Sports journalism course confirmed as a springboard into industry

The employment prospects of students at the University of Northampton have been given a boost after a prestigious industry body extended its accreditation of the BA Multimedia Sports Journalism degree course.

The Broadcast Journalism Training Council (BJTC) accredited the University’s Multimedia Sports Journalism BA (Hons) course in 2019, confirming it is relevant and responsive to the demands of the broadcast industry. Following a successful review, the BJTC has now extended the accreditation.

Third year undergraduate, Meliz Veli, confirmed the course has prepared her for working in industry after she recently completed a work experience placement at national radio station, talkSPORT.

“I spent my time at the station working in the gallery, editing various audio clips to be used in different programmes,” said Meliz, pictured above.

“The only difference between the course and the radio station was the software they used at talkSPORT. Everything else they did at the station was exactly what we do in the radio studios at university. I definitely didn’t feel out of my depth and so the course certainly prepares you for the industry.”

Meliz was also full of praise for the opportunities to experience regular real-life sports reporting during her time on the course.

She said: “I go to the Northampton Saints’ media day every Tuesday to interview the players and coaches, which has been a brilliant experience and great fun, too. I’ve also been working with the Northamptonshire FA, helping with its social media and communications.

“And just a few weeks ago I was at the recent Red Roses v New Zealand international, in Northampton, and spent time with a BBC reporter, who I then got to interview about her experiences of being a woman in the industry.”

Meliz added: “On the course you cover so many different sports and learn so many different things that you get to figure out what you love and what you hate. It’s made me realise my love is for working in radio and I’d like to be on the producing side, helping the presenters, that’s a path I’m looking at.”

Four recent Multimedia Sports Journalism graduates have also bagged jobs in the industry.

Daniel Ojo has landed a job at BT Sport, while Sam Boggon has been snapped up by Sky Sports. Meanwhile, Harry Davies started his role as a boxing and MMA cage fighting writer for the Daily Mirror in the summer, while Toby Lown has just had his first front page splash for the East Anglian Daily Times.

Daniel said: “Everything I have learned at the University of Northampton has built me up to start my career.”

Sam said: “Thank you to all of my tutors at the University for their great advice and support. I can’t wait to get started.”

The BJTC works in partnership with all the main employers in the UK broadcast industry: the BBC, ITV, ITN, Associated Press, Sky News, Channel 4 News, National Union of Journalists, Creative Skillset, Reuters and The Radio Centre.

Its primary responsibility is to accredit UK journalism courses within Higher Education. Council members are all experienced employers and trainers who participate in forum meetings to discuss the development of training programmes, to improve the skills and knowledge across the broadcast journalism industry.

Its accreditation standards are based on direct and practical experience and all accredited courses are very much valued by teachers and students, employers and employees, as they are relevant and responsive to the operational demands of the broadcast industry.​