COURSE CURRICULUM

The Sports Journalism undergraduate course offers a progressive and hands-on learning experience, beginning with a foundation year that introduces key concepts such as journalism portfolio development, social media content creation, and narrative theory. Students build skills in visual storytelling, reporting, and reflective practice through modules like Academic Development and Mental Wealth: Professional Development. In the first year of the degree, the curriculum expands to cover core journalistic practices, including multimedia content creation, broadcast reporting, and legal and ethical media standards. Students contribute to the university's news platform, Rising East, gaining practical newsroom experience. The second year focuses on applying those skills in real-world contexts through attendance at live sports events and producing data-driven and interview-based content. Modules such as Storytelling with Data and Reporting the Business of Sport expose students to contemporary trends in journalism, while continued work with Rising East as beat reporters helps them refine their reporting routines. Students also begin professional development through work placements and career preparation modules. In the final year, the program emphasises editorial leadership and advanced storytelling. Students act as section editors for Rising East, taking responsibility for content and production schedules while producing data visualisations and exploring the political dimensions of sport. The Final Project module challenges students to create an in-depth piece of journalism, either as a multimedia project or academic dissertation. The program consistently builds on professional and personal growth through Mental Wealth modules, encouraging reflective practice, emotional intelligence, and teamwork. Throughout all years, students benefit from expert guidance, industry-standard tools, and direct involvement in journalism production. By the end of the degree, graduates leave with a professional portfolio, practical experience, and the confidence to enter the fast-moving sports media industry across digital, print, TV, or radio platforms.