module.
The range of practical multiplatform skills delivered in this production module ensure that graduating students can hit the ground running when they go to work in the industry. Having to deliver the same story across a number of different digital and media platforms is a vital skill for a modern journalist. All the teaching and assessments are based on current industry practices and production methods. However, as AI develops, the module will adapt to new methods of story gathering and delivery – and update teaching as more advanced software and hardware is developed.
This 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.
Discover your journalistic voice by diving into the specialist pathway that excites you most. Whether you want to produce compelling TV or radio bulletins, bring sport to life through broadcast storytelling, design bold magazine layouts, capture the world through digital photography, craft engaging podcasts, or write powerful long‑form features, this module gives you the freedom to specialise and the advanced tools to excel. Guided by industry‑experienced staff and supported by hands‑on workshops, you’ll develop professional‑level skills and create standout specialist portfolio work that showcases your unique talent and ambitions in today’s fast‑moving media landscape.
Sport 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.
This 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.
The University has a strong commitment to providing academic programmes with high vocational relevance, which is maintained through working links with local, national and international organisations and, in particular, through student work placements.
The Placement Year aims to give students a continuous experience of full-time work within a journalism, media or communications organisation.
The Placement Year constitutes a work placement during an academic year, funded by full-time paid employment* taking place between Level 5 and Level 6. The minimum duration of placement is 39 weeks.
Students 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.
Shorthand 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.
This module develops students’ ability to carry out rigorous, independent academic research on a journalism-related topic of their choice. Students explore the key stages of the research process, including forming effective research questions, undertaking a critical literature review, selecting suitable methodologies and engaging with essential ethical considerations. Working independently, students manage their projects from initial planning through to final submission. The module highlights critical engagement with scholarship, ethical and reflective research practice, and the application of theoretical and analytical frameworks to contemporary issues in journalism. The resulting dissertation showcases students’ capacity for sustained inquiry and their contribution to current debates within journalism studies.
The final year of Journalism Production allows students to specialise in media production skills of their choice, while working in a live news and sport production environment – a real newsroom. This module allows students to refine and develop their skills while targeting a specific part of the media industry. This increase in expertise will not only be reflected in their assessment but also allow them to build up a portfolio of work that can be used to demonstrate their abilities and experience to employers. The live newsroom environment will also test their abilities to turn around high quality news and sport stories to a tight deadline and in multiple digital formats. All the teaching and assessments are based on current industry practices and production methods. However, as AI develops, the module will adapt to new methods of story gathering and delivery – and update teaching as more advanced software and hardware is developed.
Working 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.
In 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.
† 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.
We want you to have all the information you need to make an informed decision on where and what you want to study. In addition to the information provided on this course page, our What You Need to Know page offers explanations on key topics including programme validation/revalidation, additional costs, and contact hours.
Kieron Curtis, BA (Hons) Sports Journalism
Kieron always wanted to work in the media department for sports teams and made the most of the University's connections with Lincoln City Football Club to get the skills needed to step into a career as a Communications Assistant for the football club.
One thing that sets the BA Sports Journalism course above the rest for me is the exceptional teaching. Mostly comprised of industry professionals and experienced academics, the teaching staff support and guide you throughout every lesson and assessment, making each lecture engaging and relevant.
Ella Witcher
BA Sports Journalism
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.
Journalism students benefit from a suite of newsrooms, with associated workstations and specialist print production software. Broadcast students have exclusive access to radio and television presentation studios and opportunities for output on the University’s digital audio platform. Students also have access to a TV studio where they can use the latest virtual studio technology to produce television news programmes.
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Work experience forms an integral part of the course, and students are encouraged to seek placements as soon as possible. In the final year, there is a compulsory module in which students are expected to reflect on work placement experience. A personal tutor is available to guide students on where to apply, and to help with putting together a CV. Students are expected to cover their own transport, accommodation, and general living expenses while undertaking placements.
The school has established industry links which can help students to secure placements with media organisations, and there are opportunities with student media platforms too.
You can get involved with a range of media outlets at Lincoln, including our print and online school magazine, student-run Linc news site, and Cygnet PR. These are excellent opportunities to collaborate with other students, showcase your work, and apply your skills in a variety of contexts.
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University of Lincoln journalism and sports journalism graduates have gone on to work at regional and national journalism and PR outlets, including the BBC & BBC Sport, ITV News & ITV Sport, the Daily Mail, Sky Sports News, The Times, Lincolnshire Live, Leicestershire Live, Essex Live, Proactive PR, Lincoln City FC, Manchester City FC, Arsenal FC, Radio Times, and The Sun.
Danyal Khan, BA (Hons) Journalism
Danyal’s role at Sky Sports News sees him reporting on Premier League football, conducting interviews with players, managers, coaches, and people out in the community. Danyal looks back fondly at his time at Lincoln, where alongside his undergraduate degree, he undertook work placements, got involved in the student newspaper, and joined a sports team.
The BA Sports Journalism course provided me with valuable skills I now use regularly in my career. There were plenty of opportunities, through the course and extra-curricular activities, to put the skills I gained into practice, while building a portfolio and meeting industry contacts.
Finley Cannon
BA Sports Journalism graduate
96 to 104 UCAS Tariff points.
This must be achieved from a minimum of 2 A Levels or equivalent Level 3 qualifications. For example:
A Level: CCC to BCC
BTEC Extended Diploma: Distinction Merit Merit
T Level: Merit Overall
Access to Higher Education Diploma: 96 to 104 UCAS points to be achieved from 45 Level 3 credits.
International Baccalaureate: 28 points overall.
GCSE's: Minimum of three at grade 4 or above, which must include English . Equivalent Level 2 qualifications may be considered.
The University accepts a wide range of qualifications as the basis for entry and do accept a combination of qualifications which may include A Levels, BTECs, Extended Project Qualification (EPQ).
We may 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.
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/studywithus/internationalstudents/entryrequirementsandyourcountry/ for information on equivalent qualifications.
EU and Overseas students will be required to demonstrate English language proficiency equivalent to IELTS 6.0 overall, with a minimum of 5.5 in each element. For information regarding other English language qualifications we accept, please visit the English Requirements page
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.
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
Please note application assessment criteria may vary by country and we may close to applications from some domiciles. Please view the Your Country pages of our website before making an application.
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.
For eligible undergraduate students going to university for the first time, scholarships and bursaries are available to help cover costs. To help support students from outside of the UK, we are also delighted to offer a number of international scholarships which range from £1,000 up to the value of 50 per cent of tuition fees. For full details and information about eligibility, visit our scholarships and bursaries pages.
Students are expected to cover their own transport, accommodation, and general living expenses while undertaking work experience.
The best way to find out what it is really like to live and learn at Lincoln is to visit us in person. We offer a range of opportunities across the year to help you to get a real feel for what it might be like to study here.
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