University of Salford Deliver New PR and Digital Communications Courses

The University of Salford is launching two new courses which will prepare students for work in public relations and digital communications.

And they will be delivered by PR and communications specialists who have direct experience of working in the sector.

Students enrolling on the new MA Public Relations and Digital Communications, based at the University’s MediaCityUK campus from September, will learn how to use the web, video and social media to help organisations get their message across to target audiences in the most effective way.

Meanwhile, BA (Hons) Journalism with Public Relations, also based at MediaCityUK, will introduce students to both disciplines and promises to produce graduates who are skilled in a wide range of areas.

Wide range of digital skills 

Paul Broster, Director of Journalism, Politics and Contemporary History at the University of Salford, said: “The nature of journalism has changed, with those starting in the profession expected to have a wide range of digital skills alongside the ability to write well, find stories and interview.

“Our journalism programmes have always included a public relations module, but this has become increasingly popular over the years. Many of our journalism graduates now go on to work in public relations while there is also a huge amount of opportunities helping large organisations raise their profile by creating powerful digital content.”

The courses will be led by lecturer Sara Eyre, a former press officer for Coronation Street, and by award-winning journalist Debbie Manley – who has also worked as a publicist for events including the Greater Manchester Fringe and the Manchester Comedy Festival.

Industry specialists

They will be joined on the teaching team by Michelle Eagleton, a graduate from the University’s Journalism programme who has since worked as a publicist for organisations including BBC Sport, as well as broadcasting for BBC Radio Manchester. 

Michelle worked on some high profile TV coverage while at the BBC, including Sports Personality Of The Year, the Rio Olympics and Wimbledon.  

Students will also benefit from the expertise of guest lecturers including Rob Brown, founding partner of MediaCityUK-based PR agency Rule 5 and former President of the Chartered Institute for Public Relations (CIPR), Alison Sinclair, ITV Chief Publicity Manager Coronation Street and Martin Coutts, of Marco Richards PR, whose clients include Coronation Street star Kym Marsh.

Both of these courses will provide students with real world experience and the tools they need to work in today’s journalism, public relations and communications industries.

Students taking part in the courses will have opportunities to work with businesses the University has close links with – with previous journalism students working on placements as content creators for Manchester United, Sale Sharks and Lancashire County Cricket Club.

Paul Broster added: “Both of these courses will provide students with real world experience and the tools they need to work in today’s journalism, public relations and communications industries.”