York St John University have announced a partnership with Mediaworks, the north east-based digital marketing agency.

The collaboration, which will we see the university’s business school offer a cutting-edge MSc in digital marketing and data analytics, is designed to provide students with the real-life tools and insights required for a successful career in today’s data driven and digitally focused marketing industry.

Bob Gammie, dean of the York Business School, says, “Our digital marketing and data analytics MSc offers students a highly-unique and exciting blend of expert industry knowledge from one of the UK’s leading digital marketing agencies, coupled with the world-class academic delivery from York Business School.”

The master’s qualification, the UK’s first digital marketing degree that blends academic and industry-specific teaching, will integrate traditional marketing strategies, such as building customer loyalty, with more contemporary aspects, including analysis of customer behaviour, customer journey mapping, and social media marketing.

Furthermore, the programme is delivered online, allowing participants to learn independently while also accessing the support of expert tutors. Students will be able to network with their peers through online community forums and regular residential events across the country.

Mediaworks’ CEO, Brett Jacobson says, “We are extremely proud to embark on this exciting project with YSJU that combines the best of both academic theory and leading practical experience. It makes perfect sense that we, as a full-service agency, would team up with a highly regarded academic institution such as York St John University to establish a programme to cater to the needs of today’s digital marketing industry.”

York St John, which gained its university status in 2006, has recently been ranked as 27th in the UK for student satisfaction, with 86% of alumni recommending the academic institution. The development of the university has been encouraged by a positive relationship between staff and students.