Program Overview

Storytelling MRes

Overview

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.

Course Details

• Level: Postgraduate
• Start date: Oct 2025, Oct 2026
• Duration: 1 year full-time, 2 years part-time
• Location: Exton Park, Chester
• UK fees: £5,006 per year for a full-time course (2025/26)
• International fees: £15,084 per year for a full-time course (2025/26)

Course Summary

This course provides a detailed understanding of stories, storytelling, and narrative in English. You'll explore a range of approaches to storytelling, including diverse topics such as folklore, podcasting, and drama. Your lecturers have expertise in various writers and eras, facilitating your exploration of specific forms of narrative and storytelling.

Modules

• Research Methods: This module will introduce you to relevant research methodologies. You'll identify your own research needs as you begin postgraduate study in storytelling, and you'll engage with key methodologies and critical debates, while developing a strong understanding of research practices relevant to your dissertation.
• Cultural and Literary Debates: You'll engage with contemporary and historical debates relevant to storytelling, examining the evolution and significance of the subject across different contexts, equipping you with the skills and critical frameworks needed for Master’s-level research. Through guided reading and discussion, you'll develop advanced analytical, interpretative and practical skills to support your dissertation and wider storytelling work.
• Research Dissertation: You 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 your dissertation, you may spend time working in archives, libraries and other repositories. An appropriate supervisor will be assigned to you, 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 your own independent research.

Who You'll Learn From

• Dr Harry Parkin: Senior Lecturer

How You'll Learn

• Teaching is via lectures, seminars and one-to-one supervision
• Assessment is via written coursework and dissertation
• This course is designed around in-person study
• There may be some online learning activities

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

• Home Students: A 2:1 honours degree in either English Literature and Creative Writing or Creative Writing is a requirement.
• International/EU Students: A 2:1 honours degree in either English Literature and Creative Writing or Creative Writing is a requirement.
• English Language Requirements: For more information on our English Language requirements, please visit International Entry Requirements.

Where You'll Study

• Exton Park, Chester: Exton Park is close to the city centre of Chester, a city like no other and an amazing place to live as a student. While it is undoubtedly beautiful and packed with history, Chester is also a bustling 21st-century city balancing big-name shopping, eating and living with a thriving independent scene.
• Modern learning resources and library: We have dedicated resources and IT services across campus, as well as our Seaborne Library; home to an extensive selection of books, e-books and e-journals, as well as bookable multimedia rooms, video conferencing space, 24-hour access computer labs, and The Hub; a comfortable two-floor study zone, suitable for independent and group study.
• Fitness facilities: Exton Park boasts an impressive choice of indoor and outdoor sports and leisure facilities, which are used for both competitive and recreational sports. Our facilities include a swimming pool, gym, squash, and tennis courts, running track and two floodlit pitches.
• Student Services: Exton Park is home to a number of our central support services, including Disability and Inclusion, Careers and Employability, and Student Support.
• Chapel, chaplaincy and multi-faith spaces: Built in 1847 by former students, the University Chapel offers regular services and a venue to services. The University of Chester also has multi-faith spaces across the campus for prayer or quiet reflection.
• Accommodation: Most of our student accommodation is located either on or near Exton Park.
• Catering: We have several catering outlets available onsite, offering a wide selection of hot and cold food to students and visitors. Term-time Meal Schemes are also available for those students interested in non-residential catering schemes.

Fees and Funding

• Home Students: £5,006 per year full time (2025/26)
• International Students: £15,084 per year full time (2025/26)
• Additional Costs: 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.
• Bursaries: The University of Chester supports fair access for students who may need additional support through a range of bursaries and scholarships.

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.