Storytelling MRes
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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'll Study
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.
The information listed in this section is an overview of the academic content of the course that will take the form of either core or option modules and should be used as a guide. We review the content of our courses regularly, making changes where necessary to improve your experience and graduate prospects. If during a review process, course content is significantly changed, we will contact you to notify you of these changes if you receive an offer from us.
Dr Harry Parkin
Senior Lecturer
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
Assessment may include a range of written types of coursework, including annotated bibliographies, essays, reports, reviews, and oral presentations, though assessment types can change. You will also write 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 more information on our English Language requirements, please visit International Entry Requirements.
The location
Modern learning resources and library
Fitness facilities
Student Services
Chapel, chaplaincy and multi-faith spaces
Accommodation
Catering
Fees and Funding
£5,006per year full time (2025/26)
The tuition fees for home students studying Postgraduate Research Programmes in the academic year 2025/26 are £5,006 per year full time.
£15,084per year full time (2025/26)
The tuition fees for international students studying Postgraduate Research Programmes (Classroom) in the academic year 2025/26 are £15,084 per year.
The tuition fees for international students studying Postgraduate Research Programmes (Laboratory) in 2025/26 are £19,133 per year.
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.
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 and 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 .