Sport Journalism (With Foundation Year)

Learn the core practical skills of journalism and how to apply them to a sports specialism using traditional research and writing approaches as well as new and developing media forms. Sharpen these skills with an in-depth understanding of the wider political, social, historical and economic sporting environment - alongside the legal and ethical frameworks journalists work within - adding depth and authority to your reporting. There are also many opportunities to put your learning into practice on live assignments for our in-house channels, sports partners and industry links across digital, TV, radio and print.

Foundation Year

Whether you’re returning to learning and require additional help and support to up-skill, or if you didn’t quite meet the grades to pursue an undergraduate course, taking a Foundation Year can provide a fantastic entry route to a degree-level qualification. The Foundation Year supports you to build up your academic writing skills and numeracy while exploring a range of subject-specific content so you are fully prepared for the core three-year course. You will need to successfully complete the Foundation Year to progress on to the first year of your degree.

Facilities and specialist equipment

• Mac-equipped newsroom with radio news booth and transmission gallery

• High-spec multi-camera television studios

• Industry-standard radio facilities.

• Award-winning, Ofcom-licensed radio station, Radio LaB

• Outside broadcast (OB) recording equipment

• Netflix-approved Sony FX6 cameras for broadcast-quality film and television content

• Sony FX3 Cinema Line camera with full-frame sensor and enhanced mobility for easy solo hand-held shooting

• Industry-standard sound and lighting equipment

• Digital video-editing suites with Adobe Creative Cloud software

Career-powered links

We are the official Education Partners of Luton Town FC and Bedford Blues RFC Foundation, giving you opportunities to put your journalism skills into practice covering live events and interviewing players. There are also opportunities for placements with the Clubs as well as other industry sports and media companies and clubs.

Your student experience

Benefit from studying with a team of industry specialists in both sports reporting and general journalism, across a range of platforms.

Learn practical skills in the areas of radio, TV, podcasting, digital design, written sports journalism, social media content creation, and sports PR and marketing.

Undertake a four-week work placement in your final year at one of our partners including Luton Town FC, Bedford Blues RFC, MK Dons FC, Arsenal Fan TV, Inspire FM, MKFM, The Urdu Times and more.

Thanks to the University's partnership with Luton Town FC, you get the opportunity to report live on Hatters’ matches.

Extend your experience at our in-house sports TV channel, Bulls TV, and provide sports coverage for our University’s Bedfordshire Bulls sports teams.

Report from your first year for our news website and present your own show on Radio LaB, our University’s multi-award-winning, community radio station.

Hear from leading academics, sports participants and masterclass speakers from both the worlds of sport and media. Past guest speakers include Keanu Rattray, Digital Content Manager at FIFA; Graham Scott, Premier League referee; Joe Flemmons, Chelsea TV and Capital FM Radio DJ; and Mick Payne, Match of the Day producer.

Take advantage of field trips to studios and course-related destinations including MKFM, Luton Town FC, MK Dons FC, BBC Broadcasting House, BT Sport and Sky.

Course modules

Year 1
Writing for media – Learn to research and write news stories, features and creative content for various media platforms. Sport in society – Introduction to sport and its place in our world, now and in the past. Content creation and post-production – Develop storytelling through audio/video recording, editing and online publishing. Podcasting – Understand podcasting as a medium and movement while producing articulate, idea-driven content.

Year 2
Practical sports journalism – Learn and practise a range of sports reporting, broadcasting, writing and editing skills in live situations. Digital design – Design print and digital layouts using modern publishing tools. Radio, audio and podcasting – Build skills in audio production, podcasting and live/studio broadcasting. Public relations and marketing – Explore PR’s role in brand management and its place in marketing strategy.

Year 3
Special project – Independently research, design and deliver a final project that showcases your knowledge and understanding of sport journalism and the world of sport.
Industry work placement – Gain hands-on experience during a four-week placement in a sports media environment.

Every effort is made to ensure this information is accurate at the point of publication on the UCAS website. For the most up-to-date information, please refer to our website.