Sports Media and Journalism MA

Developed and delivered in partnership with the BBC, our MA Sports Media and Journalism course is designed to develop advanced sports journalism skills and accelerate your career in a competitive media industry.

Aligned to the corporation's journalistic practices, the course combines specialist industry input, real-world production projects and self-directed practice. You'll develop the professional skills needed to create content across broadcast, digital and social media platforms, while critically evaluating the rapidly evolving sports media landscape.

Based in one of the UK's leading sporting cities, you'll study against the backdrop of major football clubs, international cricket, athletics and world-class sporting events.

Teaching will take place at BCU's City Centre Campus and, subject to final planning approval, at the BBC's new Midlands headquarters at the Tea Factory.

What’s covered in this course?

This practice-led Master's course explores the fast-moving world of sports journalism and media. You'll develop the skills to research, create and deliver compelling sports content across broadcast, digital and social platforms, while gaining insight into the forces shaping contemporary sports media.

Working alongside BBC staff, academics and industry professionals, you'll gain experience of the full content production process, from story development and live reporting through to production, editing and distribution. You'll cover sport across a range of formats while building practical skills in journalism, multimedia storytelling and content creation.

Alongside hands-on production, you'll explore how audiences consume sports content, investigate emerging industry trends and examine the ethical, legal and commercial considerations that shape modern journalism.

Throughout the course you'll build a portfolio of professional work and develop the confidence, creativity and industry awareness needed to thrive in a competitive and evolving sector.

You will benefit from studying in one of the world's most established television and radio nations, while the BBC partnership provides valuable insight into contemporary British broadcasting and professional practice.

Professional placement option

This course offers an optional 20-week professional placement, enabling you to gain valuable industry experience following successful completion of your taught modules. If you choose to pursue a placement, you will need to secure a suitable placement related to your chosen area of study. Opportunities are secured through a competitive recruitment process, and placements with specific employers cannot be guaranteed.