Lay the foundations for a winning career in sports journalism

Budding sports journalists will be able to lay the foundations for a successful career thanks to a new course at the University of Northampton.

Applications are now open for places on the Multimedia Sports Journalism degree course, which has been devised by Kate Williams, the University’s subject leader for Journalism, Media and Performance – and a confessed sporting fanatic.

“I love sport,” said Kate. ”I am a Northampton Town season ticket holder and have followed the Cobblers home and away for many years.”

For Kate, offering students the chance to study Multimedia Sports Journalism was an obvious choice. She said: “We are very lucky in Northamptonshire not only to have Northampton Town, Northants County Cricket Club and Northampton Saints, but also the home of Formula 1, just down the road in Silverstone, along with horse racing at Towcester.

“Geographically, it’s the perfect place to follow and report on a wide variety of sports.”

Kate’s background as a news presenter on BBC Radio 5live has ensured the degree will cover all the essentials needed to become a sports journalist.

She said: “It is truly multimedia, making sure students learn how to write good copy as well as how to record, film and edit for TV and radio.

“So much reporting nowadays is online so we will make sure students know how to use social media and design their own websites.

“My background in the industry means I know what employers are looking for and what skills new sports journalists need.”

Kate added: “We are very lucky to have a close relationship with Northampton Town who have always been very supportive and helped our students wherever possible when they are covering stories.”

In addition to covering the practical skills needed for a career in sports journalism, undergraduates will also examine the legal and regulatory side of the industry, plus the ethical considerations of sports coverage.

News days form a central part of the course, with students working to deadlines, filing sports copy or preparing for broadcast using industry standard equipment.

The facilities at the University include radio and TV studios, while students will also undertake work placements within the sporting industry.

Applications are now open for the new degree which will take its first group of students in September 2017. To apply, visit the course page.