Sports journalism

Duration: No time limit
Fee: £95 plus VAT

The Sports Journalism distance learning course is an optional unit to the certificate in journalism. The course can be studied alongside, or following completion of any NCTJ accredited newspaper journalism, magazine journalism or sub-editing course.

It teaches students how to cover sports, but the essential basics of journalism must also be understood, to become a competent sports journalist.

Distance learning is ideal for those unable to attend an NCTJ accredited course. It may also be of interest to trainees or reporters looking to develop sports reporting skills. Studying the programme will enable candidates to sit the NCTJ's Sports reporting exam, showing editors they have the knowledge, passion and experience to be employed on a sports desk.

You can take your own time to complete the course, and any work experience or on-the-job sports reporting you do will help you to learn and practice your skills.

The course is available on DVD-Rom and consists of six units and tasks to help you learn as you work through the course.

The units are:

Introduction to sports reporting
The sports news cycle: sports reporting in general
Press conferences and interviewing
Sports knowledge, sports public affairs and sports politics
Sports features
Subbing sports stories

Course book:

Sports Journalism - An Introduction, by Phil Andrews, is included in the price. This book can also be purchased separately from the online shop.

Why study this course?

This distance learning course would suit working journalists who wish to make the move to the sports desk, or equally for anyone wishing to get into sports journalism from another industry.

The great thing about any distance learning course is that you can study it in your own time and at your own pace.

Is there any advice you can give me before I purchase the course?

Making the most of any course completed by distance learning requires dedication and self-motivation. Failure to complete and understand the course means that you won’t be sufficiently equipped to take the exam.

You also need the talent and potential for a career in journalism.

Be aware that the course is self-assessed. You do not have your tasks marked by a tutor. The answers or recommended answers to the tasks are at the back of each module.

How does studying this course work?

You can purchase the course from the NCTJ, either through the online shop or by using the enrolment form. The DVD-Rom contains six units for you to work through and complete the tasks as you go. You must use the recommended textbook to gain a thorough understanding of what is discussed in the units. Tutor support can be arranged at an additional cost.

Once you've completed the course, you can apply to sit the Sports reporting exam. An application form should be completed and returned to the NCTJ for either the April or November exams.

How much does the exam cost?

Click here for exam fees.

I have more questions about the course - who can I contact?

Please click here for contact details.

Related Documents: Enrolment Form for EU customers (PDF, 42Kb); Enrolment Form for Non EU customers (PDF, 42Kb)