XR Stories Masters by Research Studentship - People We Love

Space, Media, Imagination: The Story Space of People We Love

The primary case study for the project will be KMA’s latest interactive installation, People We Love (“PWL”), which premiered in York in November 2020, and scheduled to re-open in the Autumn of 2021. PWL is an interactive installation consisting of screens that show portraits of people gazing at a picture of someone they love. The stories of PWL can only be conjured into existence through the viewer’s own acts of gazing and imagination. There is no definitive storyteller or obvious mode of storytelling.

The project’s aim is to theorise, map and explicate that interactive space of PWL’s storytelling so as to enable a deeper understanding of how PWL’s stories emerge from connections between space, screens and imagination. The candidate will combine media theory, user and creator interviews, and textual readings of PWL to elucidate this storytelling space. PWL’s challenge is that neither its story nor storyworld is conventional. That is why studying its storytelling is important and interesting, and the candidate will need to bring enthusiasm for unusual approaches to interactive storytelling and storyworlds.

You will be supervised by Dr Jenna Ng, with additional supervision, direction and support by industry partner KMA, who is the creator of PWL and has extensive experience of interactive storytelling and a strong portfolio of internationally recognised digital media installations in iconic public spaces.

Eligibility

Applicants may be of any nationality, and have an undergraduate or Masters degree in a relevant subject. Fees will be paid at the Home/EU level (Overseas applicants would be required to meet the difference between the Home/EU fee and the Overseas fee) and there is a maintenance stipend equivalent to the UKRI rate.

The studentship is available from 1st October 2021, and must be taken up no later than 1st December 2021. It is for one academic year and must be taken up full time.

How to apply

Please apply through the Department's MA by Research in Interactive Media application link by Friday 27 August 2021. Please be sure to include your CV detailing your academic record and any relevant work experience, and a cover letter (maximum two A4 pages) expressing your interest in and suitability for this studentship. You do not need to upload a research proposal.

Shortlisted candidates may be further interviewed by Dr Jenna Ng and the industry partner; if so, this will take place in the first week of September 2021. Only shortlisted candidates will be notified.

This Masters by Research is subject to the Department’s regulations.