BA (Hons) Sports Journalism with Foundation Year in Journalism Studies Bachelor's degree at Leeds Trinity University
BA (Hons) Sports Journalism with Foundation Year in Journalism Studies at Leeds Trinity University. You'll develop competence in core theory, research and methods, and applied practice alongside specialist options, an independent project, and professional skills development.
About this course
BA (Hons) Sports Journalism with Foundation Year in Journalism Studies is a Bachelor's degree (BA (Hons)) at Leeds Trinity University, based in Main Campus. It runs 4 years, studied full-time.
For Journalism graduates from this provider, 90% were in work or further study 15 months after graduating, 60% in highly skilled roles, typical earnings around £25,000. (HESA Graduate Outcomes / LEO, via Discover Uni.)
For the typical curriculum, specialisations, career paths and graduate earnings for Sport & Exercise Science, see the sections below.
Course evidence score
The arithmetic mean of the official measures available for this course: NSS satisfaction, graduate activity and continuation.
Published threshold met NSS publication requires sufficient responses; small differences are not a rank. NSS mean of 7 published themes (Discover Uni snapshot 2026-06-21)
Limited evidence Published sample: 15; treat comparisons cautiously. Cohort 2021-23. Graduate Outcomes work or further study 90% (2021-23; Discover Uni snapshot 2026-06-21)
Published threshold met Discover Uni suppresses continuation data below its publication threshold. Cohort 2021-23. Continuation 90% (2021-23; Discover Uni snapshot 2026-06-21)
Curriculum & modules
Real modules published for this course, grouped only where the source gives a year, stage or level.
Foundation Year 4 modules
- Academic Skills and Studying with ConfidenceCore
Module details
Core academic skills such as using electronic resources, planning and note-taking, communication skills related to essay and report writing and delivering presentations. Time management, prioritisation, stress management, and engagement with collaborative learning, debates, discussions and critical reflection.
- ProjectCore
Module details
Study areas of interest related to your chosen future academic specialisation in this highly personalised module. 12 hours of workshop tuition to explore assessment and project form (written report, presentation, film or blog posts). Explores topics, peer assessment, personal tutoring and learning hub liaison. Career and employability pathways explored with Graduate Recruitment Team and Centre for Journalism. Second semester focuses on negotiated assessment using existing academic literature and
- Introduction to JournalismCore
Module details
Understanding of tools used by journalists and content creators, how to spot interesting stories and gather information. Basics of producing attention-grabbing content for social media, websites, television and radio.
- Communication: Introduction to Modern MediaCore
Module details
Theory and practice of film, television, journalism, radio and the web through lectures, workshops and practical exercises. Practical guidance on finding the 'hook' and grabbing an audience's attention. Understanding of narrative structure, character development and idea generation.
Year 1 2 modules
- Essential Sports Journalism 1Core
Module details
Essential skills to be a sports journalist. Produce sports content for online, social media, TV and radio, developing skills in photography, interviewing and online presentation. Learn about Search Engine Optimisation (SEO), visual communication, sourcing sports stories and story development. Introduction to media law and industry regulation.
- Essential Sports Journalism 2Core
Module details
Develop practical sports journalism skills, build theoretical knowledge and complete five weeks of professional placement. Focus on multimedia production. Write sports content for online, social media and radio. Develop skills in online presentation, SEO, visual communication, television mobile journalism, photography, interviewing, sourcing sports stories, story development and audience analytics. Live newsroom production. Theoretical journalism strand covering literature searching, citation an
Year 2 6 modules
- Sports ReportingCore
Module details
Develop skills in key areas of sports writing through practical exercises. Cover previews, live coverage, aftermath and specialist reporting. Practical work in context of sports reporting issues, including sources in sports industry and role of digital skills in research and publication. Professional development skills preparation for six weeks of placements.
- Off the Field: The Business of SportsCore
Module details
Develop academic skills, focusing on critical analysis of off-the-field aspects of sports reporting. Academic understanding to enhance and sharpen journalistic practice. Investigate influence of social, economic and political power on media presentation of global sports. Explore how different theories illuminate a range of stories.
