Sport Journalism BA (Hons)
Hall of Fame
Short biographies or quotes from past students of Sport Journalism BA(Hons).
“The lecturers, who enjoy wonderfully tight relationships with students, have a wealth of wisdom that they are only too happy to share. Initiative is encouraged.”
Giuseppe Muro, graduated 2012: Giuseppe currently works at the Evening Standard
“My time on the sports journalism course allowed me to learn valuable skills as well as sharpen those I already possessed. Having the ability to write to a decent standard opens doors in almost any business, unlike other courses your future employment options aren't limited to the subject you are studying.”
Tom Caulfield, graduated 2012: Tom currently works in the international brand marketing team based at the global headquarters for Red Bull.
“I took up PR as my career path, which is part of the course. Chelsea were impressed at my work experience with professional players and managers. The course set me up with that.”
Jade Fitch, graduated 2011: Jade works at Chelsea football club.
“I started off in journalism adhering to guides and writing reports but now I'm the one who is setting the standards with my own house style guidelines and my own editorial role.”
Russell Moore, graduated 2011: Web content officer for the English Table Tennis Association
Declan Taylor, graduated 2010: Having spent a year at Arsenal FC as part of our annual work placement scheme with the club, Declan joined Hayters after graduation, and continues to flourish there. His byline can currently be seen, among others, in the Mirror, Sun and Daily Mail, albeit sometimes under the nom de plume 'Matt Parker'. "I must admit, I quite like it," said Dec, reasoning that it "sounds a bit like a superhero's by-day name!" To his evident surprise, he has also "somehow carved myself a niche here as the boxing man."
"I'm the editorial assistant at Loaded magazine - the place my tutors told me to go on placement. Cheers! The other day I drove a monster truck, pretty average Wednesday to be honest!"
Michael Ruffles, graduated 2010
"I am currently working at BBC Radio 5Live. My title is broadcast assistant."
Jon Walton, graduated 2010
"I'm a reporter at the Coventry Observer. It's a free weekly paper but there's a lot of responsibility involved - the editorial team consists of only the editor, me and a sports reporter. I'm also in control of all online elements of the paper. That includes the website - www.coventryobserver.co.uk, Facebook and Twitter!"
Matt Bates, graduated 2010
"I'm working for Newsquest Essex's weekly newspaper The Maldon and Burnham Standard as a reporter. I also contribute to one of the company's daily titles - the Colchester Gazette. Although it's not a sport role, I love the variety. Every day brings a different challenge. So far I've covered stories including the Queen's visit, the discovery of a £2million cannabis factory, the death of a 17-month-old girl who got her neck caught in a blind cord (went national), the death of an eight-year-old boy who was knocked down by a Porsche taken by workers at a garage without permission, council budget cuts and many more. I'm loving every minute of it."
Gareth Burton, graduated 2010
Ollie Dearn, graduated 2010: Ollie works for Franklin Rae, one of the fastest growing media PR companies in London. Ollie went there on work placement through the course in April 2010 – and they offered him a full-time job before he graduated.
Declan Taylor, graduated 2010: Having spent a year at Arsenal FC as part of our annual work placement scheme with the club, Declan joined Hayters after graduation, and continues to flourish there. His byline can currently be seen, among others, in the Mirror, Sun and Daily Mail, albeit sometimes under the nom de plume 'Matt Parker'. "I must admit, I quite like it," said Dec, reasoning that it "sounds a bit like a superhero's by-day name!" To his evident surprise, he has also "somehow carved myself a niche here as the boxing man."
"I'm the editorial assistant at Loaded magazine - the place my tutors told me to go on placement. Cheers! The other day I drove a monster truck, pretty average Wednesday to be honest!"
Michael Ruffles, graduated 2010
"I am currently working at BBC Radio 5Live. My title is broadcast assistant."
Jon Walton, graduated 2010
"I'm a reporter at the Coventry Observer. It's a free weekly paper but there's a lot of responsibility involved - the editorial team consists of only the editor, me and a sports reporter. I'm also in control of all online elements of the paper. That includes the website - www.coventryobserver.co.uk, Facebook and Twitter!"
Matt Bates, graduated 2010
"I'm an online reporter for a trade-media organisation and a contributor for Southend United Football Club. Needless to say, I wouldn't have got either gig if it weren't for the course."
