Everything you need to know...
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What is the fee?
Home: See fees section below
International/EU: £18,000 per year -
How long will I study?
3 / 4 Years
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Where will I study?
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What are the entry requirements?
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What is the UCAS code?
A003
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When do I start?
September 2026
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Placement year available?
Yes
Course summary
- Attend major live events to develop your skills in reporting and interviewing.
- Gain experience in recording, editing and publishing sports-related content.
- Gather, write and present information to a professional journalistic standard.
- Use a variety of channels, from online and broadcast to social and printed media.
- Learn how to develop industry contacts and source stories.
BA Sports Journalism at Hallam is based on Sheffield’s reputation as a UK City of Sport. As the home of football, we’re also a major centre for athletics, ice hockey, boxing, snooker, and many other sports. Join award-winning experts who share the knowledge, theory and skills you need to succeed in the fast-moving world of sports journalism.
Engaging teaching
100% of students on this course were satisfied with how often teaching staff made the subject engaging in the 2025 National Student Survey.
Teaching Quality
Sheffield Hallam University is ranked 8th amongst UK providers for journalism in the Guardian University Guide 2023 league table.
View our students' work
Find out more about the Media Arts and Communications department and view the work of some of our students.
How you learn
You’ll learn from award-winning journalists, media specialists and internationally recognised theorists – with experience across a range of industries.
Throughout the course, you’ll connect with Sheffield’s thriving sporting environment to report on real-life sports stories. You’ll engage with authentic scenarios, with a special focus on under-represented sports and sporting communities. This practical approach is underpinned by research and an examination of the legal, ethical and regulatory frameworks relevant to sports journalism.
We’ll introduce key topics and concepts through a mix of tutor-directed learning and discussions, and student-led exercises and tasks. Our teaching is digitally enhanced – you’ll engage in collaborative activities both in person and online. As this is a practical course, we’ll assess you through course work rather than exams.
You learn through:
- lectures, workshops and seminars
- practical and group work
- essays, case studies and reports
- research projects
- oral and digital presentations
- collaboration with external partners
- independent work
- portfolios
Key themes
Your course begins with the basics of journalism – writing and broadcasting. Researching stories starts on day one – all your stories are real life, based in the communities of Sheffield, South Yorkshire and beyond. There’s a particular focus on gender and diversity, as well as reporting the growth areas of women’s sport and sport for athletes with a disability.
In your second year, you’ll build on these skills with a firm grounding in the legal and regulatory requirements of the industry, while improving your research and investigation skills. You’ll also take part in ‘news days’, simulating the experience of a fast-paced newsroom.
Your final year is about preparing you for the workplace. ‘Sports News Live’ is a module where you spend the day in our top-quality studios – preparing a multi-platform sports programme. Here you’ll create a TV show, radio show and both online and digital outputs. We also recognise there are great employment opportunities working in media management for sports clubs. This is where journalism and PR meet, and you’ll be prepared for it in the ‘Working in Sports Media’ module. You’ll also create a final piece of detailed work in your research project – a written dissertation or practical project – with the support of a personal tutor.
Course support
You’ll be supported by staff every step of the way to fulfil your potential and ambitions. This might be by working with others in small groups, or by developing your own independent learning style.
You’ll also be supported towards highly skilled, graduate-level employment through a number of key areas. These include:
- access to specialist support to help with your personal, academic and career development
- access to our Skills Centre with one-to-ones, webinars and online resources, where you can get help with planning and structuring your assignments
- industry-specific employability activities such as live projects, learning in simulated environments and networking opportunities
Applied learning
Work placements
We encourage and support you to undertake a full-time work placement between the second and third year of your course.
Previous students have worked for Sheffield County FA, various South Yorkshire sports clubs, the BBC, regional newspapers, and local and national PR agencies.
Live projects
We have close links with the local sports community and organisations such as the BBC, Sheffield Wednesday and Sheffield Star. Our contacts provide opportunities for students to build relationships and get real-world work experience.
Networking opportunities
Every year we hold industry events to link you with regional and national sports experts.
Previous students have also heard from a variety of guest speakers – including paralympic champions, award-winning commentators and reporters, and the head of audio/video at The Guardian.
Recent speakers have shared experiences of football reporting and spearheading a sports club’s media operation. Others have spoken on topics such as the recent growth in women’s sports. And former graduates have returned to Hallam to share their experiences and tips for finding jobs.