- PitchsideCore
Module details
As a sports journalist, cover a West Yorkshire team or sport as a patch reporter for ten weeks. Attend press conferences, games and events and file content to an outward-facing sports news online platform.
- Documentary: Concept to PracticeOptional
Module details
Develop production and story-telling skills, working as a team to produce a seven-minute short film. Learn the process of development, research, production, post-production, and the crucial role of narrative structure. Explore ethics behind creative treatment of actuality and provide theoretical understanding of role of non-fiction media products and historical development.
- Features and MagazinesOptional
Module details
Create a varied portfolio of magazine and feature writing through practical exercises. Involve using authoritative sources, research and interview skills, writing styles and role of internet for research and publication. Explore magazine market and develop craft production skills to create your own magazine.
- Radio and PodcastingOptional
Module details
Learn interview skills, how to write for radio and podcasts, how to edit audio, and skills needed to compile, write and deliver a news bulletin and podcast. Understanding of radio and podcasting and context in which they operate, including OFCOM regulation, marketplaces and audiences.
Year 3 5 modules
- Final ProjectCore
Module details
Consolidate skills from degree course by producing a dissertation, a work-based learning project with a portfolio, or an artefact (which could be a portfolio). All routes involve detailed research, working with university supervision and relevant sources, experts, industry professionals and work partners.
- Running the NewsroomCore
Module details
Work in teams running competing newsrooms covering sports stories. Rolling responsibilities such as editor, video, social media or syndication. Produce content for a website, aiming to build significant online audience. Two media law refresher sessions at start of year.
- PR and PromotionsOptional
Module details
Working on real-life case studies, examine context of public relations and promotions in media and explore methods used by industry professionals. Techniques include news releases, media relations, events, social media and digital promotions. Produce portfolio and presentation as part of team. Attend talks by business partners and guest speakers from industry.
- Advanced Documentary ProductionOptional
Module details
Devise, research and produce a ten-minute documentary film. Theoretical understanding of nature, impact and role of contemporary documentaries and practical aspects of production. Devise and research programme ideas, find key contributors, prepare and execute single-camera location filming and story-telling in editing process. Intensive period of self-directed team-based production to create professional-quality documentary and legal binder of industry-standard production documents. Individual c
- Public Interest ReportingOptional
Module details
Hone professional public interest reporting skills and enhance employability by working towards NCTJ shorthand diploma. Explore role of journalism in democracy and civic communities. Learn shorthand note-taking to reach speeds of 60-100wpm. Work independently outside taught shorthand sessions to put shorthand to practical use by attending council meetings.
Source: provider course page. Modules can change; required/optional status, credits, descriptions and assessment are shown only when explicitly published.
Course in depth
What this course covers, who it suits and where it leads.
What you'll study
This course combines foundational journalism training with specialist study in sports journalism. You'll usually begin with core journalism principles, then progress through sport and exercise science fundamentals including anatomy, exercise physiology and sport psychology. From year two onwards, a course like this typically builds towards applied practice: you'll study biomechanics, training physiology and research methods, alongside developing journalism skills specific to sports coverage. In your final years, you can pursue specialisations such as strength & conditioning, nutrition, rehabilitation, coaching, or PE teaching routes. Most programmes culminate in an independent research project or dissertation that applies what you've learned to a real sports or journalism question.
Who it's for
You're drawn to sport and enjoy writing, interviewing, or telling stories. You work well under deadline pressure and can turn raw information into clear, engaging copy. You're curious about how news organisations function and want to understand journalism from the inside, not just consume it. You'll thrive if you're willing to pitch ideas, receive editorial feedback, and refine your work repeatedly. This course suits people who see journalism as a craft worth mastering, and who want to build a demonstrable body of work before entering the professional newsroom.
Careers & job market
Across Sport & Exercise Science graduates nationally, 90% are in work or further study 15 months after graduating, with 62% of working graduates in highly skilled roles or further study. National Graduate Outcomes data shows sports journalism and related graduates earning £22,000–£30,000 at the 15-month mark, with earnings ranging from £19,125–£27,000 after three years and £23,375–£33,000 after five years. Pathways include roles in broadcast, digital, and print sports media, sports communications, and related fields. Your portfolio and professional contacts built during the course will be essential when applying for entry-level positions.
