MASports Broadcast Journalism
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- 2023-24
- 2024-25
- 1 year full-time
- 2 years part-time
Want to bring your sports knowledge to radio, the internet or television screens? Solent’s sports broadcast journalism master’s degree is an advanced course designed to help bring you closer to a career working in video or audio production in the world of sport. Taught by industry professionals and academics, this is a challenging course where teaching is led by professional standards and industry practices.
On this advanced-level course, students learn how to source, gather and deliver professional sports content on numerous different video and audio platforms across a wide variety of sports. The course also encourages students to develop their editorial and technical skills and build relationships with external clients, whilst creating a portfolio of video, audio and academic material to showcase their abilities to potential employers.
With an increasing demand from sports audiences for innovative approaches to storytelling and high-quality production, broadcasters must constantly update their practices and utilise social media to research and promote their work. Understanding and adapting to changes within this fast-moving industry is core to the teaching on this master’s degree.
Regular ‘news days’, where students will need to respond, gather and produce stories for a same-day news and radio output, are built into the course programme to further increase students’ exposure to a realistic broadcast environment and prepare them for the deadlines and quick-thinking they’ll need to demonstrate to become a sports broadcaster.
Why choose this course?
Any questions?
Contact international admissions
Call: +44 (0)23 8201 5066Email: admissions.international@solent.ac.ukSpeak to a tutor
Speak to a tutorCourse features
Built-in work experience placement
As part of your studies you will have the opportunity to undertake a work experience placement
Specialist facilities
This course has access to specialist facilities
Apply direct
You can apply direct to Solent University for this course
Part-time option
You can study this course part-time
This course is for
This course is well-suited to those with a sport or journalism background who wish to move into sports broadcasting across traditional and digital platforms.
The course content is ideal for students wishing to gain a deep understanding of the technical and practical aspects of broadcasting.
What this course leads to
The course curriculum is centred on students gaining essential knowledge and practical skills in sports broadcast journalism.
- Sports journalist
- Sports editor at TV stations, radio stations, production companies, or live TV units
- Newspaper or magazine content production
- Online presenter/producer
- Freelance broadcasting
- Public relations
- Digital and social media communications
- Crisis management
Meet the team
The course team are current industry professionals engaged in regular broadcast practice with television and radio channels such as Sky Sports, Sky Sports News, BT Sport, ITV, BBC, BBC Radio Solent.
The University cannot guarantee any particular members of staff will teach specific aspects of the course in the future, but will endeavour to ensure the teaching team maintains their balance of experience and qualifications.
Year one modules
Core modules
Sports Broadcast Production
The module begins with teaching in how to produce TV and radio content, plus law and ethics, broadcast specialisms (commentary, voice training, social content). Weekly industry-style news days then form the rest of the module as you refine and perfect your TV and radio skills through nine-hour days with live output and real deadlines, including reacting to breaking news.
History and Context of Sports Broadcasting
This is an academic module looking at the history of sports broadcasting and the global issues surrounding sport, for example: commercialisation, racism, corruption/match-fixing, mega events, sports politics, gender, disability, migration, and how it has become a multi-billion pound business which dictates policy.
Sports Documentary-making
This module provides an opportunity to move away from live sports output and investigates longer-form features and documentaries for TV or radio. You will be taught new production techniques, plus the processes involved in pitching and getting a documentary commissioned.
Professional Practice and Media Law (with a 12-week professional placement)
This module looks at you career goals and identifies skill-sets and development needs. As part of this module you will undertake a three-month work placement in the broadcasting industry which will give you real-world experience and enhance your CV to help you gain employment after completing the course.
Final Major Project
You will use the knowledge learned from your theory and practical modules to produce an extended radio or television feature that demonstrates your professional attainment as your major final project.
Learning resources
The module materials are posted on the VLE and students are expected to have reviewed them prior to attending class. The materials include journal articles, videos and web-based materials. The minimum standards for VLE are met and exceeded.
Students will upload their work to the Solent Journalism website and will curate the Solent Sports News Twitter account on newsdays. Students will also be learning about and using existing social content sites (YouTube, Vimeo, SoundCloud, Twitter, Facebook) plus any new sites that come to the fore.
We will also broadcast live from the radio and TV studios to the world, via livestream.
Your future
Recent BA (Hons) Sports Journalism graduates gained full-time employment at Daily Mail Online, The Guardian, Sky Sports, BBC Local Radio, M&Y Media, Inside the Games, Southend United FC, plus a variety of freelance journalist roles. Some students have moved into public relations, with one in an account manager role that earns £50,000 straight out of university.
Learn transferable skills
Students will gain a multitude of transferable skills on the course. The industry newsdays will provide new skills in gathering, shooting, editing, writing, producing and creating engaging broadcast output. These can be used in a variety of non-broadcast roles, including social media content and corporate videos.
On top of these visible skills, students will also leave with a great deal of experience in: Team work, delegating, working to tight deadlines, working under pressure, vocalising ideas, presenting themselves on screen and in everyday life, increased confidence, interview skills and much more.
Tuition fees
The tuition fees for the 2023/24 academic year are:
- UK and Channel Island full-time fees: : £7,900 per year
- International full-time fees: £14,800 per year
For further information, please see our tuition fees page.
Extra course costs
While most course costs are covered by your tuition fees, some essential resources and optional extras may need to be paid for separately. These additional costs are listed below. For advice on budgeting and managing your money, please contact student.funding@solent.ac.uk.