Field trips
You’ll have opportunities to take field trips and educational visits. Previous trips have included the National Football Museum, as well as visits to local sporting clubs.
Course leaders and tutors
Seth Bennett
Senior Lecturer, Course Leader for Sports JournalismStaff profile for Seth Bennett, Senior Lecturer, Course Leader for Sports Journalism
Modules
Important notice: The structure of this course is periodically reviewed and enhanced to provide the best possible learning experience for our students and ensure ongoing compliance with any professional, statutory and regulatory body standards. Module structure, content, delivery and assessment may change, but we expect the focus of the course and the learning outcomes to remain as described above. Following any changes, updated module information will be published on this page.
You will be able to complete a placement year as part of this course. See the modules table below for further information.
Year 1
Compulsory modules
Module Aim:
On this module, you will research real-world stories and use audio and visual skills to create content for broadcast (from TV and radio to digital platforms and social media). You will gain an understanding of practical studio techniques, including production, editing, and broadcast. You will learn to reflect on your strengths, and recognise your professional behaviours, limitations, and experiences.
Indicative Content:
Story gathering and writing for broadcast.
Use of video and audio equipment
Video and sound editing using relevant software.
Studio production techniques
Ethics in broadcast journalism
Module Aim:
On this module, you will develop your understanding of live event reporting, including key roles in live broadcasting and coverage in both radio and television commentary. You’ll work with external partners to experience live sporting events and press conferences, increasing your skills and confidence in these dynamic spaces.
Indicative content:
Live reporting skills for radio and television platforms.
Live commentary skills for radio and television platforms.
Researching and planning sports coverage for radio and television broadcasts
Making TV and radio highlights packages.
Visiting sports events
Attending press conferences
Live Interviewing skills
Reflection on professional practice and ethics
Module Aim:
This module will immerse you in key issues and debates in sports journalism and reflect on the role that sport has played and continues to play in society.
You will also develop your research skills to critically reflect upon issues in sport including governance, diversity, inclusion, gender and globalisation.
INDICATIVE CONTENT
The history of sport
The development of sports coverage in the media
Foundational research skills
Representation and diversity
Equality and inclusion
Globalisation and sustainability
Governance, ethics and accountability
Module Aim:
This module introduces you to the essential skills needed to produce written sports content for target audiences across print and digital platforms. These skills will include researching and writing sports news and features and previewing and reporting on sports events.
In addition, you’ll develop an understanding of audience, news values, approaches to interviewing and inclusive practice.
Indicative content:
Sources and resources for inclusive sports news and feature writing
Understanding audiences and platforms
Interviewing techniques
Writing previews, profiles and match reports
Role of sports journalists in supporting inclusivity in sport
Reflection on professional practice
Year 2
Compulsory modules
Module Aim:
This module will equip you with the skills to deliver content across social media and digital first platforms.
It involves applying relevant methods, production techniques, and technical skills to support creative storytelling, while effectively communicating ideas tailored to specific audiences.
You will work in groups as well as with external partners, demonstrating professional awareness, ethical practice, and self-leadership.
Indicative content:
Gathering audio, video and photographic material
Editing audio, video and photographic material
Podcasting
Project planning
Audiences and online behaviour
Digital storytelling across social media and emerging publishing and broadcasting platforms
Non-linear content creation
How to use and create graphics for digital platforms
Marketing and monetisation of digital content
Module Aim:
You will develop a deeper understanding and improved practical application of the ways in which journalists use language, content, style and structure to produce features for both print and online magazines. You will be introduced to the business of magazines and develop your ability to conceptualise, justify, design, and produce your own magazine content. You will explore how print and online magazines work together within a brand, and how content is shaped differently for printed publications, websites and social media. You will reflect on and critically evaluate your learning and identify strengths and skills to support best journalistic practice.
Indicative content:
Feature writing skills
Interviewing skills
Understanding long-form platforms
Magazine design and layout
Establishing a multiplatform brand
Audience and market identification
Module Aim:
This module will introduce you to the key social, legal, governmental, and regulatory frameworks for professional journalism. Building on foundational knowledge from L4, you will focus on relevant local and national structures and processes, and on key topics of media law. You will develop a critical awareness around questions of ethics and the role of journalists in exploring, explaining, and exposing legal and political processes.
INDICATIVE CONTENT
The essential structures and processes of local and central government in England and Wales.
Knowledge of the ECHR (Human Rights Act 1998) legislation in the context of journalistic practice.