University & format
This is a 4-year full-time Bachelor's degree (BA Hons) in Sports Journalism with Foundation Year, studied at Leeds Trinity University, a university located on Main Campus. Instruction is in English. The degree is awarded by a recognised UK degree-awarding body, so your qualification is nationally recognised. Leeds Trinity University holds Silver for teaching quality in the Office for Students' Teaching Excellence Framework (2023).
Student satisfaction
How students on this course answered the National Student Survey, by theme.
Share of students responding positively.
Published threshold met NSS publication requires sufficient responses; small differences are not a rank. NSS mean of 7 published themes (Discover Uni snapshot 2026-06-21)
Applicant information
The next application dates for this course, followed by facts the provider publishes.
- 2027 entryCompleted applications can be submitted
Your application needs a reference before you can send it.
- 2026 entryFinal date for 2026 applications
Applications must reach UCAS by 18:00 UK time.
- 2026 entryLast day to add a Clearing choice
Check that this course still has a vacancy before adding it.
- 2027 entryEqual-consideration deadline
18:00 UK time for most undergraduate courses.
Show 5 later dates
- 2027 entryUCAS Extra opens
Applicants who used all five choices and hold no offer may be able to add another choice.
- 2027 entryLast day applications go directly to providers
Applications received after 18:00 UK time are entered into Clearing.
- 2027 entryClearing opens
Eligible applicants can see vacancies and release themselves into Clearing.
- 2027 entryFinal date for 2027 applications
Applications must reach UCAS by 18:00 UK time.
- 2027 entryLast day to add a Clearing choice
Check that this course still has a vacancy before adding it.
Provider-published requirement; check the linked course page before applying.
See and book current events. Dates can fill or change.
Entry & how to get in
Who gets in
What recently admitted students actually held, official admissions data, not a stated requirement.
UCAS tariff of entrants
Grades are the A-level equivalent of each points band. Tap a band to check your own chances below.
Qualifications held on entry
| Qualification | Share |
|---|---|
| A-levels or equivalent | 85% |
| an Access course | 15% |
Entry & your chances
An honest read from the official entry data, plus your personal match.
Accepted students came in with a broad spread of qualifications and UCAS points. If you're worried about grades, this course has historically taken a wide range, and contextual offers may apply.
Will you get in? Plot your grades
Pick your predicted A-levels and watch your UCAS points land on the real spread of students admitted to this course.
Each bar is the share of admitted students in that UCAS-points band (lower → higher). Grades show the A-level equivalent.
Based on the official admitted-student tariff distribution. Many universities make contextual (reduced-grade) offers, so a result below the range doesn’t rule you out.
How to apply
Undergraduate applications go through UCAS. Here’s what matters for this course, the right deadline, the grades to aim for, and the steps in order.
- 1Register on UCAS Hub
Create your UCAS application and add this course. One application covers up to five choices.
- 2Write your personal statement
A single statement covers all your choices, so keep it broad enough for similar courses while showing genuine interest in this subject.
- 3Submit by 13 January 2027, 18:00 UK time
UCAS equal-consideration deadline for most undergraduate courses. Source: UCAS 2027 dates.
- 4Reply to your offers
When decisions are in, pick a firm (first) choice and an insurance (back-up) choice with slightly lower grades.
- 5Results day & confirmation
On results day (mid-August) your place is confirmed if you meet the offer. Just missed? Talk to the university, or find a place through Clearing.
Fees & funding
What this course costs and how UK student finance covers it.
Tuition per year
Standard capped home fee at English providers (2026/27); Scotland, Wales & NI differ.
Check fees at Leeds Trinity University →For students who normally live in England
2026/27 Student Finance England figures. Maintenance support is means-tested and this two-point view is not an entitlement calculator. The course total uses its published length and home fee where both are available; a missing full-time fee uses the clearly labelled England-cap scenario, while part-time fees and unknown lengths are never guessed. Use the official calculator. Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland use separate systems: SAAS, Student Finance Wales, and Student Finance NI.
Starting on or after 1 January 2027?
The Lifelong Learning Entitlement is a separate system. A new learner’s tuition entitlement is currently stated as £39,160 (about 480 credits at 2026/27 fee levels), subject to prior study and eligibility. Check the official LLE guide.
