Program Overview

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Story Foundry PhD (Low Residency)

Postgraduate degree

Overview

This innovative liberal arts PhD is for contemporary writers, storytellers, and makers whose project proposals do not fit neatly into traditional academic boxes.

What We're Offering

This programme is a low-residency PhD, open to full-time international students. This gives you the opportunity to continue to live and work where you are based while following an independent research programme supported by regular supervisory sessions. You'll typically complete your thesis within three to four years, but highly focused students can complete it within two to three years.

What Kind of PhD Proposals Are We Looking For?

Your PhD proposal must have a clear central vision and concept. Narrative research, creative nonfiction, creative writing, scriptwriting or contemporary approaches to storytelling should sit at the heart of the proposal.

Who Is Eligible?

For this course, you'll need a Master's level qualification or equivalent industry experience. In particular, The Story Society welcomes proposals and applications from a wide range of disciplines that embed writing into their creative practice.

PhD Structure

Overview

The Story Foundry PhD places narrative-based practice at the centre of the research process. It enables individuals with specific artistic or scientific practices to re-engage with critical
arrative writing in new and imaginative ways.

A Key, Non-Compulsory Component of the Programme

A key, non-compulsory component of the programme is an intensive residency period where you'll attend workshops and other training events offered as part of our wider Story Foundry programme. This will take place over seven to ten days in the UK.

Year-Round Peer Support

You'll also engage in year-round peer support which is dedicated to creating a space for community. We'll host monthly virtual sessions to support your exploration of new knowledge and the creation of international networks for collaboration.

Opportunities

Open Lectures and Seminars

Situated in the Research and Enterprise Department as part of the Graduate College at Bath Spa University, The Story Society works closely with other departments and schools across the University.

Work Placements, Industry Links, and Internships

As part of the Story Foundry PhD, you'll be surrounded by leading professionals connected to a wide range of key networks in the UK writing industry.

Research Environment

Where the Subject Is Taught

The annual Story Foundry low-residency workshop is a remote-working PhD with supporting staff based at either Locksbrook Campus or Newton Park.

Resources

Learning resources for the programme will be available through the University's library and Ultra, the University's Virtual Learning Environment.

Fees

2024 Entry

• UK full-time: £19,155
• International full-time: £19,155

Entry Requirements

We encourage applicants with diverse experience, from across the arts, culture, sciences, and humanities disciplines, who are already champions of story and want to rapidly advance their expertise in this area.

How to Apply

Applications for October 2025 will open from January 2025 and will have a deadline of the beginning of August 2025.

Contact Us

Admissions:

• +44 (0)

Course leader: Bambo Soyinka
Email:

Key Facts

• Award: PhD Story Foundry
• School/s: School of Writing, Publishing and the Humanities
• Campus or location: Low residency
• Course length: Three years full-time.