University Media School recruits new lecturers

The university’s Media School has appointed onetime Gloucester Citizen editor Jenny Eastwood to head its successful Communications, PR and the Media MA course.

Meanwhile, Gloucestershire Live head of content Sophie Flowers will be starting work alongside her as a lecturer on the university’s dual-accredited BA Journalism course.

Jenny has almost 20 years’ experience in the media industry as both a journalist and PR professional. She has run her own media consultancy Eastwood Digital since 2018 with clients including the NHS and Peel Group as well as working with charities and businesses across the hospitality sector.

In her journalism career, she has worked in regional newspapers, national lifestyle magazines and websites for the Press Association, the Northcliffe group, Local World and Trinity Mirror. She was made editor of the Citizen daily newspaper in 2013 and digital editor of Gloucestershire Live in 2017.

“I am delighted to be joining the team at the University of Gloucestershire as a senior lecturer and academic course leader. The School of Media and the PR and Communications MA have a fantastic reputation and I am looking forward to helping shape its future direction and encourage the next generation of industry professionals.” 

Jenny Eastwood, who will also teach a PR module on the BA courseCourse leader of Communications, PR and the Media (MA) at University of Gloucestershire

After starting her career in academic publishing, Sophie trained at News Associates in London before becoming a reporter at the Maidenhead Advertiser, where she was later promoted to news editor. Following a brief foray into global B2b, Sophie joined Gloucestershire Live as head of content in 2015. She has also been an exam marker for the NCTJ – one of the BA course’s two accrediting bodies – since 2013. 

“I’m excited to be joining the University of Gloucestershire as a lecturer on its excellent journalism degree. I hope that bringing my years of newsroom experience into the classroom will give journalism students a real insight into today’s industry. “Training and mentoring reporters has been a challenge and a privilege throughout my career. Today’s students will have to be prepared for an ever-changing journalism industry while maintaining the highest standards – the training of journalists has never been more important.” 

Sophie FlowersLecturer in BA Journalism at University of Gloucestershire

The Cheltenham-based university’s BA course is also accredited by the Broadcast Journalism Training Council. Recent graduates now work in jobs throughout the BBC, in Reach newsrooms from the Daily Express to Bath Live, for Newsquest and Archant, for national magazines and in agency and in-house PR. 

“We’re delighted Jenny and Sophie are joining us. Their arrival further strengthens the team of expert media practitioners and academics who teach on our industry-focused courses. “Jenny and Sophie’s skills, experience and knowledge will help us to continue producing highly-skilled, confident, work-ready graduates.”​

Neil LeightonUniversity academic subject leader for Journalism and Communications