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BA (Hons)
Sports Journalism

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Key Information

Campus

Brayford Pool

Typical Offer

See More

Duration

3 years

Part-time

6 years

UCAS Code

P503

Academic Year

Course Overview

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.

Why Choose Lincoln

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

How You Study

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.

Accreditation

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.

Letters N C T J with accredited course written underneath

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 2025-26JOU1091MLevel 42025-26This 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 2025-26JOU1092MLevel 42025-26Journalism 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 2025-26JOU1094MLevel 42025-26This 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 2025-26JOU1095MLevel 42025-26Journalists 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 2025-26JOU1098MLevel 42025-26To 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 2025-26JOU1099MLevel 42025-26Sport 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 2025-26JOU1012MLevel 42025-26Shorthand 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 2026-27JOU2284MLevel 52026-27This 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 2026-27JOU2291MLevel 52026-27From 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 2026-27JOU2292MLevel 52026-27This 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 2026-27JOU2287MLevel 52026-27This 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 2026-27JOU2289MLevel 52026-27This 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 2026-27JOU2096MLevel 52026-27Sport 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 2026-27JOU2011MLevel 52026-27Students 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 2026-27JOU2010MLevel 52026-27OptionalShorthand 2026-27JOU2293MLevel 52026-27Shorthand 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 2027-28JOU3016MLevel 62027-28Students 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 2027-28JOU3143MLevel 62027-28Working 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, 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.CoreProfessional Journalism Production 2027-28JOU3154MLevel 62027-28Working 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 2027-28JOU3150MLevel 62027-28In 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.CoreThe Business of Sport 2027-28JOU3152MLevel 62027-28This 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

              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. 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, contact hours, and our return to face-to-face teaching.

              Meet the Graduate

              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.

              YouTube video for Meet the Graduate

              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

              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.

              Specialist Facilities

              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.

              Work Placements

              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.

              Student Media Platforms

              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.

              Students taking part in a radio show on campus

              What Can I Do with a Sports Journalism Degree?

              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.

              Meet the Graduate

              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.

              YouTube video for Meet the Graduate

              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

              Entry Requirements 2025-26

              United Kingdom

              104 UCAS Tariff points from a minimum of 2 A Levels or equivalent qualifications.

              BTEC Extended Diploma: Distinction, Merit, Merit.

              T Level: Merit

              Access to Higher Education Diploma: 45 Level 3 credits with a minimum of 104 UCAS Tariff points.

              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, EPQ etc.

              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.

              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/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/studywithus/internationalstudents/englishlanguagerequirementsandsupport/englishlanguagerequirements/

              For further advice on IELTS and the support available, please contact the International College by email at internationalcollege@lincoln.ac.uk.

              For applicants who do not meet our standard entry requirements, our Arts Foundation Year can provide an alternative route of entry onto our full degree programmes:
              https://www.lincoln.ac.uk/course/afyafyub/

              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

              Contextual Offers

              At Lincoln, we recognise that not everybody has had the same advice and support to help them get to higher education. Contextual offers are one of the ways we remove the barriers to higher education, ensuring that we have fair access for all students regardless of background and personal experiences. For more information, including eligibility criteria, visit our Offer Guide pages. If you are applying to a course that has any subject specific requirements, these will still need to be achieved as part of the standard entry criteria.

              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. 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.

              Course -Specific Additional Costs

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

              Find out More by Visiting Us

              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.

              Three students walking together on campus in the sunshine

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              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.