In 2018 Hugh completed a doctoral research scholarship with Cardiff University's School of Journalism, Media and Culture, a world-leading centre for media teaching and research.

Supervised by Justin Lewis, Professor of Communication and Ian Hargreaves, Professor of Digital Economy, his programme of research investigates the Do Lectures, an event that the Guardian listed as one of the top ten ideas festivals in the world.

It looks at the role and impact of digital platforms, considering the relationship between the live event and its global expression online.

Hugh is also passionate about teaching and lectures on several courses at Cardiff University. He is currently Director, MA in International Public Relations and Global Communications Management but has also taught on the MA Political Communication and BA Journalism, Media and Cultural Studies programmes

Specialising in brand and corporate communications he has also lectured on strategic branding on a postgraduate programme for senior government marketing and communication professionals at Leeds Trinity University.

He holds an MA Public Communication (Leeds), PhD Strategic Communication (Cardiff) and is an accredited practitioner with the Chartered Institute of Public Relations (CIPR).