Essential media law for journalists: defamation, contempt of court, reporting restrictions, copyright and sources of UK law.
The regulatory system and ethical codes of conduct within which UK journalists operate.
Module Aim:
This module further develops writing and broadcast skills. You’ll gain experience of newsday processes and cycles in realistic professional newsroom settings, and you’ll research, develop, and prepare same-day multi-platform programmes. Through collaboration with peers on the module and with external partners, you will develop your digital fluency, technical competencies, and professional awareness.
Indicative Content
Developing, preparing, and presenting news stories
Multiple and multi-platform broadcasting
Digital fluency and technology skills
Professional contexts, expectations, and collaborations
Project management and team building
Responding to feedback
Audience and presentation
Elective modules
This module is for undergraduate students to study abroad in their second year, Semester 2 (only for courses that offer this option). With this module, you can spend a semester at one of the University’s approved partner institutions worldwide – from Europe to the Americas, Asia Australia or Canada.
Study Abroad plays an important role in the University's commitment to an engaging, challenging, and thriving learning culture. It offers opportunities to experience other academic cultures and foster intellectual maturity while enhancing co-curricular skills and students' long-term employability.
Study abroad for credit is permitted on existing university-approved courses only. Students are awarded credits and grades at the partner institution, which are converted into Sheffield Hallam credits and grades on return and included in the Sheffield Hallam degree classification.
Please check and refer to the webpage How study abroad works. You must submit a Learning Agreement outlining the modules you will be taking at the partner institution. The Learning Agreement will be signed off by your academic tutor to ensure that the Learning broadly covers the Learning Outcomes set out in your course curriculum during your study abroad.
Year 3
Compulsory modules
Module aim:
The aim of this module is to enhance students’ professional development through the completion of and reflection on meaningful work placement(s).
A work placement will provide students with opportunities to experience the realities of professional employment and experience how their course can be applied within their chosen industry setting. The placement will:
- Allow student to apply the skills, theories and behaviours relevant and in addition to their course
- Enable students to enhance their interpersonal skills in demand by graduate employers – communication, problem-solving, creativity, resilience, team work etc.
- Grow their student network and relationship building skills.
- Provide student with insights into the industry and sector in which their placement occurs
- Help student make informed graduate careers choices.
Indicative Content:
In this module students undertake a sandwich placement (min 24 weeks / min 21 hours per week) which is integrated, assessed and aligned to their studies.
Their personal Placement Academic Supervisor (PAS) will be their key point of contact during their placement and will encourage and support students to reflect on their experience, learning and contribution to the organisation they work for.
To demonstrate gains in professional development, students will be required to share their progress, learning and achievements with their Placement Academic Supervisor and reflect on these for the summative piece of work.
Final year
Compulsory modules
Module Aim:
In this module you will explore the ways research can provide a deeper insight into communication practice in a range of social contexts. You’ll develop your research skills, learning about a range of data collection methods relevant to Media, Journalism and Public Relations, and gain hands-on experience of approaches to the analysis of different types of data. The module will support you to reflect on the ethical considerations relating to research in online and in-person contexts. You will enhance your ability to define research questions, critically evaluate sources and methods, and plan projects.
Indicative Content:
Developing research questions
Approaches to data collection
Quantitative data analysis methods
Qualitative data analysis methods
Research ethics
Project planning
Identifying and critically evaluating sources
Working independently
Module Aim:
On this module, you’ll undertake a project in an area of your choosing, focusing on your interests and ambitions. With dedicated support from a supervisor, you’ll develop, plan, and carry out a project that showcases research, writing and/or other production skills to create a dissertation or practical project on your chosen topic. You’ll work closely with your colleagues as part of a learning community, providing and receiving feedback on your ideas and work in progress. This module will develop your confidence in your knowledge and skills as well as your awareness of the professional world of Sports Journalism.
Indicative Content:
Advanced research skills
Industry expectations
Ethics processes for research and writing
Understanding audiences
Project management
Planning, revising, and editing work
Providing and actioning feedback
Self-evaluation and reflection
Choosing appropriate formats
Module Aim:
Building on your previous study, this module further develops your writing and broadcasting skills. You’ll gain experience in realistic newsroom settings and through preparing and broadcasting TV, radio, and online content, for sport news. You’ll also increase your confidence by responding and adapting to developing news stories, collaborating with peers on the module to generate content for multi-platform broadcast that demonstrates professional and industry standards.
