On this course you will learn to write, record, film and present across a wide range of sports media platforms. Our audience-focused teaching will demonstrate how to use analytics and SEO strategies to get your story to the people who care about it most. You will explore the future of sports journalism, in which your stories might be experienced in virtual reality (VR) or played as games.

The media landscape is rapidly changing and developing. Within your first few weeks you will produce real sports news products for an audience. During years 2 and 3, you will work to deadlines and produce live multimedia broadcasts, and your work will be featured on public facing news outlets.

Your learning will be practical, but that hands on experience will be underpinned by academic study concerning media law and regulation. To prepare for a future as a trustworthy and credible journalist, you will develop broad skills in critical thinking and information analysis.

Alongside your tutors, who all have professional experience in the industry, you will work with guest editors and industry practitioners. You will build your own professional networks and establish relationships with a variety of media experts.

You will be able to get involved in:

• Writing for The Yorkie, our news website
• Getting involved with our Students' Union radio station
• Working with digital media agency, York Mix, to publish your stories online
• Working on live projects with external clients such as BBC Radio and Aesthetica magazine

Year 1

Our academic year is split into 2 semesters.  How many modules you study each semester will depend on whether you are a full time or part time student.

In your first year, if you are a full time student, you will study: 

• 1 compulsory module across semester 1 and 2
• 2 compulsory modules in semester 1 
• 2 compulsory modules in semester 2

If you are a part time student, the modules above will be split over 2 years.

You can find out which modules are available in each semester on the Course Specifications.

Modules

Year 2

In your second year, if you are a full time student, you will study:

• 2 compulsory modules in semester 1
• 2 compulsory modules and 1 optional module in semester 2

If you are a part time student, the modules above will be split over 2 years.

You can find out which modules are available in each semester on the Course Specifications.

Optional modules will run if they receive enough interest. It is not guaranteed that all modules will run every year.

Modules

Year 3

In your third year, if you are a full time student, you will study:

• 2 compulsory modules across semesters 1 and 2
• 2 compulsory modules in semester 1
• 1 compulsory module in semester 2

If you are a part time student, the modules above will be split over 2 years.

You can find out which modules are available in each semester on the Course Specifications.

Modules

Teaching and learning

The best way to learn a subject like sports journalism is by doing it. We will deliver your modules through:

• Seminars
• Workshops
• Newsdays
• Technical demonstrations
• Lectures
• Tutorials

Each module has 2 to 6 hours of contact time a week. We schedule our taught sessions between 9.00am and 8.00pm, Monday to Friday.

You will also need to conduct independent study outside of this time. This might include reading, researching and completing your assignments. You can also arrange academic tutorials with your module tutors throughout the year to receive feedback on your work and discuss the course content.

Our teaching draws on both our research and professional experience. This means your learning is informed by the most current thinking in the subject area. You can find out more about our research and backgrounds by visiting our staff pages.

Assessment

Assessment types are usually based on practical coursework and vary from module to module. Some of your assessments might include:

• Portfolios of practical work
• Essays
• Presentations
• 1 exam on media law

For each assessment you will have the chance to talk to a tutor about your work before submission. Each assessment will be marked and returned with feedback so you can improve your work.

Your future with a degree in Sports Journalism

On this course you will gain the skills you need to succeed in a career as a sports journalist or within a role in the wider sports media industry. You will develop your research, interview and reporting skills as well as your knowledge of digital media. Skills such as communication, critical analysis and an ability to work to deadlines are in high demand in a range of careers.

This degree could be the first step toward your career as a:

• Digital sports copywriter
• Broadcast journalist
• Sports magazine features editor
• Newspaper sports journalist
• Press sub-editor
• Sports web content manager

Discover more career options on Prospects careers advice pages.

You could also progress onto a postgraduate degree and take your learning even further.

Postgraduate degrees at York St John University

Media Production MA

Whatever your ambitions, we can help you get there.

Our careers service, LaunchPad provides career support tailored to your ambitions. Through this service you can access:

• Employer events
• LinkedIn, CV and cover letter sessions
• Workshops on application writing and interview skills
• Work experience and volunteering opportunities
• Personalised career advice

This support doesn't end when you graduate. You can access our expert career advice for the rest of your life. We will help you gain experience and confidence to succeed.

Qualifications

Calculate your UCAS Tariff points

Additional requirements 

All Journalism/Sports Journalism applicants who meet or exceed our entry requirements and provide a suitable personal statement will receive an offer. These applicants will be then contacted by one of our academics via email for an informal interview virtually. A successful interview can result in the academic recommending an ‘upgrade’ to an offer to unconditional.

International students

If you are an international student you will need to show that your qualifications match our entry requirements.

Information about international qualifications and entry requirements can be found on our International pages.

If English is not your first language you will need to show that you have English Language competence at IELTS level 7.5 (with no skill below 7.5) or equivalent.

International entry requirements

Mature Learners Entry Scheme

If you have been out of education for 3 years or more and have a grade C GCSE in English Language or equivalent, you are eligible for our entry scheme for mature learners. It's a scheme that recognises non-traditional entry qualifications and experience for entry onto this course. Information on how to apply can be found on our dedicated page.

Mature entry offer scheme

Terms and conditions

Our terms and conditions, policies and procedures contain important information about studying at York St John University. You can read them on our Admissions page.

To study for an undergraduate degree with us, you will need to pay tuition fees for your course. How much you pay depends on whether you live inside the UK, or internationally (outside the UK). Tuition fees may be subject to inflation in future years.

UK 2024 entry

The tuition fee for 2024 entry onto this course is:

• £9,250 per year for full time study
• £6,935 per year for the first 4 years if you study part time

These prices apply to all UK, Jersey, Guernsey and Isle of Man students

You can find out more about funding your degree by visiting our funding opportunities page:

Funding Opportunities

Placement year funding

If you choose to take a placement year, and your course offers it, you can apply for the Tuition Fee and Maintenance Loan for your placement year. How much you are awarded is based on the type of placement being undertaken and whether it is a paid or unpaid placement. The tuition fee for your placement year will be reduced.

Tuition fees

International 2024 entry

The tuition fee for 2024 entry to this course is £11,500 per year for full time study.

This price applies to all students living outside the UK.

Due to immigration laws, if you are an international student on a Student Visa, you must study full time. For more information about visa requirements and short-term study visas, please visit the International Visa and Immigration pages.

Find out more about funding your degree:

International Fees and Funding

Accommodation and living costs

For detailed information on accommodation and living costs, visit our Accommodation pages.

Financial help and support

Our Funding Advice team are here to help you with your finances throughout your degree. They offer a personal service that can help you with funding your studies and budgeting for living expenses. 

For advice on everything from applying for scholarships to finding additional financial support email fundingadvice@yorksj.ac.uk.