Now an essential part of many news organisations, sports journalism has become a well-respected element of the media. Combing a passion for sports with the practical skills of being a journalist, this Masters programme aims to prepare graduates for a career in this exciting arena.
At Lincoln, a digital newsroom culture offers students the chance to develop the skills needed to report on local and national sporting events. Alongside a series of practical workshops and seminars, students have the opportunity to broadcast and produce their own sports content.
Students will have the chance to undertake a ten-day work placement, allowing them to gain hands-on experience. Previously students have secured placements with BBC Sport, BBC Radio 5 Live, talkSPORT, and ITV. Please note that students are responsible for their travel, accommodation, and general living costs while undertaking a work placement.
Students on this course may also have the opportunity to hear from a number of guest speakers. Previous speakers have included BBC Director of London 2012 Roger Mosey, Controller of 5 Live Jonathan Wall, Editor of FourFourTwo David Hall, and ITV commentator Clive Tyldesley.
How You Study
Study on this programme will be a blend of practical workshops, lectures, and seminars. The University of Lincoln also boasts an extensive academic library, which students can use for independent study.
Contact Hours
Owing to the nature of postgraduate programmes, a significant proportion of your time will be spent in independent study and research. Research students will have meetings with their academic supervisors, however, the regularity of these will vary depending on individual requirements, subject area, staff availability, and the stage of the programme. For taught programmes, weekly contact hours may vary depending on the individual module options chosen and the stage of the study.
Methods of Assessment
The way you will be assessed on your course will vary depending on the subject and the type of postgraduate programme you select. A taught programme could include a written dissertation, exams, presentations, and projects. A research programme could include a thesis, oral examination, and presentation to a group of research academics. You may be expected to demonstrate how your research findings have contributed to knowledge or developed existing theory or understanding. Please see the indivdual course pages to find out more.
Modules
Advanced Research Methods (Core)
Contemporary Issues in Sports Journalism (Core)
Essential Reporting (Core)
Journalism Production (Core)
Law and Institutions (Core)
MA Journalism - Final Project or Dissertation (Core)
Specialist Journalism Production (Core)
The Business of Sport (Core)
How You Are Assessed
Assessments are a mixture of essays, presentations, portfolios of journalism, broadcast media packages, and timed examinations.
The University of Lincoln's policy on assessment feedback aims to ensure that academics will return in-course assessments to students promptly – usually within 15 working days of the submission date.
Scholarships
There are more ways than ever before to fund your postgraduate study, whether you want to do a taught or research course. For those wishing to undertake a Master's course, you can apply for a loan as a contribution towards the course and living costs. Loans are also available to those who wish to undertake doctoral study. The University offers a number of scholarships and funded studentships for those interested in postgraduate study.
Course-Specific Additional Costs
For each course, you may find that there are additional costs. These may be with regard to the specific clothing, materials or equipment required, depending on your course.
With regards to text books, the University provides students who enrol with a comprehensive reading list and you will find that our extensive library holds either material or virtual versions of the core texts that you are required to read. However, you may prefer to purchase some of these for yourself and you will be responsible for this cost.
Entry Requirements 2021-22
First or second class honours degree or equivalent professional experience.
If you have studied outside of the UK, and are unsure whether your qualification meets the above requirements, please visit our country pages for information on equivalent qualifications.
Overseas students will be required to demonstrate English language proficiency equivalent to IELTS 7.0 overall, with a minimum of 5.5 in each element. This qualification must have been obtained prior to submitting your application.
For information regarding other English language qualifications we accept, please visit the English Requirements page.
If you do not meet the above IELTS requirements, you may be able to take part in one of our Pre-session English and Academic Study Skills courses. These specialist courses are designed to help students meet the English language requirements for their intended programme of study.
Teaching and Learning During Covid-19
At Lincoln, Covid-19 has encouraged us to review our practices and, as a result, to take the opportunity to find new ways to enhance the student experience. We have made changes to our teaching and learning approach and to our campus, to ensure that students and staff can enjoy a safe and positive learning experience. We will continue to follow Government guidance and work closely with the local Public Health experts as the situation progresses, and adapt our teaching and learning accordingly to keep our campus as safe as possible.
Accreditations
The School of English and Journalism is one of the first institutions in Europe to be awarded a 'Recognised for Excellence' accolade by the European Journalism Training Association (EJTA).
Research Areas, Projects and Topics
Key research areas in the department include:
Contemporary Issues in Sports Journalism
Specialist Sports Reporting and Production
Business of Sport
Law and Institutions
Core Broadcast
Days Taught
Where possible, core sessions are scheduled on Thursday and Friday, although students may be required to attend on other days of the week depending on module options. Full-time students should expect approximately 12 hours of contact time per week and should be prepared to undertake at least two hours of self-study for every taught hour.
Career and Personal Development
A career in Sports Journalism can provide a stimulating and rewarding environment, working to tight deadlines in an ever-changing landscape while writing about a topic you are passionate about.
Graduates from MSc Journalism Sport can develop the skills needed for a career in print media, broadcasting, or online.
