The benefits of a press release coursework for undergraduates

ABSTRACT Today’s academic staff and students are faced with increasing challenges including respective delivery and development of essential subject-specific content, research and diverse transferable skills for future employment. To meet these needs, we piloted an academic and Media Relations delivery partnership focussing on developing science communication skills to our undergraduate medical science students. This case study reports that the introduction of a science media workshop, combined with a short 250-word, low-stakes, summative press release coursework, proved to be an efficient and effective approach. The assessment required reading and understanding ‘unknown’ primary research findings and submission via the University Media Relations template for ‘real-world’ needs. Co-developed grading criteria allowed for rapid marking and feedback, and the academic-Media Relations marks correlated closely. Student feedback indicated that this authentic exercise was valued, being ‘different’ and ‘enjoyable’ for introducing key skills for research critique whilst also highlighting science media as a vocational route.