Liam Stoker, graduated 2009
"What I found most beneficial about the course at Brighton is that it was, and is, much more than just a Sport Journalism course. As well as learning important aspects in writing and editing copy I also developed an understanding of Central and Local Government, through the NCTJ accreditation, which helped me acquire a position in the heart of Government on leaving university. The media studies aspect of the course helped me to obtain my current role."
Sam Herbert, graduated 2009
Matthew Fortune, graduated 2009: Matt is now a football writer for the Daily Mail and Mail Online, where he edits the World Football Blog. He has been there since September 2009 (two months after graduating), and continues to report on Championship matches for several other publications including The Sun and News of the World. He is also developing a portfolio of travel work, writing a regular travel gadget column for The Sun while providing features on worldwide destinations for both that paper and the Daily Mail.
Will Haine, graduated 2009: Will currently works as a sub-editor for Givemefootball.com, the official website of the Professional Footballers' Association. “I certainly would not be where I am today without studying Sport Journalism at the University of Brighton. The wide-ranging subject matter of the degree – along with the expert guidance from the experienced lecturers – have provided me with the skills and knowledge to succeed in a highly-competitive industry. I would recommend taking the Sport Journalism course to anyone, without a moment's hesitation.”
“I am currently the sports reporter at the Hemel Hempstead Gazette”
Adam Hull, graduated 2009
Andy Watkins, graduated 2009: Andy is currently a press officer for the NHS.
"Before I started the course, I knew that I wanted a career in journalism. And, after completing a three-year degree and finding a job that I thoroughly enjoy, nothing's changed - there's no place I'd rather be. The course taught me all of the key skills required, and has given me a sound footing for what I hope will be a long and enjoyable career in the industry."
Matthew Webb, graduated 2009: Matthew is now the press officer for his lifelong love, Queens Park Rangers Football Club.
"I'm at a niche recruitment-to-recruitment company owned and backed by Peter Jones. We are going through a merger and re-brand this month so the business is growing rapidly. Good times."
Andre Martin-Comrie, graduated 2009
"I am working as an Editorial Assistant at Sky Sports News., I actively contribute to the stories being broadcast on the channel by writing scripts and editing video clips. I have worked on quite a few major stories recently, including the World Cup vote."
Gemma Nash, graduated 2008
Mary Godbeer, graduated 2008: Mary joined the England and Wales Cricket Board after graduating and has been project and communications officer at the International Cricket Council since January 2010.
Rebecca Cosby, graduated 2008: Is working for a graphics company called MOOV. They provide graphics for various sporting events; such as Wimbledon, Six Nations and most other BBC Sport events. Rebecca prepares and transmits the graphics live from the events. She has recently worked on the PSA Squash Tour, whereby she got the opportunity to travel around the world - she has been to New York, Australia and the Middle East with the Tour.
"Completing my degree in sport journalism at the University of Brighton has been an immense help in my future career, particularly the NCTJ aspect of it. Without these qualifications I wouldn't have secured my first job at a news agency or current position as editor of Virgin.com. I gained vital practical journalism skills, as well as wider knowledge of the trade above and beyond sports journalism. The teaching is exemplary, especially due to the staff's first-hand experience, and the atmosphere perfect for developing new talent. For those willing to work, the course provides everything necessary to get a foothold in the industry."
Greg Rose, graduated 2008
Adam Clark, graduated 2008: Adam writes for the Everton Football Club website
Mark Bollons, graduated 2008: Works in the PFA press office
Andy Bishop, graduated 2008: Works for Sky Sports
Dan Rumens, graduated 2008: Works for EuroSport
Jack O’Neill, graduated 2008: Works for Sky Sports
"After three years working in trade journalism on monthly titles rising to deputy editor in a massive team of five whilst scribbling about music and making nothing bar the word count I have switched to the dark side! I am now working as head of public relations and communications in local government."
Dean Renphrey, graduated 2007
Simon Moss, graduated 2007: Simon is currently a reporter for the Basingstoke Observer and Gazette. His first book, Paul Scholes – The Biography, was published in 2009, his second, Martin O’Neill – The Biography, again for John Blake Publishing, in 2010.
Matt White, graduated 2007: Matt currently doubles as news reporter and deputy sports editor at the Isle of Wight County Press.
Tom Rubashow, graduated 2007: After graduating Tom worked at the Kent and Sussex Courier for two years and has spent the past 18 months at the sport PR company Pitch, working in particular with the NBA.
Sam Dixon, graduated 2007: Sam currently works for the NHS and Kent County Cricket Club, to whose website and annual he contributes to.
