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.

The student will be expected to integrate newly acquired production skills and knowledge together with advanced research skills at masters level. All knowledge and skills gained from the course should be applied to produce a highly professional piece of work to broadcast/printable standard.

Assessment 1 = Learning Outcomes 1-6

Assessment 2 = Learning Outcomes 1-6

Assessment 3 = Learning Outcomes 4-5


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.

(Weighted at 10%)


Assessment 2

A 40-minute radio documentary programme
OR
A 25-minute television documentary programme
OR
A professional portfolio comprising 8,000 words of self-generated print or digital content. The articles should cover the same theme and be written with a specific publisher or target audience in mind (and identified in the reflective report)

(Weighted at 80%)

AND

Assessment 3
A reflective report of 1500 words analysing the production and the production process (knowledge & understanding, learning analysis, problems solving, application, enquiry, communication, reflection)

(Weighted at 10%)


Employability

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


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 two is a reflective evaluation.

Three group tutorial (3x1 hour) plus five individual tutorial (5x1 hour).

Total = 8 hours

Independent learning = 392 hours
Developing advanced knowledge and understanding of the demands of specialist areas of journalism and allied industries.

1. Use research methodologies and be able to apply them practically

2. Demonstrate knowledge and ability to produce a piece of substantive independent journalism research

3. Demonstrate originality in the application of knowledge and an understanding of how the boundaries of knowledge are advanced through research

4. Demonstrate a comprehensive conceptual understanding and critical evaluation of methodologies and techniques applicable to their research subject

5. Evaluate complex issues, both systematically and creatively, making sound judgement in the absence of complete information

6. Convey complex issues clearly to specialist and non-specialist audiences

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

None

You will research and produce a substantial piece of work - either for print, digital or broadcast - of professional quality, suitable for publication in a newspaper, magazine, or for a radio or TV outlet. This is where you put a marker down for future employers, by pursuing an in-depth sporting subject you are passionate about.