From Professor Elaine Graham and Liz Hudson-Oliff
Sir, — With reference to Professor Jolyon Mitchell’s letter (16 March), a word of clarification on developments at the University of Chester may be helpful.
While fully acknowledging the excellent and long-standing successes of Edinburgh and other centres such as CODEC at the University of Durham, the Master’s programme being created at the University of Chester aims to provide research and training opportunities for professionals working within the Church.
It has grown directly out of the work to improve and expand the skills of Church of England diocesan communications officers, work that also helps those appointing to such posts to prioritise for their particular diocese.
The unique nature of this course is that it is being created by the University with the help of a practising diocesan communications director appointed by the Archbishops’ Council. In a world where effective communicators and the skills of media literacy are vital for the Church, the aim is to provide a flexible and tailor-made learning opportunity and a qualification that demonstrates real understanding of the theology to deal with issues that arise.
ELAINE GRAHAM
Department of Theology and Religious Studies
Chester University
LIZ HUDSON-OLIFF
Leicester Diocesan
Communications Director
St Martin’s House, 7 Peacock Lane
Leicester LE1 5PZ