Course summary

Course Overview The Master of Research (MRes) in Arts and Media at the University of Chester invites you to develop your own research project across the broad fields of art and design, performing arts, and media. Whether your interest is in practice-based or theoretical enquiry (or a combination of the two), this course provides the ideal space to interrogate, experiment and deepen your creative thinking. It’s designed for artists, creatives and researchers who want to shape their own direction, refine their methodological approach, and explore their discipline with freedom and academic rigour. Shape Your Research with Expert Support You’ll begin by exploring a variety of research methodologies with a critical lens, and will engage with complex ideas and frameworks. The core of the course is an extended, independent research project, which you will develop under the guidance of experienced academic supervisors. You will be matched with staff who share your research interests and will support you throughout your exploration and discovery. Many of our team are active researchers and creative practitioners themselves, with experience across a range of art forms, genres and critical theories. Flexible Study Options and Creative Spaces The course is delivered at the Creative Campus, Kingsway, home to specialist studios, workshop spaces and industry-standard facilities that support a wide variety of artistic practices. You’ll engage with a mix of live and recorded lectures, interactive seminars, practical workshops and one-to-one tutorials. If you prefer to study remotely, there is also the option of taking the course as an online, distance-learning course, supported throughout by supervisory guidance and access to recorded lectures, digital resources, and virtual meetings. Exciting and Diverse Student Projects The Arts and Media MRes supports a wide range of outcomes, from traditional dissertations to installations, performances, exhibitions, films, and digital projects. Previous students have created exciting, ground-breaking work in areas including fashion, knitwear, photography, sculpture, composition, contemporary dance, performance art, Hollywood film, horror cinema, and electronic dance music. You’ll be encouraged to push boundaries, explore new ideas, and create work that reflects your own unique voice within a supportive and intellectually stimulating environment. Where This Course Can Take You Graduates from this course have gone on to careers in academia, arts research, theatre direction, choreography, fashion design, and more. Many have progressed to PhD-level study, using their MRes as a springboard for further specialisation. The course equips you with advanced research skills, creative insight, and the ability to work independently. These are valuable attributes for roles within the arts, education, and cultural industries. Find Out More and Apply For full details on entry requirements and how to apply, visit our Applying for MRes Research Degrees page: https://www.chester.ac.uk/study/how-to-apply/applying-for-mres-research-degrees/