What You Will Study
In addition to your work placements and regular contributions to our online sports magazine, the MA programme includes the following taught modules:
Sports Journalism
This module is taught by award-winning sports reporters at News Associates/Sportsbeat. Led by Managing Editor James Toney, the module covers all essential skills to become a successful sports reporter. This involves in-class practical exercises, supervised time spent in the newsroom and reporting from local and national sporting events. Here, you have the opportunity to practice match reporting and interviews at nationally televised sporting events. You will also sit the new NCTJ exam in Sports Journalism.
News Writing
Journalism requires many skills. On this module, we not only train you to write a news story, but where to find one and how to develop it. The module involves lots of practical news writing exercises and submission of stories to the local media for publication. You will also study towards the NCTJ news writing examination and compile a reporter’s portfolio, which includes your best news writing.
Shorthand
Shorthand remains an invaluable tool for the trainee journalist, particularly in situations that demand quotes to be turned around quickly or where recording equipment cannot be used; such as in a court room or the Houses of Parliament. Most news editors still place great value on new recruits having shorthand. Our students are expected to reach the industry standard of 100 words per minute in Teeline shorthand.
Multimedia Journalism
Technology has transformed news production over the past decade. Journalists today need additional skills to work across different platforms. The ‘hands on’ approach of this module trains you in the core skills of multimedia production: designing web pages, creating podcasts and audio features, photographic stills and video features for our online sports magazine. Your best work is submitted for assessment.
Media Law
Divided into two short modules, media law places particular emphasis on court reporting, defamation, privacy, the libel laws and all the legal and ethical considerations which confront journalists every day. Study visits are made to local Magistrates and Crown Courts where you see the legal system at first hand. Guest speakers include representatives from the Press Complaints Commission and the legal profession. Students study media law for two national NCTJ examinations.
Public Affairs
Most journalists start their careers on a local paper or a regional radio or television station and local government is still a significant source for news stories. Understanding complicated political issues at the local and national level is a key skill for any trainee journalist. On the public affairs modules, you learn the basic workings of government and observe politics in action; along with study trips to the House of Commons, the London Mayor’s Questions Time and meeting with the local MP (currently Vincent Cable, Liberal Democrat Spokesperson for Economic Affairs). You will sit one national NCTJ examination in public affairs.
Sports Journalism Project
Under the supervision of a radio producer, film maker or features editor, you will produce an extended feature or documentary to complete your MA. This gives you the opportunity to explore a sports related topic in depth. It provides scope for detailed research, greater creativity and personal commentary. The documentary or feature can be produced in a format of your choice and you will receive professional advice throughout the process. In preparation for the project, students receive advice and guidance on research methods, project management, and investigative journalism.
Masterclasses
Throughout the academic year we will run a lecture series with invited guest speakers, mainly from press and broadcasting. A number of experienced journalists from The Guardian, The Independent, The Times, Sky Sports, and BBC Sport have already agreed to offer masterclasses in different aspects of journalism and sports journalism. Details to follow.
