University wins top journalism award for Albion partnership

The University of Brighton’s Sport Journalism course’s partnership with Brighton and Hove Albion FC has won a prestigious journalism prize.

The Premier League Apprenticeship scheme scooped the Innovation of the Year award at the National Council for the Training of Journalists (NCTJ) 2018 Awards for Excellence.

Launched at the start of the 2017-18 season, the Apprenticeship with Albion sees six final-year Sport Journalism students employed as match-day assistants at the club. Students have interviewed high-profile football managers such as Pep Guardiola, Jurgen Klopp and Jose Mourinho.

The award was announced during a gala ceremony hosted by Sky News presenter Sarah Hewson at Quendon Hall, Essex.

Sport Journalism BA(Hons) course leader Owen Evans said: “It’s a fantastic achievement for the University of Brighton to win its first-ever NCTJ award. It underlines the unique opportunities we offer trainee sports reporters.

“This is the result of an excellent relationship with Brighton and Hove Albion FC’s communications team. Over 18 months we worked towards creating the Apprenticeship and we have seen huge benefits with many of our students already finding work in the industry.”

After a successful launch, the Apprenticeship was renewed into the 18-19 season. In September 2018, the University of Brighton became Brighton and Hove Albion’s Official Higher Education Partner.

The scheme won the prize ahead of entries from Highbury College and News Associates Manchester. Innovation is a performance standard in the NCTJ’s new approach to accreditation.

After receiving a record-breaking amount of entries, 52 students, trainees, apprentices, journalists and course providers were shortlisted in the NCTJ Awards for Excellence 2018.