A DEGREE in sports journalism is being launched by a Scottish university.
The University of the West of Scotland is starting the course – believed to be the first of its kind at a Scottish university – from its Hamilton campus.
Says UWS: “BA (Hons) Sports Journalism students will be taught general reporting, interviewing and writing skills that will prepare them for the demands of a convergent news environment where sports journalists produce news in a variety of formats for print, broadcast and online audiences.
“This course will provide a wide range of employment opportunities for graduates.
“In addition to entering the news media on graduation, it is anticipated that the 2014 Commonwealth Games and the 2011 Children’s Olympics in Lanarkshire will provide a wealth of opportunities for students to establish careers as press officers and public relations staff within sports organisations.”
Says course leader, Margaret Hughes: “We have consulted closely with industry in developing this programme, ensuring that it will equip our students with the skills required for success in the exciting and growing field of sports journalism.
“The programme has a strong practical element and thanks to the University’s industry links students will undertake work placements with newspapers, magazines, broadcast and online news environments as part of the degree.”
In year one of the degree, students will be provided with an introduction to a range of news writing and reporting skills for print, broadcast and online news providers.
“Year two will see students develop their specialist skills in sports reporting through a range of practical and theoretical modules.
“In third year, all students will undertake a work placement in news organisations and will participate in a weekly news production class where they will produce news content for print, broadcast and online news.
Students will also undertake the study and role of ethics, from a journalistic perspective, and discuss the wider social and cultural responsibilities of journalism.
In Honours year, students will undertake projects that lead to the completion of an Honours dissertation, a major research project where students will carry out an independent study of some aspect of sports journalism.
