MA Sports Journalism

Nottingham Trent University

Get ready to dive headfirst into the exhilarating realm of sports journalism.

Imagine yourself right in the action, crafting stories that resonate across all media platforms – from thrilling broadcasts to engaging digital content and impactful written pieces.

Get set to explore how sports coverage is driven by data insights and fuelled by the dynamics of social media, playing a pivotal role in the success of major media brands.

You could be scoring interviews with top athletes, delivering live commentary on the side-lines, breaking down strategic plays, and placing sports within the larger context of history and society.

You will unleash your creative flair in the UK's biggest student newsroom, with access to state-of-the-art TV studios, cutting-edge radio and podcast setups, and the latest industry-standard tools for production and design.

And where better to kick-start this thrilling journey than Nottingham, the ultimate city of sport? Immerse yourself in Premier League football, international cricket, tennis showdowns, ice hockey face-offs, and so much more. With iconic venues like the National Ice Arena, Trent Bridge Cricket Ground, and the National Water Sports Centre, Nottingham is the ultimate playground for honing your sports journalism prowess.

Study methods and assessment

Study methods include practical sessions, research, lectures, seminars, workshops and professional practice. Learn from your peers, and guest speakers.

Assessment is by a mixture of portfolio work, projects, essays, and exams.

Work experience

Get ready for hands-on learning that's at the very core of this program. Whether in core or optional modules, the practical aspect immerses you in real journalistic work, making you think and act like a pro.

Picture yourself in the action of over fifteen vibrant NewsDays, where you'll whip up content for our public platforms – websites and social media. Some of these days are even guided by graduates working in the industry. This isn't just a simulation; it's a genuine industry warm-up that blends perfectly with the standards set by the National Council for the Training of Journalists (NCTJ) and the Broadcast Journalism Training Council (BJTC).

And when it's time for your capstone project, let your creativity take the lead. Choose your own adventure, shaping your skills and knowledge into a major piece of work that will interest future employers. In some cases, potential employers might even pitch in with live briefs for your capstone projects. And for those aiming for research-focused careers, fret not – we're keeping the theoretical option alive and well.

But that's not all. We believe in getting you out there to gain some serious experience. You'll spend a minimum of fifteen days on the job, mingling with various organizations and businesses – from your local area to a global stage. It's your chance to learn, network, and shine in the journalism world.

Your career development

Graduates will work as sports journalists for regional, national and international sports journalism brands such as the BBC, ITV, Sky Sports, The Athletic, BT Sport and Reach. They will also move into other areas of the media, including digital marketing and PR, content creation for sporting organisations and event/stadium hosts for live sporting events.