The 2023/24 other costs are not yet available. For guidance, previous other costs have been:
Compulsory costs
External hard-drive for video (approx £50)
SD Card for radio (approx £5)
Alumni discount
Solent alumni are eligible for a 20% reduction of tuition fees if returning to study a postgraduate course.
Find out moreBursaries, scholarships and financial support
Solent University offers a range of bursaries and scholarships that provide financial assistance or waive fees for tuition or accommodation. Each bursary or scholarship has specific eligibility criteria. Check out our bursaries and scholarships pages to find out more.
Graduation costs
There is no charge to attend graduation, but you will be required to pay for the rental of your academic gown (approximately £45 per graduate, depending on your award). You may also wish to purchase official photography packages, which range in price from £15 to £200+. Graduation is not compulsory, so if you prefer to have your award sent to you, there is no cost. Extra guest tickets will go on sale after results publication and will be sold on a first-come-first-served basis. The cost per ticket is currently £15. Please note, we do not guarantee there will be any extra tickets available to purchase.
Financial information videos
Discover Solent University This video 'Discover Solent University' is available as a text transcript, with a description of visuals.
Find out what Southampton has to offer This video 'Find out what Southampton has to offer' is available as a text transcript, with a description of visuals.
Entry requirements
Please select an option below:
Key entry requirements
2:2 in related degree or international equivalent, or extensive professional practice
- If you do not have these qualifications or are unsure of your eligibility please contact the University.
- For further information about UK qualifications, please contact admissions.
Key entry requirements
If you are applying from outside the UK, find information about entry requirements, visas and agents for your country here.
For further information about UK, EU and international qualifications, please contact admissions.
Key entry requirements
If you are applying from outside the UK, find information about entry requirements, visas and agents for your country here.
For further information about UK, EU and international qualifications, please contact admissions.
Note to all international students requiring a visa
All international applicants need to be aware that the English language requirements to attend Solent University, and the English language requirements to obtain a visa from the Home Office, may be different. This means that if you meet the Solent University language requirement to gain a place on the course, you may still have to meet additional requirements to be granted with a visa by the Home Office.
We strongly advise all applicants to visit the Home Office website which outlines all the requirements for a successful visa application and to take a look at this PDF document which outlines both Solent University and Home Office requirements for a number of language tests.
An honours degree at2:2 or higher
Any questions?
Contact international admissions
Call: +44 (0)23 8201 5066Email: admissions.international@solent.ac.ukSpeak to a tutor
Speak to a tutorYour application checklist
Applications for postgraduate courses can be made at any time prior to the start of the course. However, we strongly recommend you apply at your earliest convenience.
Please ensure you upload the following mandatory documents with your application:
- Two academic references.
- Certified transcripts of qualifications, including English language proficiency if non-UK student.
- Copy of passport.
- Copy of current visa (if applicable).
- A personal statement.
- Employer sponsor form, where appropriate.
Language requirements
Applicants who do not have English as their first language will be required to demonstrate an approved level of proficiency in the use of the English language. The agreed minimum requirements for this course are:
- IELTS minimum 6.5 overall with minimum of 6.0 in writing and a minimum of 5.5 in reading, listening and speaking.
- TOEFL IBT 92 with a minimum of 22 in writing and a minimum of 20 in reading, listening and speaking
- Duolingo English Language Test - 115 overall with minimum of 100 in each component
or equivalent.
Qualifications are checked before enrolment, and international students must bring their original certificates or certified copies when coming to study at the University.
Pre-Sessional English programme
The University also offers a pre-sessional English programme for international students who wish to improve their level of English before starting a degree course.
Study options
Facilities
Students on this course have full access to the University’s industry-standard broadcast facilities, which include four television studios, eight radio studios and extensive editing and production facilities which are configured to the industry standard. High definition camera equipment is also available to all video production students.
Students also have access to camera equipment and professional recording devices, plus radio and TV studios, as well as use of computers with Final Cut Pro X and Adobe Audition, plus the use of normal Solent resources, such as the library.
Alumni network
As part of our global alumni community, you can take advantage of a range of benefits.
Whether it's been days or decades since you left us, or you're soon to don your cap and gown, things are constantly changing at Solent. We're always innovating, but we're also immensely proud of our heritage. And that means you.
Research and knowledge exchange
Research doesn't just live in publications and journals - the effects of groundbreaking research can be found everywhere you look. That's why research at Solent has always been firmly rooted in industry needs and real-world application.
Solent University prides itself on carrying out not only pioneering research, but also research that addresses real world problems. We offer opportunities to study for a Master of Philosophy (MPhil) or Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) degree in a number of areas.
At Solent, we want to help you achieve your best and discover new insights. Whether you're thinking about applying for a PhD, or already underway with your research studies, you'll find useful guidance and information in our research pages.
Find out moreSupport at Solent
All students at Solent University have access to a range of specialist support services. Whether you are having financial difficulty, need additional help with academic skills or want advice on setting up your own business you'll find that help is always on hand.
Most of our specialist support services are based around the Student Hub, a central space where you can access all of the information and support you may need during your time at University. The Student Hub is the first point of contact if you have any queries relating to your course, including questions about your timetable, options, and assessments and extenuating circumstances.
We work in partnership with the University to build a sense of pride and confidence in your Union, University and student experience.
Find out more
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- 1 year full-time
- 2 years part-time
