MA Sports Journalism

Study Mode Full-time
Year of Entry 2024/25
Students being interviewed outdoors with boom microphone

MA

Sports Journalism

If you have a passion for sport and writing, this specialist course gives you a head start working in sports journalism and related careers.

Everything you need to know...

  • Pound sign

    What is the fee?

    Home: £10,310 for the course
    International/EU: £17,205 for the course

  • Time

    How long will I study?

    1 Year

  • Location

    Where will I study?

    City Campus

  • Date

    When do I start?

    September 2024


Postgraduate open day

Come to an open day

Find out more at our postgraduate open days. Book now for your place.

Learn more

Course summary

This course aims to provide you with the professional skills and knowledge required for a career in sports journalism and sports media.

You will learn how to research, write and present sports-based news, commentary and features to a high standard across print, online and broadcast platforms.

You will also develop an understanding of sports media and the ethical, legal and regulatory context in which sports journalists work.


Hallam Live

View our students' work

Find out more about the Media Arts and Communications department and view the work of some of our students.

Learn more

How you learn

All our courses are designed around a set of key principles based on engaging you with the world, collaborating with others, challenging you to think in new ways, and providing you with a supportive environment in which you can thrive.

You will be encouraged to develop your skills as a reflective practitioner in a supportive learning environment.

You learn through

  • Lectures
  • Seminars
  • Interactive workshops
  • Tutorials and academic advising
  • Formative and summative assessment
  • Independent study
  • Teamwork
  • Guest speakers from sports journalism and sports media

Applied learning

The course is delivered by a team of journalists and media practitioners with a strong commitment to practical sports journalism teaching. The teaching team includes journalists who have worked for BBC News, ITV News, Yorkshire Post and Sheffield Star and have freelance experience in journalism and public relations.

We develop connections with regional sports clubs to be able to offer opportunities for students to experience press conferences, player interviews and match-reporting.

Networking opportunities

The team draws on industry links including with alumni to provide guest speakers and visits as well as to support you in finding work experience. A recent initiative has seen former students working in sports media returning for question-and-answer sessions where they have given advice on work experience, job-hunting and career progression.


Future careers

This course prepares you for a career in

  • newspaper sports journalism
  • broadcast sports journalism
  • magazine sports journalism
  • online sports journalism
  • club journalism and public relations
  • freelance sports journalism

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 


City Campus map
Location

Howard Street
Sheffield
S1 1WB

Get directions
students working on computers in the library
Adsetts library

Adsetts Library is located on our City Campus. It's open 24 hours a day, every day.

Learn more

Learn 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.

Department page

Equipment and facilities

On this course you work with

  • a radio studio
  • green screen technology
  • an editing suite
  • industry standard broadcast studios (TV and radio)
  • green screen technology
  • editing suites with the latest hardware and software
  • exclusive access to three newsrooms

Entry requirements

All students

Normally an honours degree (2.2 or above) or equivalent in any subject.

Overseas applicants from countries whose first language is not English must normally produce evidence of competence in English. An IELTS score of 6.5 with 5.5 in all skills (or equivalent) is the standard for non-native speakers of English. If your English language skill is currently below an IELTS score of 6.5 with a minimum of 5.5 in all skills we recommend you consider a Sheffield Hallam University Pre-sessional English course which will enable you to achieve an equivalent English level.

You may also be considered if you do not hold a degree but can provide evidence of relevant professional experience.

We encourage applications from UK and international candidates who

• have a diversity of backgrounds

• are considering a career in journalism

• show the required aptitude and potential

We base our selection criteria on your relevant experience and potential for development. Previous experience of journalism is preferable, but not necessary.

If you do not have such academic qualifications we may consider your application individually, based on your personal, professional and work experience, and other formal qualifications. You may also be able to claim credit points which can reduce the amount of time it takes to complete your qualification at Sheffield Hallam. Find out more

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'.


