Course 'not just for geeks with macs'

Birmingham City University has launched a one-year £4,400 Masters degree in social media. The course will teach students about tools such as blogging, micro-blogging, social networking and podcasts.

Due to start at the beginning of the 2009/2010 academic year, the course is being promoted through a video on the university website. It is being aimed at media or cultural studies graduate, or those who have experience in the web, PR, or marketing industries. The practical part of the course will see students engage with peers and professional practitioners through websites, blogs, Twitter and other social media, as well as at networking events. Meanwhile, the theory-based part of the MA will explore social media from a cultural studies perspective and look at social enterprise and social media organisations.

Course Director Jon Hickman said: “It’s not just going to be geeks with Macs sat in a room. I want it to be something that people in Birmingham are interested in and proud of. The tools learnt on this course will be accessible to many people. It will appeal to students looking to go into professions including journalism and PR.”

The news comes at a time when an increasing number of businesses are putting marketing spend behind social media projects as a means to communicate more effectively with stakeholders of all kinds.