From self-doubt to the side-lines: Finding my way into Sport Broadcast through Cardiff Met < CARDIFF MET BLOGS
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From self-doubt to the side-lines: Finding my way into Sport Broadcast through Cardiff Met
February 10, 2026
Emilia James
MSc Sport Broadcast
Sport
My name is Emilia James, Iʼm 22 years old and originally from Swansea, and Iʼm currently studying an MSc in Sport Broadcast at Cardiff Metropolitan University. My route into sport media hasnʼt been a traditional one, but itʼs one Iʼm really proud of.
Before coming to Cardiff Met, I completed an undergraduate degree in English Language and Philosophy. While I enjoyed that experience, I quickly realised that traditional academic learning didnʼt suit me. Iʼve always been much more engaged by hands-on, creative work, and Iʼd long been drawn to television, media and production. During my undergraduate degree, I decided to get involved in student media, and that experience completely changed my direction.
Choosing to go into sport broadcast was something I initially found really daunting. Iʼve always loved sport, but stepping into the industry felt intimidating, especially as a woman. I was even once told that I “didnʼt know enough about sportˮ, so when looking for the next steps of getting into production after my undergraduate, this fear steered me away from sport. But when I stumbled across the Sport Broadcast course at Cardiff Met and saw the calibre of graduates it was producing, I knew I couldnʼt ignore it.
What really confirmed my decision was receiving an email from Joe Towns, the Programme Director, saying heʼd enjoyed reading my application and how he thought Iʼd be a great fit on the course. That moment gave me the confidence to take the leap and I honestly havenʼt looked back since.
One of the biggest strengths of the Sport Broadcast MSc is how practical and industry-focused it is. From the very start, weʼre given
access to Adobe Creative Suite and industry-standard broadcast equipment,
tools that had previously felt completely out of reach for me. Being trusted with professional software and facilities has been a huge confidence boost and has helped me develop really quickly.
We also get the chance to practice live broadcasts throughout the year. Since starting the course, Iʼve been able to
direct, produce, operate cameras, run replays and even present.
Trying out all of these roles helped me understand the full live production process, while also helping me figure out where I feel most at home. Through this, Iʼve found a real passion for social media coordination and digital content production, which is where Iʼm now focusing my development alongside the course.
In just four months, the opportunities that have come through the course have been incredible. Through Cardiff Metʼs industry connections,
I secured a Social Media Internship with Cardiff Rugby,
where I attend home fixtures creating pitch-side matchday content – capturing key moments, filming interviews, and producing pre- and post-match social videos.
Some of this content has contributed to over 850,000 views on Instagram, which still feels a bit surreal.
Alongside this, Iʼve also
gained a placement with the Welsh Rugby Union, working across Autumn Nations fixtures and which Iʼll be continuing into the Menʼs Six Nations.
One of my proudest moments was being trusted to film and edit an accessibility partnership video, which was published across the WRUʼs website and social platforms. These placements and internships came directly through the course, and the industry connections it gives you are genuinely invaluable.
Working in menʼs rugby has brought its own challenges. There are times when Iʼm the only woman on the pitch, which can feel intimidating at first. But through these experiences, Iʼve found my feet, grown in confidence, and been lucky enough to meet some really supportive mentors whoʼve backed me along the way.
The course has played a huge role in helping me build that confidence.
The support at Cardiff Met has been brilliant. The lecturers and technical teams genuinely want you to succeed and are always there with advice, encouragement and honest industry insight. That level of support makes such a difference, especially in a competitive industry.
Looking ahead, Iʼm excited to keep developing my skills and pushing myself creatively.
Cardiff Met has already opened doors I never thought Iʼd walk through.
I canʼt wait to see what the remainder of my time at Cardiff Met has in store.
My advice to future Sport Broadcast students would be simple: donʼt let self doubt hold you back. Say yes to opportunities, back yourself, and trust the process. If youʼre a woman, it might feel like thereʼs no place for you in this industry, but I promise you there is. If you’re passionate about sport and media, this course will give you the skills, confidence and connections to make it happen.
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