MA Sports Journalism: Week 1

Now that I’m officially enrolled and teaching has begun, I thought I would record a few thoughts about my first week as a Sports Journalism student at St Mary’s. 

Looking past the horror of rising at 5.30 AM four mornings a week, and the fight through the chaos of London’s public transport network, the start has been a very positive one. Each of the course units provide knowledge and insight into areas of journalism that will be vital to have an understanding of to succeed in the trade, and whilst Public Affairs has been earmarked as the one that’ll provide the most tedium by many, I think I’ll even enjoy that as a former History student with an interest in Politics.

One of the most important selling points of this course is the opportunity to work with, and learn from, former and current industry professionals. This not only allows us to pick up useful skills, but tricks of the trade that they had to learn the hard way. Without wishing to give too much away, as I’m paying a not-inconsiderable amount of money in tuition fees for this opportunity, I certainly learned more about conducting an interview in the two minutes spent discussing how to deal with interviewees, than I ever could watching hours and hours of polished interview footage on television.

The ultimate goal when undertaking post-graduate study is traditionally to pass exams, complete a dissertation, and walk away with a Masters in the subject of choice. Whilst all this is available, and the academic target, the style and design of this course is such that, it has been possible for students to walk away without a formal qualification and still consider their time at St Mary’s a success. Whilst I will certainly look to gain the Masters, even if only out of vanity, and to get the opportunity to moan my way through another dissertation project, I know that the course is adaptable, and that the final aim is really employment.

Aside from the make-up of the course, some interesting observations have been made. As one individual pointed out, there is a very wide mix of experiences and interests within the group, and this will not only make for interesting discussions in classes, but will also result in a wide range of topics covered on our online magazine, The Sports Gazette. Another observation shared by many of us was that it feels more like school than university. This is born out of the size of the group (19), and the fact we spend the whole timetabled day with the same group of people, rather than taking separate units, or dipping in and out of the university throughout the day.

The general consensus throughout the group has been one of excitement, and whilst this year promises to be hard work, at least it’s not accountancy.