This module provides an intensive period of independent study in which you will research and produce a substantial body of work appropriate for publication or commercial use in journalism or a journalism-related field. The range of project formats, subjects and topics, which can be used is extremely wide and you are encouraged to choose an area of investigation and mode of working which fits your career aspirations. The possibilities include: a series of in-depth articles on a specific subject or topic; a series of articles produced in a particular style or format; original project design, development and production in print, online, TV or radio; a professional practice portfolio produced on behalf of and in agreement with a specific employer.
Your supervisor will be able to advise you regarding suitability in complying with the module requirements. Although submission to a publisher or appropriate commercial user is not a requirement in the module you are strongly advised to identify a publication or allied professional use for which your work would be appropriate. Guidance will be available from your chosen project supervisor who will provide tutorial support until the project is completed. The focus throughout is on producing work to professionally publishable/useable standards.

Assessment 1 = Learning Outcomes 1, 2 and 3

Assessment 2 = Learning Outcomes 2, 3 and 5

Assessment 3 = Learning Outcomes 1-5


Assessment 1

Submit a 500-word proposal, or “pitch,” outlining your project ideas and make a presentation of approximately 10 minutes to staff, explaining how you plan to bring them to fruition.


Assessment 2

A mid-term assessment. Samples of your project to date (totalling 1,000 words or equivalent). This can include published and unpublished content.


Assessment 3

A portfolio of commercially publishable/broadcastable journalistic material or print/digital/broadcast material for use by specified organisation or targeted at a specific audience. 8,000 words (written); minimum 16 minutes-maximum 20 minutes (audio); 8-12 minutes (video).


Employability

Assessment one is precisely the manner in which the industry works, and by which journalists/practitioners “pitch” their ideas to line managers.


The portfolio is an authentic assessment; work being produced should be of industry standard and appropriate for the medium in question (print/online/broadcast)


This is work that can feature in a student’s showreel/c.v. as the module requires work to be of an industry standard.


Diversity

Students will be encouraged to cover issues relating to diversity and equality in sport.


Reflection

Assessment 4 is a reflective evaluation.

Four group tutorials (4x1 hour) plus seven individual tutorials (7x1 hour).

Total = 11 hours

Independent learning = 389 hours
Developing advanced knowledge and understanding of the demands of specialist areas of journalism and allied industries.

1. Evaluate and select appropriate approaches, skills and techniques to realise the project

2. Communicate the results of research with appropriate tone, style and content

3. Show evidence of extending skills in a time-constrained, self-managed environment

4. Demonstrate a range of qualities and skills pertinent to journalism which are also transferable to other domains and disciplines

5. Demonstrate advanced competence in producing/assessing to publishable/professional standards

Newsroom facilities plus relevant software

Radio and TV studios

Equipment from stores

Blackboard

Adams, Sally and Lee-Potter, Emma (2017) Interviewing for Journalists, Routledge.

Anderson, Douglas A., (1994) Contemporary Sports Reporting, Nelson-Hall

Andrews, P. (2013) Sports Journalism – A Practical Introduction, Sage.

Boyle, Raymond (2006) Sports Journalism – Context and Issues, Sage.

Boyle, Raymond (2020) Changing Sports Journalism Practice in the Age of Digital, Routledge

Bradshaw, Paul and Rohumaa, Liisa (2011) The Online Journalism Handbook, Pearson.

Bradshaw, Tom and Minogue, Daragh (2019) Sports Journalism – The State of Play, Routledge.

Bull A. (2016) Multimedia Journalism – A Practical Guide, Routledge.

Frost, C. (2010) Reporting for Journalists, Routledge.

Harcup, T. (2021) Journalism Principles and Practice, Sage.

Hennessy, B. (2006) Writing Feature Articles (4th edition), Focal Press.

Hicks, W. (2013) English for Journalists, Routledge.

Hudson, G & Rowlands, S (2007) The Broadcast Journalism Handbook, Pearson

Marsh, David. (2013) For Who the Bell Tolls, Guardian Faber Publishing.

Pape, Susan, Featherstone, Sue (2006) Feature Writing: A Practical Introduction London, Sage.

Phillips, A. (2007) Good Writing for Journalists, Sage.

Rowe, D., (2004) Sport, Culture and the Media, Open UP

Rudin, R., and Ibbotson, T., (2002) An Introduction to Journalism - essential techniques and background, Focal Press

Steen, R. (2013) Sports Journalism, A Multimedia Primer, Routledge.

Stewart, Peter and Alexander, Ray. (2016, 7th ed) Broadcast Journalism, Routledge

Swaine, M; Gilbert, H. and Allen G. (2022) Writing for Journalists, Routledge

Thompson, Rick, (2010) Writing for Broadcast Journalists, Routledge.

Toney, J. (2013) Sports Journalism – The Inside Track, Bloomsbury.

Truss, Lynne (2009) Eats, Shoots and Leaves, Fourth Estate

Wilstein, S., (2002) Sportswriting handbook, McGraw-Hill