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