The course’s virtual exchange with the University of Florida was Highly Commended in the Innovation of the Year category for providing a new teaching and learning cross-cultural experience for students to develop their skills in a live virtual environment.

The key objective of the exchange was to explore cultural differences between US and UK football industries via the characteristics of sports media, focusing on issues such as BAME representation, gender equality and accessibility.

The Innovation of the Year Award aims to encourage and recognise innovation in journalism education and training. Launched in 2017, the award recognises the unique contribution NCTJ centres make to the education and training of journalists on accredited courses. It is open to centres that have improved upon – or extended beyond – current expectations of best practice in education and training.