How Molly is chasing her football dream

One of a kind

Choosing the right degree was easy for Molly. Our Football Journalism BA (Hons) is the first and only one of its kind. Molly explains: “As it is the only football-specific journalism course, it seemed perfect for me. It meant I would be spending 24 hours of my day, seven days a week talking about football. What more was there to love?”

But it was more than that. Molly was also attracted to the real-world learning opportunities and the industry contacts that we can offer. Molly says: “I always wanted to become a professional footballer but, when that dream didn’t materialise, I wanted to combine my passion of football and writing. This course allows me to do both and enables me to have a future in the sport. I always said that I wanted to be the next Gary Lineker and football journalism will help me get there.”

Perfectly placed

The University’s central location was also a key factor in enticing Molly as she could easily attend matches all around the UK and gain that practical, hands-on reporting experience to boost her CV.

She says: “Derby is literally in the middle of the country and most football grounds are easily accessible from here. I have been on various work experience placements at places including the Birmingham Mail and Burton Mail and with football clubs like Burton Albion Ladies and Birmingham City Women. They have taught me so much about the career that is ahead of me and provided me with real world situations that you wouldn’t have in a classroom.”

Learning from the best

Molly credits her inspiring lecturers for expertly guiding her through her time on her degree, saying: “A lot of the lecturers have come from the bottom through to the top in journalism and that is what I want to do. I couldn’t have asked for a better team of lecturers. They help in every way that they can, and I know they will continue to inspire the next generation of football journalists.”

When asked how she feels about being a woman in a typically male-orientated field like football, she says:

“It is very important to fly the flag for women, especially in a male dominated industry. However, I don't think that gender should matter. If you're good enough, then whether I'm a woman makes no difference at all.”