Narrative Research via Distance Learning

Overview

Narrative research offers new areas of inquiry and creative solutions to problems in a wide variety of areas.

The University of East London has been a pioneer in the subject, establishing its prestigious international Centre for Narrative Research in 2000. It continues to attract leading academics and researchers from around the world. 

We understand that it is not always possible to make it on to campus to study. Many of our students live overseas, while others have family and work commitments to balance.

So, flexible learning is a key to this course. You will have the option of studying the full Associate PG certificate by distance learning. But, if you can, you are also welcome to attend our on-campus sessions. 

What you'll learn

The Narrative Research via Distance Learning course consists of two core 30-credit master’s-level modules in Narrative Research and Narrative Force – how a story can sometimes have a force or dynamic of its own. 

Through a range of theoretical and methodological perspectives, it addresses key questions which will give you the skills to make decisions about how to conduct narrative research to produce the most meaningful results possible. These questions include:

How do people come to see themselves as distinct subjects about whom a story can be told? What role do memory and ideology play in people’s accounts of their lives?

How do class, ethnicity, gender and other social characteristics shape the stories people tell? How does culture intervene in the way narratives are produced? 

How do we decide on a research question in narrative analysis? What are the advantages and disadvantages of different modes of narrative inquiry and analysis? 

What are the possibilities and limitations of narrative research for drawing conclusions of theoretical and practical significance?

Your future career

Our distance learning students are based all over the world – from Canada and New Zealand to Sweden and other parts of the UK – and their career paths go in many different directions. 

Some are looking to use narrative research in their current jobs, returning to work with a completely new set of skills which will allow them to apply for more challenging roles within their organisation. 

Others are PhD students or researchers intending to use narrative research in their work and adopt a more creative approach to their current role or research. 

We have wide experience of teaching students from health services or organisations, especially the National Health Service in the UK. Our courses have also attracted people working in variety of industries from the media to public sector bodies and local authorities. 

Using and applying narratives is an expanding area for careers, especially in fields such as academic social science and cultural studies, applied social policy and in the computer industry. 

By working with some of the most experienced narrative research experts in the world – especially through the Centre for Narrative Research – you will finish the course with the knowledge and connections to help you in your current role and open up new career opportunities.