Life History Research (MA)

Overview

This course is designed for those who wish to pursue life history research, or, gain accreditation for previous experience in this field. It is likely to be of interest to graduates in social science, cultural studies, history or related disciplines who want to develop their skills in the research and collection of oral history and its community setting.

The course is distinctive in that it has strong practical as well as theoretical components, and takes an inter-disciplinary approach to life history research. It focuses on oral history and media production, and there will be opportunities to get involved with local communities and work on live projects.

You study how to collect, analyse, represent and exhibit life history data in different contexts and have the opportunity to practise some of these skills in collaboration during work placements - for example, in research projects, archives, museums, libraries and community groups. Successful graduates will be well equipped to disseminate life history data to specific audiences using a range of multimedia tools as necessary.

Applying and entry

PLEASE NOTE There is no official closing date for this course, but you are advised to apply as early as possible as we will only consider your application if there are places available on the course.

Tel: 020 7133 4202
Email: admissions@londonmet.ac.uk

A lower second-class Honours degree, which should include some study of research methods.

Applicants will also be considered who have a relevant professional qualification and/or extensive relevant professional experience.

Course contents

The course consists of four essential modules, two optional modules and a triple-module dissertation of 15,000 words.

• Collecting Life Histories
• Digital Video Production
• Making Community Histories
• Dissertation

• Work Placement
• Media Audiences
• Design for the Internet
• Radio Documentary
• The Media Industries

Read more details about the modules

One of the optional modules may also be selected from another postgraduate course, subject to the course leader's approval.

Assessment
A range of methods are used, including essays, written reports, critical reviews, interviews and multimedia artefacts.

Careers

The course is particularly suited to those who are looking to:

• continue academic research to doctoral level
• develop community-based life history projects
• work with life history data in different disciplines and environments - for example, in social science and cultural history research, creative writing, multimedia, art practice, performance, museums, archives, libraries and galleries
• contribute to regeneration initiatives.

Collaborative projects:
MA Life History Research course team members have been involved in a range of projects in collaboration with community-based organisations.

Recent projects:
Care Stories: oral history project documenting the experiences of young people leaving care, in partnership with the Tavistock Portman NHS Trust, and Haringey Social Services (funded by Higher Education Active Community Fund and the Tavistock Portman NHS Trust)
Refugee Community Histories Project: oral history project documenting the contribution of refugee communities to the culture and economy of London since 1951, in partnership with Museum of London and Evelyn Oldfield Unit (funded by The Heritage Lottery Fund).
Eastender Archive Project: development of digital archive of Paul Trevor's photographs documenting the East End of London over thirty years (funded by the Research Capability Fund).

Previous projects:
My Story: collection of oral histories of elderly people living in Camden, integrated into Camden Council's older peoples' web portal (funded by HEACF, 2003)
Talking about homelessness: a two-stage oral history project involving students doing volunteer work with and interviewing local homeless people (funded by the Kings Fund, 2000/1)