University Academy 92 (UA92) has participated in the Teaching Excellence Framework. These ratings were awarded in 2023, for four years.
Course summary
BA (Hons) Sports Journalism is an exciting and engaging programme of study which situates the rapidly changing practices and possibilities of the current journalism sector within the wider context of contemporary media industries and digital technologies. Students will both explore a range of theoretical/academic themes and develop practical experience and expertise with respect to a variety of essential journalist skills and technological/technical competencies. The focus throughout is on the development of an informed, confident, critically minded and highly reflective practitioner. This Sports Journalism programme aims to: • Provide students with opportunities to become skilled, critical, confident, responsible and a reflective user of digital media and communications technologies as part of a preparation for a future career in sports journalism. • Acquire and refine a range of fundamental skills (such as note-taking, capturing of audio-visual material, writing copy, editing, layout, online blogging) necessary for contemporary sports journalism. • Develop and demonstrate skills and competencies in the use of current leading mainstream and commercial digital media production and post-production technologies, techniques, packages and platforms • Design, develop and disseminate/publish a wide variety of news stories, reports, articles, features and interviews using these new/enhanced skills and competencies • Become familiar with legal frameworks, regulation and professional codes of conduct pertaining to sports journalism and publishing. Your UA92 degree goes far beyond the traditional academic experience. Each academic year, in addition to your four subject modules, you’ll study an extra credit-bearing module, which focuses entirely on character and personal development. You’ll get to take on a real-life project, based on a live scenario, set by one of our industry partners. You’ll experience first-hand the current issues facing the industry, get the opportunity to apply your subject knowledge, challenge your perspectives, step outside your comfort zone and build key employability skills to prepare you for your future career. These experiences are instrumental in developing transferable skills and key competencies such as leadership, resilience and well-being, communication, problem-solving and team-working. To help you track your progress and further refine your developing skill-set, you’ll meet regularly with your own personal development coach throughout years 1 & 2.
Modules
Our industry-led approach means our leading partner organisations are integral to the UA92 experience; co-developing course curriculums and providing unique experiences for our students. The accelerated programme will consist of 12 modules studied across the 2 years. You will study 6 modules each year, studying modules at level 4 and 5 in year one, and levels 5 and 6 in year two. The specific level 5 modules will change according to your year of entry. Level 4 Modules Media, Technology and Culture You’ll reflect on your own everyday media usage, explore how rapid changes in information and communication technologies shape other social, economic and cultural transformations and consider issues of media production, dissemination and reception. Communication Techniques and Creating Content You’ll explore a range of different approaches to media products, produce a magazine, podcast or documentary; working together in a group to present your work. Media Production You’ll develop your practical media skills; working individually and collectively using different digital tools (including cameras, audio equipment, editing software), and learn to display your work online in a professional context. Introduction to Sports Journalism You’ll explore the key principles of sports journalism and get to grips with the ethical standards and professional codes to which sports journalists must adhere. You’ll gain an understanding of what sports journalists do and learn mobile digital tools to help your digital storytelling. Level 5 Modules Sports Journalism Practice You’ll look at case studies of different journalistic roles in sports; developing a personal career plan and identifying the key skills and experience required. You’ll engage in in practical sports journalism to showcase your skills and present your work in a professional context. Media Narratives You’ll explore how to communicate stories in an online non-linear environment, examine digital narratives and learn how to create stories using different narrative structures and understand how digital technologies, immersive media and interactivity, have reconfigured media experiences and the news. Audio and Video Production You’ll further develop your video and audio production skills; working in a small group to create sophisticated sports media artefacts. News journalism You’ll explore how ‘news’ is identified, gathered, researched, authenticated, recorded, and presented. You’ll produce engaging news reporting on a variety of topics and develop your journalism skills and understanding of a ‘newsroom’ environment. Level 6 Modules Project You'll complete a project, on a relevant subject area that demonstrates your research, problem-solving and practical skills. Media Law and Ethics You’ll gain an in-depth knowledge of the legal, ethical and regulatory constraints that exist within the media industries. Focusing on a UK context, you’ll explore some of the key tensions that determine the media coverage of events and get to grips with relevant laws, regulations and professional codes of conduct. Advanced sports journalism You’ll further refine your reporting, editorial and presentation skills by undertaking an advanced journalistic project focused on the world of sport. You’ll advance your interviewing and writing techniques and explore feature writing and long-form journalistic storytelling. Data journalism You’ll explore the increasingly important role numerical data plays in contemporary journalism, increase your data awareness, design skills and knowledge of data journalism and consider how data can be used and visually understood by your audience.
Assessment method
No traditional end-of-year exams* You are assessed within each subject module – so you learn it, then you prove it. Assessment methods include individual and group work which is undertaken in a range of formats related to your subject. This may include writing an essay or producing a report, presenting findings or creating audio/visual projects. Practical assessment is favoured where possible, for example, Media and Communication students producing a Podcast, or Sports Coaching students running a coaching session. You’ll have the opportunity to learn, develop and demonstrate a wide range of practical and applied skills and competencies. *For Accounting and Finance students you will sit some exams within your modules to obtain the necessary exemptions from the ACCA.
How to apply
31Jan
This is the deadline for applications to be completed and sent for this course. If the university or college still has places available you can apply after this date, but your application is not guaranteed to be considered.
Application codes
Please select a course option – you will then see the application code you need to use to apply for the course.
Points of entry
The following entry points are available for this course:
- Year 1
International applicants
In addition to meeting the academic criteria, if your first language is not English, you may be asked for a recognised English language qualification. This is especially important if you are not a national of a majority English speaking country or you haven't completed a degree in English. If you are an international student, in order to obtain a Tier 4 student visa, you are required to demonstrate that you have the correct level of English language competency to study in the UK.
Entry requirements
Qualification requirements
UCAS Tariff - 104 points
A level - BCC
Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma (first teaching from September 2016) - DMM
Access to HE Diploma - P: 45 credits
International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme - 28 points
T Level - M
English language requirements
In addition to meeting the academic criteria, if your first language isn't English, you may be asked for a recognised English language qualification. This is especially important if you are not a national of a majority English speaking country or you haven't completed a degree in English. If you are an international student, in order to obtain a student visa, you will be required to demonstrate that you have the correct level of English language competency to study in the UK.
UA92 English Language Requirements
Student Outcomes
Operated by the Office for Students
There is no data available for this course. For further information visit the Discover Uni website.
Fees and funding
Tuition fees
| Republic of Ireland | £11100 | Year 1 |
| EU | £24151 | Year 1 |
| England | £11100 | Year 1 |
| Northern Ireland | £11100 | Year 1 |
| Scotland | £11100 | Year 1 |
| Wales | £11100 | Year 1 |
| International | £24151 | Year 1 |
Tuition fee status depends on a number of criteria and varies according to where in the UK you will study. For further guidance on the criteria for home or overseas tuition fees, please refer to the UKCISA website .
Additional fee information
Fees are subject to annual change.
Provider information
University Academy 92 (UA92)
UA92 Campus
Talbot Road
Trafford
Manchester
M16 0PA