We define narrative very broadly and are concerned with examining it as a structuring mechanism across multiple media and disciplines. We are also interested in exploring how narrative interacts with and impacts on cultures and communities.  As an interdisciplinary research centre we bring together a range of diverse approaches and methodologies from members across the University.

NCCR book covers
Recent books by NCCR members

Formerly a research cluster in the Centre for the Study of Journalism, Culture and Community, since its inception in 2008 the Narrative Research Group (NRG) has provided an inclusive and supportive space for staff, ECRs and PGRs from multiple disciplines who approach narrative from a range of methodological, critical and creative perspectives. The new Centre, launched in 2019, provides an organisational structure for members’ research and professional practice activities, including funding bids, publications, seminars, workshops, and conferences. It also aims to ensure that the development of research proceeds in a strategically informed way, providing support for individual researchers and encouraging new initiatives.

Literature and Law: Creative Crime Writing Workshop 2024 (open to public!)

When: Saturday 11th May 2024, 11 am to 2 pm (British Summer Time)

Where: Online via Zoom

What: Discuss markets, trends, and tropes

           Think about ethics and social contexts

           Do your own writing and get feedback 

Who: Anyone interested in writing crime and detective fiction! (Aged 18+ only)

How: sign up here https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/literature-and-law-online-creative-crime-writing-workshop-tickets-894265230377

How much: Free!

Please note:

Spaces are limited and will be assigned on a first come, first served basis.
Discussion will include scenes of death and violence.

Contact Dr Rebecca Mills at [email protected] if you have any questions.

Hosted by author and former police officer Dr Victoria L. Humphreys, with crime fiction scholar Dr Rebecca Mills. Victoria is the author of historical spy novel Not the Work of an Ordinary Boy (Stairwell 2023) and is currently writing cosy crime. Rebecca has published academic work on Agatha Christie and other Golden Age authors.

Projects and awards

DRIVE (Digital Reading for Inclusivity, Versatility and Engagement)

DRIVE is a new network that brings together academics, NGOs, stakeholders and practitioners from Kenya and the UK to explore the impact and application of digital technologies for development challenges in Africa.

Picture credit – Worldreader

The network brings together academics, industry, NGOs, policymakers and practitioners from Africa with UK partners to maximise digital technologies to address development challenges including health, energy and accessibility to online resources. Bournemouth University (UK) are working in partnership with the Catholic University of Eastern Africa (Kenya), Chuka University (Kenya) and Worldreader.

Find out more about this research

Awards

Project PI Professor Bronwen Thomas has recently been the receipient of a prestigious award for her academic research work on literacy in the digital age. The announcement was made at the World Literacy Awards hosted by the World Literacy Foundation with 5,300 attendees from 52 countries who joined the online ceremony. Find out more and watch the World Literacy Awards 2021 ceremony.