Modules

Module and assessment information for future years is displayed as currently validated and may be liable to change. When selecting electives, your choices will be subject to the core requirements of the course. As a result, selections may be limited to a choice between one of two or more specified electives in some instances.

Final year

Compulsory modules

Module
Credits
Assessment
Journalism Project / Dissertation
Credits 60
Assessment Coursework(100%)
Media Law And Regulation
Credits 15
Assessment Coursework(100%)
Online Journalism
Credits 15
Assessment Coursework(100%)
Sport And The Media
Credits 15
Assessment Coursework(100%)
Sports Journalism
Credits 15
Assessment Coursework(100%)
Writing For The Media
Credits 15
Assessment Coursework(100%)

Elective modules

Module
Credits
Assessment
Crisis Communications
Credits 15
Assessment Coursework(100%)
Issues In Global Media
Credits 15
Assessment Coursework(100%)
Magazine Journalism
Credits 15
Assessment Coursework(100%)
Photography For Journalists
Credits 15
Assessment Coursework(100%)
Public Relations And Digital Communication
Credits 15
Assessment Coursework(100%)
Radio Journalism
Credits 15
Assessment Coursework(100%)
Tv Journalism
Credits 15
Assessment Coursework(100%)

Fees and funding

Home students

Our tuition fee for UK students starting full-time study in 2024/25 is £10,310 for the course. The tuition fee displayed above is for the full course. If the full course is more than one year in duration, the fee will be divided into annual payments which will then be rounded. This may mean the total fee you pay is slightly higher than the fee stated above. If you take a break in study or have to re-take part of the course, you may also be charged an additional fee and will be notified of this at the time.

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 2024/25 is £17,205 for the course. The tuition fee displayed above is for the full course. If the full course is more than one year in duration, the fee will be divided into annual payments which will then be rounded. This may mean the total fee you pay is slightly higher than the fee stated above. If you take a break in study or have to re-take part of the course, you may also be charged an additional fee and will be notified of this at the time.

Students sat on a sofa

Postgraduate student loans

Up to £11,222 available for Home students on most masters courses.

Learn more

Additional course costs

This link allows you to view estimated costs associated with the main activities on specific courses. These are estimates and, as such, are only an indication of additional course costs. Actual costs can vary greatly depending on the choices you make during your course.

Additional costs for Media, PR and journalism courses (PDF, 216.1KB)

Legal information

Any offer of a place to study is subject to your acceptance of the University’s Terms and Conditions and Student Regulations.

 

How do I apply?

You apply for this course via our online application form.

Apply for September 2024

You can also use the application form above to apply for future years of entry.

Not ready to apply just yet?

Why not come to our next open day? Open days are the perfect place to talk to staff and students, visit our campuses and get all the information you need. Alternatively, feel free to ask us a question.

Come to an open day Ask a question

Why choose us?

A trophy icon

Teaching

We are Gold rated in the Teaching Excellence Framework (TEF) for the outstanding quality of our teaching and student outcomes

A bed icon

Accommodation

We guarantee to find you an affordable place to live that’s close to campus and comes with all bills included

A head and shoulders icon

Employment

95% of our UK graduates are in work or further study 15 months after graduating (2020/21 Graduate Outcomes Survey)

Where next?

Find out more about Sheffield Hallam's postgraduate opportunities and community.

Two attendees wearing coats, speak to a member of staff at a stand within the University's atrium

Come to an open day

You can chat to teaching and admissions staff, view our facilities and learn more about your funding options.

Book now
A crowd of attendees browsing stalls in the Sheffield Hallam atrium during an open day

Sign up for updates

Receive emails about postgraduate study, including application reminders and alerts for open days.

Sign up
Three female and one male student sat together around a table drinking hot beverages in a cafe.

Information for international students

Information for international students including entry requirements by country and funding.

Learn more

Cancel event

Are you sure you want to cancel your place on Saturday 12 November?

Close