Indicative Content:
Professional behaviours, expectations, and processes
Advanced digital and technological skills for broadcasting
Use of video and audio equipment
Video and sound editing using relevant software.
Collaboration and team working
Project and team management
Module Aim:
You will develop your understanding of public relations and media management in sport and will gain practical experience of working alongside an industry partner. A key focus will be your understanding of professional expectations and behaviours in relation to inclusivity and sector values. Working collaboratively, you’ll encounter real-world challenges and roles and you’ll be supported in critical self-reflection on your strengths, professional attributes, and ambitions.
INDICATIVE CONTENT
Sport in the modern world and its relationship with the media
How sport manages its publicity, the tools of sports publicity and Public Relations in Sport
The skills of good communication in sport through online and conventional PR
Crisis management, the public face of sport, how sports organisations deal with their 'publics'
The staging of a big event, the structure and business of sport
The importance of media management in merchandising, transfer, fees global commercial investment and PR
Future careers
The course prepares you for careers in:
- sports journalism and journalism
- sports club media relations
- digital sports PR
- radio
- social media and podcasting
Previous journalism and sports journalism graduates have gone on to work for:
- BBC radio and TV
- IMG
- International Olympic Committee
- Channel 4
- Wolverhampton Wanderers
- Sky
- TalkSport
- Liverpool FC TV
- Sheffield Wednesday media relations
Where will I study?
You study at City Campus through a structured mix of lectures, seminars and practical sessions as well as access to digital and online resources to support your learning.
City Campus
City Campus is located in the heart of Sheffield, within minutes of the train and bus stations.
City Campus map | City Campus tour
Adsetts library
Adsetts Library is located on our City Campus. It's open 24 hours a day, every day.
Learn moreLearn more about your department
Media, Arts and Communications Facilities Tour
Take a look around the media, arts and communication facilities at Sheffield Hallam University with lecturer Saskia Wilson.
Equipment and facilities
On this course you have access to:
- industry-standard editing facilities using Adobe creative suite
- TV studios to produce programmes and learn about the newsroom environment
- radio studios to learn journalism skills for radio broadcast and podcast making
- our Creative Media Centre and our skilled support team
- video equipment, cameras, tripods and microphones
360 tour - TV Studio
Media Gallery
Entry requirements
All students
UCAS points
- 112-120
This must include 64 points from two A levels or equivalent BTEC National qualifications. For example:
- BBC-BBB at A Level.
- DDM in BTEC Extended Diploma.
- Merit overall from a T Level Qualification
- A combination of qualifications, which may include EPQ and general studies.
You can find information on making sense of UCAS tariff points here and use the UCAS tariff calculator to work out your points.
GCSE
- English Language at grade C or 4
• Access - an Access to HE Diploma with at least 45 credits at level 3 and 15 credits at level 2. At least 15 level 3 credits must be at merit grade or above, in a media-related programme from a QAA-recognised Access to HE course, or an equivalent Access to HE certificate
If English is not your first language you must have an IELTS score of 6.5 with a minimum of 5.5 in all skills or equivalent.
Additional information for EU/International students
If you are an International or non-UK European student, you can find out more about the country specific qualifications we accept on our international qualifications page.
For details of English language entry requirements (IELTS), please see the information for 'All students'.
Fees and funding
Home students
Tuition fees for 2026/27 are not yet confirmed. Our tuition fee for UK students on full-time undergraduate courses in 2025/26 is £9,535 per year (capped at a maximum of 20% of this during your placement year). These fees are regulated by the UK government and therefore subject to change in future years.
If you are studying an undergraduate course, postgraduate pre-registration course or postgraduate research course over more than one academic year then your tuition fees may increase in subsequent years in line with Government regulations or UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) published fees. More information can be found in our terms and conditions under student fees regulations.
International students
Our tuition fee for International/EU students starting full-time study in 2026/27 is £18,000 per year (capped at a maximum of 20% of this during your placement year)
Financial support for home/EU students
How tuition fees work, student loans and other financial support available.
Additional course costs
The links below allow you to view estimated general course additional costs, as well as costs associated with key activities on specific courses. These are estimates and are intended only as an indication of potential additional expenses. Actual costs can vary greatly depending on the choices you make during your course.
General course additional costs
Additional costs for Sheffield Creative Industries Institute (PDF, 745.6KB)Legal information
Any offer of a place to study is subject to your acceptance of the University’s Terms and Conditions and Student Regulations.