Paying for it
- Tuition Fee Loan: can cover eligible tuition up to the applicable limit and is paid straight to the provider.
- Maintenance Loan: up to £10,830/yr away from home outside London (England, 2026/27), means-tested on household income.
- Repayment: 9% of income above £25,000, nothing below it; written off after 40 years.
- Earn alongside: most students work part-time in term, part-time roles on the StudySmarter job board.
England figures shown; Scotland, Wales & NI run their own schemes, check gov.uk.
Scholarships & bursaries you could qualify for
That does not mean no funding exists. Check the university directory for current amounts, eligibility and application dates.
We only display a named award when its provider source identifies the award and who it is for.
Still deciding what to study?
StudyKit brings course choice, applications and funding together in one place, with a personal AI assistant. Find what really fits you and start your UCAS application step by step.
Careers & earnings
What Sport & Exercise Science graduates actually earn, from real outcome data, 15 months, 3 years and 5 years after graduating.
Graduate earnings: this course
| When | Median | Typical range | Graduates |
|---|---|---|---|
| 15 months after | £25,000 | £22,000 – £26,000 | 15 |
| 3 years after | £21,000 | £17,500 – £24,500 | 80 |
| 5 years after | £25,000 | £20,500 – £30,500 | 80 |
Nominal earnings for graduates of this course/subject at this provider. Limited evidence. Published sample: 15; treat comparisons cautiously. Cohort 2021-23.
Graduate outcomes, 15 months on: this course
- 1Graduate roleFirst role after the degree · 0–2 yrs
- 2Specialist / PractitionerWorking in sport & exercise science · 2–5 yrs
- 3Senior / LeadLeading work and people · 5–10 yrs
- 4Head of / ExpertSenior leadership or deep expertise · 10+ yrs
How pay grows: this course vs Sport & Exercise Science nationally
National figures for Sport & Exercise Science graduates, HESA Graduate Outcomes (15 months) and the Longitudinal Education Outcomes (LEO) dataset (3 & 5 years). These are national, not university-specific; actual pay varies by employer, region, role and experience. Different cohorts, so the bars are not one group over time.
Work out your pay
Headline figures hide a lot. Calculate realistic take-home pay for this field by role, region and experience, then check your CV before you apply.
What happened to 100 students?
Choose an outcome to translate the published percentage into a simple 100-person view. Each dot represents one percentage point, not an individual tracked student.
were in work or further study
15 months after graduation
Source: Discover Uni, using Graduate Outcomes and continuation data. Cohorts: 2021-23. Limited evidence. Published sample: 15; treat comparisons cautiously. Cohort 2021-23. Each tab is a separate published measure; categories can overlap and should not be added together.
Value compared with similar courses
How this course’s 5-year median earnings compare with Sport & Exercise Science courses at the same study level.
Compared with 915 courses with compatible official earnings data. This is a course-value comparison, not a quality ranking.
UK occupations graduates enter
Published graduate destinations, joined conservatively to UK SOC 2020, ONS pay and Skills England demand.
- Media ProfessionalsSOC 2020 249 · 35% of published destinations · ASHE median £40,895
- Business and public service associate professionalsSOC 2020 35 · 15% of published destinations · ASHE median £38,760
- Elementary occupationsSOC 2020 9 · 10% of published destinations · ASHE median £19,087
Discover Uni JOBLIST/JOBTYPE; ONS ASHE 2025 provisional, all employee jobs; Skills England Occupations in Demand 2025. SOC is shown only for an exact normalised label match; demand is shown only at exact four-digit SOC. Published sample: 65; response rate: 50%. Pay describes the occupation across workers, not a guaranteed graduate salary.
Job market & outlook
How Sport & Exercise Science graduates fare in the labour market, and how AI is reshaping the work.
How AI is changing the work
AI doesn't replace the profession, it shifts it: routine tasks get automated, while judgement, working with people and using AI well become more valuable.
What AI takes off your plate
- Routine information gathering
- First-draft writing and summaries
- Standard analysis and admin
- Repetitive processing tasks
More human than ever
- Judgement and original thinking
- Working with and leading people
- Owning and sense-checking AI output
- Ethics and accountability
The strongest graduates pair subject depth with the ability to use AI tools critically.
