University offers degree course in Facebook, Twitter and MySpace

by Stevie Smith - Apr 3 2009, 16:15

According to a stereotype laid down in the pre-digital age, when prospective students lacked an interest in law, medicine, politics or education and weren’t built for science, engineering and mechanics, they’d simply gain their certificate of higher education by picking up a paint brush and joining an art course.

Now, thanks to the huge popularity and global influence attributed to the Internet, a University in England is offering the nation’s work-shy fobs (we jest) the opportunity to secure a degree focusing on the potential worth connected to the development of social networking and micro-blogging services.

Due to start in September of 2009 at the Birmingham City University, which is currently attempting to drum up interest across the country, the new Social Media course will cost 4,400 GBP, require a single year of study, and deliver an MA post-graduate degree (Master of Arts) by way of reward.

According to Course Director Jon Hickman, initial promotion has gleaned a good return of interest and, contrary to the beliefs of some, the qualification “is not a Mickey Mouse course,” but will provide tools and learning accessible to many, including those looking to chase professions such as journalism and PR.

“During the course we will consider what people can do on Facebook and Twitter, and how they can be used for communication and marketing purposes,” trumpeted Hickman.

“There has been significant interest in the course already,” he added. “In my opinion, the course does entail synoptic research and scholarly activity, which are the fundamental criteria for Masters degrees.”

Describing the one-year Social Media course as both “relevant and scholarly,” Hickman said the qualification’s importance is “unquestionable,” and that social media aspects are vital for professions within the marketing and communications sectors and as a contributing skill set in many other job categories.

Some of the course components will see students investigating how people communicate on community Web sites and how such services can be applied to increase marketing potential. Other elements will include being taught podcasting techniques and even how to start a blog.

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