An open book on a table in front of some book shelves for studying English literature. An open book on a table in front of some book shelves for studying English literature.

Course Summary

Our MRes will give you a detailed critical understanding of the study of stories, storytelling and narrative in English. You will explore a wide range of approaches to storytelling, learning about topics such as folklore, podcasting and story mapping. 

We offer expertise in a variety of writers and eras – including in the practice of creative writing and in a wide range of literary specialisms – which will facilitate your exploration of your own interests in particular forms of narrative and storytelling. 

You will have the opportunity to engage with lecturers from a range of subject areas, making this an interdisciplinary course. And through connections with external organisations within Chester, you will develop an awareness of the many and varied ways in which storytelling can be understood and encountered. We also recognise the importance of pastoral support and offer a supportive environment in which to learn and study. 


What you’llStudy

On the Telling Stories and Research Methods modules, topics may include: storytelling practices; narrative studies; community storytelling; producing innovative writing and research; theoretical study and creative practice; praxis and critical appraisal; critical and creative writing pedagogies; traditional research methods; using libraries and archives; research for writing; and others.

Module content:

This module allows students to outline their own needs and requirements as they begin their Master’s-level study of storytelling and narrative, as well as noting the cultural omniscience and significance of stories. Students will explore how narrative works with culture, identity, nationality, and ethnicity, and how ‘narratives’ makes sense, on an analytical level, to different readers. Key methodologies to stories, storytelling and narrative will be considered, and, by the end of the module, the students will be conversant with major critical discussions concerning ‘stories’. They will also have garnered an awareness of the importance of their own definitions of key terminology for their research, as well as the approaches necessary to for their research dissertation. The module will include, among other topics: Traditional Research Methods; Using Libraries and Archives; Writing as Research and New practices in Research Methods/Creative Writing; 


Module aims:

  • To prepare students to design and plan a deliverable project for their critical and/or creative Research Dissertation
  • To develop students' ability to present knowledge of appropriate research methods within the field of storytelling - both as a practice and a research area - in writing and through oral presentation
  • To facilitate students in attaining their own understanding of key terminology and research approaches for their own critical and/or creative research into storytelling

Module content:

This module offers an analysis of constructions behind the history, popular culture and theoretical understanding of stories, storytelling and narrative now, giving students the concepts of critical enquiry necessary for Master’s-level research. On this guided reading module, students will examine and critically evaluate different ways of reading and writing stories, consider the importance of cross-disciplinary conversation between critical and creative writers, while also identifying key ideas and traditions in the history of narrative studies. The module will explore how study in creative writing and critical practice has become a powerful and worthy combined discipline within the academy, offering a fusion of critical and cultural theory with storytelling. The nature of creative writing as a research methodology will be examined through discussion of the reading and the input of students, teachers and practitioners, as well as analysis of more traditional research models. The module will touch upon the following: Storytelling Practices; Narrative Studies; Community Storytelling; Producing Innovative Writing and Research; Theoretical Study and Creative Practice; Praxis and Critical Appraisal; Critical and Creative Writing Pedagogies.


Module aims:

  • To provide training in subject-specific understanding and knowledge of the processes and techniques behind effective storytelling
  • To enable students to develop a range of M-level skills for both the analysis and/or telling of stories, as well as applied specifically to the stories within their own Research Dissertation
  • To develop students’ skills in the sourcing, summarising, interpretation, and critique of both fictional and non-fictional textual material to M-level
  • To prepare students for all the paratextual activities involved in research and writing-up, whether editorial, bibliographical, citational, or annotational, to a high level of professional and transferrable skill

 

 

Module content:

All students will produce a 28,000-word equivalent critical or creative writing dissertation (drama, prose, non-fiction options available), creative performance, or exhibition inspired in different ways by stories, narrative and storytelling. In researching their dissertations, students may spend time working in archives, libraries and other repositories. An appropriate supervisor will be assigned to each student, from either a critical or creative background, and their guidance, advice and support will be given through frequent one-to-one tutorials and email contact. The supervisor will provide considerable academic and practical assistance; however, the dissertation will be the result of the student’s own independent research.


