Sports Journalism

A Sports Journalism degree combines the core skills of news reporting and media production with a specialist focus on sport, one of Ireland's most followed areas of public life. You study print, broadcast, and digital journalism alongside modules dedicated to GAA, rugby, soccer, and other sports coverage. Practical work is central to the programme: you produce podcasts, video packages, live match reports, and social media content throughout your studies. Placements with sports desks, radio stations, or online outlets give you real industry exposure, and some programmes offer Erasmus exchange opportunities in Europe. A typical week might involve attending a lecture on media law in the morning, editing a video report in the afternoon, and covering a local match in the evening.

Entry is typically through the CAO, requiring a minimum of six subjects in the Leaving Certificate including English, which is almost always essential and ideally taken at Higher level. Points requirements are generally moderate, though popular programmes at institutions like Griffith College and ATU tend to attract competitive applicants. Subjects such as Irish, History, and Media Studies are useful, though not always mandatory. If you do not meet the points directly, a relevant QQI Level 5 or Level 6 PLC course in Journalism, Media, or Communications can provide a progression route into the Level 8 programme. Mature students aged 23 or over may apply through the mature student pathway, and HEAR and DARE schemes are available for eligible applicants from socioeconomic or disability backgrounds.

The sports media sector in Ireland is competitive but continues to grow, driven by digital streaming, podcasting, and the global reach of Irish sporting success. Graduates with strong multimedia skills — combining writing, video, and audio production — are better placed than those with a single specialism. Salaries for entry-level sports journalists typically range from around €25,000 to €32,000 gross per year, with experienced broadcast journalists earning considerably more. Freelance and contract work is common early in your career, so building a portfolio and industry contacts during your studies is very important.