Sports Journalism

Sports journalism is the specialism that covers sport as one of the most consistently watched, read and argued-about areas of public life. It demands the same core capabilities as all journalism, including the ability to find and verify stories, interview under pressure, write clearly and accurately and meet demanding deadlines, alongside deep knowledge of sport, its culture, its personalities and the competitive, commercial and social dynamics that shape it. At Sheffield Hallam University this programme, which includes a foundation year and a sandwich year, is based in a city with a genuinely exceptional sporting identity and a strong tradition in journalism education.

You will develop your skills in writing, broadcasting, digital content production and investigative reporting, learning to work across print, broadcast and online platforms. Sheffield's reputation as a UK city of sport provides real context for your learning: you will work alongside and learn from practising journalists covering football, athletics, boxing, ice hockey, snooker and other sports that have a genuine presence in the city. Work placements are embedded in the programme, and the sandwich year gives you a substantial period of professional experience in a sports media organisation before you graduate.

The foundation year provides a supported entry into degree-level study for those who benefit from an additional year of preparation.

Graduates of sports journalism work as reporters, correspondents, producers, digital content editors and broadcast journalists across national and regional newspapers, sports magazines, radio and television broadcasters, streaming platforms and online sports media. The skills you develop in reporting, content production and sports knowledge are also valued in roles in sports PR, communications and club media. Some graduates build successful freelance careers alongside staff roles.

The combination of journalism craft and genuine sporting knowledge is what sets sports journalists apart, and Sheffield Hallam's location and industry connections support that development throughout the programme.