A new sports journalism degree is set to be offered by a university from the next acdemic year.

The University of Northampton has announced the multimedia sports journalism course will take its first batch of students in September 2017.

The course has been devised by Kate Williams, the university’s subject leader for Journalism, Media and Performance, who has worked as a news presenter for BBC Radio 5Live.

Kate, pictured above left, described the university as the “obvious choice” for anyone wanting to get into sports journalism.

She said: “I love sport. I am a Northampton Town season ticket holder and have followed the Cobblers home and away for many years.

“We are very lucky in Northamptonshire not only to have Northampton Town, Northants County Cricket Club and Northampton Saints, but also the home of Formula 1, just down the road in Silverstone, along with horse racing at Towcester. Geographically, it’s the perfect place to follow and report on a wide variety of sports.”

In addition to covering the practical skills needed for a career in sports journalism, undergraduates will also examine the legal and regulatory side of the industry, plus the ethical considerations of sports coverage.

News days form a central part of the course, with students working to deadlines, filing sports copy or preparing for broadcast using industry standard equipment.

Kate added: “It is truly multimedia, making sure students learn how to write good copy as well as how to record, film and edit for TV and radio.

“So much reporting nowadays is online so we will make sure students know how to use social media and design their own websites. My background in the industry means I know what employers are looking for and what skills new sports journalists need.”

“We are very lucky to have a close relationship with Northampton Town who have always been very supportive and helped our students wherever possible when they are covering stories.”