Roles & employers
Where Sport & Exercise Science graduates typically go, indicative destinations from graduate career data. Each role links to live openings on the StudySmarter job board.
Roles graduates go into
Where they work
- Sports clubs & NGBs
- Leisure providers
- Schools
- The NHS
Jobs after this course
Current roles from the StudySmarter job board that suit Sport & Exercise Science graduates.
Sport CoachAspire PeopleSport Science LeadBiolyz FlexCoBTEC Tech Awards Sept 22 - Sport - ExaminerPearsonEquine Vet: Independent Clinic for Leisure & Sport HorsesBritish Veterinary LGBT+Learning Mentor (PE/Sport)Prospero TeachingCasual Youth Worker: Sport, Community Growth & BelongingActive Herefordshire & WorcestershireIs this course right for you?
The essentials UK applicants ask about: finance, outcomes, entry and quality.
Student finance
For comparison, the standard full-time England tuition cap is up to £9,790 per year in 2026/27; the actual fee varies by course and provider. If you normally live in England, eligible students can apply for a Tuition Fee Loan, plus a Maintenance Loan for living costs. Under Plan 5 you repay 9% of income above £25,000, nothing below that, and the balance is written off after 40 years.
Where graduates go
90% were in work or further study 15 months after graduating, with a median salary of £25,000. See the full breakdown in Careers & earnings above.
Your entry chances
Use the UCAS points calculator above to see how your predicted grades compare with admitted students, and whether a contextual offer could apply.
Official-data snapshot
Averaging the official measures published for it, this course scores 9.0 out of 10: NSS 91% · in work or study 90% · continued 90%.
Who studies here and in this subject?
Provider- and UK subject-level context.
Leeds Trinity University
Biological and sport sciences across the UK
HESA student record 2024/25. Counts are rounded.
Local crime-data context
A neutral snapshot around the published teaching location.
Around Main Campus
248 street-level reports returned within roughly one mile across 2026-04 to 2026-06.
Police.uk street-level API. Approximate locations, not confined to campus. England, Wales and Northern Ireland; not Scotland.
Is Sport & Exercise Science right for you?
Tick what applies to you and see how good a fit it is.
International students
What applying to Leeds Trinity University from outside the UK involves: fees, English, visa, funding and living costs.
Tuition fees
International tuition is set per course by Leeds Trinity University; international fees are typically £12,000–£30,000/year for classroom subjects and higher for lab/clinical ones. You’re not eligible for UK Tuition Fee or Maintenance Loans, so plan for fees plus living costs upfront.
English language
Most UK undergraduate courses ask for around IELTS 6.0–6.5 (no band below 5.5–6.0), or an accepted equivalent. If you’re just short, most universities run a pre-sessional English course that counts towards the requirement.
Student visa
You’ll usually need a Student visa (Student Route). After you accept an offer the university issues a CAS; you then show funds for fees plus about £1,023–£1,334/month living costs and pay the Immigration Health Surcharge for NHS access.
Scholarships & funding
Many universities offer international/global scholarships (often £2,000–£6,000/yr), check Leeds Trinity University’s funding pages.
Living costs
Budget roughly £1,100–£1,400/month outside London and £1,400–£1,800/month in London for rent, food and travel; the figure also matters for your visa.
Working while you study
A Student visa usually allows up to 20 hours/week in term time and full-time in holidays, useful alongside study, though not something to rely on for fees.
Visa rules and fees change. Always confirm the current requirements with Leeds Trinity University and gov.uk before you apply.
Related courses
More at Leeds Trinity University
BA (Hons) Physical Education and Sports Coaching with Foundation Year in Sport and ExerciseBA (Hons) · Leeds Trinity UniversityBA (Hons) Physical Education and Sports CoachingBA (Hons) · Leeds Trinity UniversityBA (Hons) Sports JournalismBA (Hons) · Leeds Trinity UniversityBSc (Hons) Sport and Exercise Sciences with Foundation Year in Sport and ExerciseBSc (Hons) · Leeds Trinity University
Common questions
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