NCTJ DIPLOMA
NCTJ Diploma in Sports Journalism
Train with Press Association Academy and become a sports journalist in just 19 weeks.
Train with Press Association Academy and become a sports journalist in just 19 weeks
The NCTJ Diploma in Sports Journalism from Press Association Academy will build the foundations for your career in sports journalism, helping you develop the skills you'll need to succeed in this competitive field and understand what will set you apart when it comes to finding a job and impressing editors.
You'll spend one day each week learning how to write great previews, match and event reports, interviews, commentary and more. Coached by a specialist sports journalist trainer, the fast-track NCTJ Diploma in Sports Journalism will give you lots of opportunity to put your learning into practice and develop your style and voice.
For the rest of the week, you'll focus on building core journalism skills – learning how to be a fair and ethical reporter who lands great stories, understanding how to get the most from digital platforms, and gaining essential digital video skills. You'll study media law and ethics modules so that editors know they can trust you to work safely and with integrity, and build your knowledge of public affairs and politics so you can hold power to account. You'll also be working towards attaining 100 words-a-minute in shorthand so that you never need to worry about having missed a quote or a story.
Who the course is for
What could be better than getting paid to watch sport and share your passion for it with others? If you're keen to build journalism skills to match your enthusiasm for sport, then this course could help you take the first steps in your dream career. We'd love to hear from you if:
- You love sport – it doesn't need to be football. All sports welcome!
- You are committed to building a career in journalism and prepared to work hard
- You are ambitious and impatient to get your career started
- You want to learn from experts with huge industry experience
Dates
- 19-week programme of study at our central London HQ
- Our full-time courses start in February and September each year
- Part-time courses begin in September each year
Where
- We are based in the heart of East London, a short walk from the London Stadium and Westfield Shopping Centre.
- You'll report from Mayor's Question Time, visit the Press Association newsroom, and head out to find your own stories
- Our address is: 2 Redman Place, Stratford, London, E20 1JQ
Fees
- Fees are £6,250 for the 19-week course
- Fees can be paid by instalments
- If eligible, you might consider applying to the Journalism Diversity Fund
NCTJ Diploma modules
Sports Journalism – master compelling previews, commentary, live blogs and features
Essential Journalism – the basics of how to get the story and develop strong writing skills. No matter the role you're aiming for, you'll need to show these skills to get the job
Ethics – understand the code that guides journalists and discuss real-life issues
Essential Media Law and Court Reporting – this is essential for any journalist. The toolbox no journalist can be without, and every editor wants to know you have
Journalism for a Digital Audience – understand how digital publishing organisations work and how to write brilliant stories across all digital platforms
Public Affairs – understand how power works and how you can challenge it
Shorthand – develop the skills to write 100 words a minute
Your portfolio
Our training is hands-on and includes news days and live exercises where you'll be tasked with interviewing people, attending a press conference, and covering a breaking news event.
You'll build a significant portfolio of sports journalism through practical exercises each week, alongside a selection of digital and news stories that will impress editors when you apply for your first job.
Journalism careers
We have excellent links with newsrooms and understand what hiring editors are looking for. During your course you'll meet journalists from national newsrooms who are doing your dream job – and can tell you how to get it. We can also offer support and advice to those choosing freelance careers. After the course you'll be able to join our alumni network and build connections with other Press Association Academy graduates.
Multimedia training
You'll receive video and audio training as part of your course and will also build a strong portfolio of stories so you have a range of work to show editors when it comes to finding a job.
Learning outcomes
- Confidently write a compelling sports report
- Develop the skills for good storytelling
- Understand the code that guides journalists
- Acquire essential media law and court reporting knowledge
- Learn how to create excellent digital content
- Build your shorthand speed to 100 words a minute
Why train with Press Association Academy?
- Newsroom connected with national and international reach
- More than 50 years' experience training journalists and PRs
- All courses are expert-led by working media professionals
- Trainers have a diversity of backgrounds and perspectives
- Small class sizes allow for practical, interactive exercises
What our students say
Not only did I develop the necessary toolkit to become a journalist, but I also did so in an environment that fosters a real sense of community and personal career support.
I made amazing friends, amazing memories and now it has led me to an amazing job which I never would have gotten without my time at Press Association.
The methods and techniques you learn (and apply) on a daily basis through teaching, coursework and eventually exams crop up again and again in both job applications and jobs themselves – the course content is directly relevant to the realities of the industry.
I learned to write concise articles and features, while developing my skills in social media, interviewing sources, and producing stories for an increasingly online audience. The course has allowed me to start a full-time journalism career.
The teaching I received was second to none and despite having no experience whatsoever in journalism, the tutors made sure there was a friendly environment where I felt welcome to ask any questions I needed. I was able to finish the course and go into a job working for The Sun.
I was able to count on excellent teachers and professionals who helped me push my limits and achieve my goals. I was impressed by the quality of the course and the motivation teachers put into it. It was a great experience and I would definitely do it again!
It’s a great place to make connections – networking with teachers, guest speakers and fellow students can be key to gaining advice or even job opportunities during and after the course.
I really could not recommend Press Association enough to anyone who is looking to jump into the fascinating world of journalism. The course equips you with all the necessary skills you need to enter the industry and the wide range of topics covered leaves it hard for you to ever feel bored.
My time at PA Training was a whirlwind of fun and excitement. The full-time NCTJ course in London is fast-paced and hard work but perfectly sets you up for what to expect in a reporter role.
The staff truly go above and beyond, providing detailed feedback, a wealth of knowledge and many career opportunities. I’d recommend the course to any budding journalist. You’ll have fun, too!
Being equipped with an NCTJ Diploma does massive favours for your future, and the skills the course taught me are ones I lean on every single day. The simple fact is, I wouldn’t be where I am without that course.
Interested in this course?
Talk to the Press Association Academy team about dates, fees and bespoke options.