Module aims:

  • To further and develop students' detailed knowledge in one or more areas of specialism within the field of storytelling
  • To familiarize students with a range of primary and secondary texts appropriate for their dissertation topic
  • To enable the students to explore and examine critically the research base of their chosen topic
  • To facilitate students in selecting and pursuing topics to produce independent critical and/or creative research

Who you’ll Learn from

Dr Harry Parkin

Senior Lecturer in English Language; Programme Leader, MRes Storytelling
Dr Harry Parkin

How you'll Learn

Teaching 

Teaching will take place at both the University of Chester’s Exton Park learning site and other locations depending on the student project. It will be delivered through lectures, seminars and one-to-one supervision with an academic and/or an external practitioner. As well as regular supervision between students and academics, the MRes in Storytelling will also require substantial independent study. 

Assessment 

You will be assessed through written coursework comprising annotated bibliographies, essays, reports, reviews and oral presentations, as well as a final 28,000-word dissertation on a topic of your own choice. 

Beyond the Classroom

As well as classroom-based taught sessions, approaches to storytelling can also be explored beyond the classroom through sessions at the local archive office and a walking tour of Chester. 

Entry Requirements

2:1 honours degree

A 2:1 honours degree in either English Literature and Creative Writing or Creative Writing is a requirement. 

2:1 honours degree

A 2:1 honours degree in either English Literature and Creative Writing or Creative Writing is a requirement. 

English Language Requirements

For those who do not have IELTS or an acceptable in-country English language qualification, the University of Chester has developed its own online English language test which applicants can take for just £50.

For more information on our English Language requirements, please visit International Entry Requirements.

Where you'll Study Exton Park, Chester

Fees and Funding

£4,712 per year (2023/24)

Fee rates for 2024/25 have not yet been confirmed by UKRI therefore please refer to 2023/24 rates as a guide.

£14,644 per year (2024/25)

The tuition fees for international students studying Postgraduate Research Programmes (Classroom) in the academic year 2024/25 are £14,644 per year.

The University of Chester offers generous international and merit-based scholarships for postgraduate study, providing a significant reduction to the published headline tuition fee. You will automatically be considered for these scholarships when your application is reviewed, and any award given will be stated on your offer letter.  

For more information, go to our International Fees, Scholarship and Finance section.

Irish Nationals living in the UK or ROI are treated as Home students for Tuition Fee Purposes.

Your course will involve additional costs not covered by your tuition fees. This may include books, printing, photocopying, educational stationery and related materials, specialist clothing, travel to placements, optional field trips and software. Compulsory field trips are covered by your tuition fees. 

If you are living away from home during your time at university, you will need to cover costs such as accommodation, food, travel and bills.

The University of Chester supports fair access for students who may need additional support through a range of bursaries and scholarships.

Full details, as well as terms and conditions for all bursaries and scholarships can be found on the Fees & Finance section of our website.

Your future Career

Job prospects

The MRes in Storytelling is an excellent opportunity for those applicants thinking of pursuing PhD study at a later date, as it offers a grounding in the level of independent research and reflective writing and thinking that are central to PhD study.  

Careers service

The University has an award-winning Careers and Employability service which provides a variety of employability-enhancing experiences; through the curriculum, through employer contact, tailored group sessions, individual information, advice and guidance.

Careers and Employability aims to deliver a service which is inclusive, impartial, welcoming, informed and tailored to your personal goals and aspirations, to enable you to develop as an individual and contribute to the business and community in which you will live and work.

We are here to help you plan your future, make the most of your time at University and to enhance your employability. We provide access to part-time jobs, extra-curricular employability-enhancing workshops and offer practical one-to-one help with career planning, including help with CVs, applications and mock interviews. We also deliver group sessions on career planning within each course and we have a wide range of extensive information covering graduate jobs .