NCTJ Diploma in Sports Journalism

Train with the PA Media Academy and become a sports journalist in just 19 weeks

The NCTJ Diploma in Sports Journalism from PA Media 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

Apply now

Dates

19-week programme of study at our central London HQ
Next course begins 2 September 2024

Where

We are based in the heart of the City of London, a short walk from Parliament and the Central Criminal Court
You’ll report from Mayor’s Question Time, visit the PA Media newsroom, and head out to find your own stories
Our address is: 61 Queen Street, London,  EC4R 1EB

fees

Fees are £5,563 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 signficant 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 PA Training 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.

for more information, or book a spot on this course.

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

Apply now

Why train with PA Media Academy?

Find out more

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

Find out more

What our students say

View all testimonials

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.

Olivia Allhusen

, Junior Journalist

, The Sun

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.

Erin Waks

, Trainee Sub-Editor

, Daily Mail

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. 

Alex Barker

, Videographer & Presenter

, The Athletic

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.

Jonathan Moynihan

, Social Media Producer

, Forces News

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.

James Saunders

, Digital News Reporter

, GB News

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.

Holly Bishop

, Digital Reporter