About the Online Course
An upcoming online course on Arts-Based Research Methods offers researchers and practitioners an opportunity to critically explore the role of artistic practices within qualitative research. The course is hosted by the University of Surrey and will be delivered by Dr Robyn Muir, Lecturer in Media, and Dr Maria Adams, Associate Professor in Criminology.
Designed as a flexible online programme, the course will run across three scheduled sessions in February, March, and June, allowing participants to engage deeply with arts-based methodologies over time.
Course Schedule
The course will be conducted on the following dates:
- 3 February
- 31 March
- 2 June
Each session builds conceptually and methodologically, enabling participants to progressively develop their understanding of arts-based research approaches.
Understanding Arts-Based Research Methods
Arts-based research methods position art not merely as illustration, but as a legitimate mode of inquiry within qualitative research. This course introduces the key theoretical foundations that underpin these approaches and situates them within broader debates in social science, media, and humanities research.
Participants will explore how creative practices—such as visual art, storytelling, performance, and other expressive forms—can generate rich, nuanced insights that may not always emerge through conventional methods alone.
Benefits and Challenges of Arts-Based Approaches
The course critically examines both the strengths and limitations of arts-based research. Topics include:
- How arts-based methods can deepen participant engagement
- Their potential to capture lived experiences and emotional dimensions
- Methodological challenges related to interpretation, validity, and rigour
By addressing these issues, the course supports researchers in making informed methodological choices.
Integrating Arts-Based Methods into Research Design
A key focus of the programme is how arts-based approaches can be effectively integrated into research design. Participants will consider:
- When and why arts-based methods are appropriate
- How they can complement interviews, ethnography, or textual analysis
- Practical considerations in planning and implementing creative research activities
This section is particularly valuable for researchers designing interdisciplinary or mixed-methods studies.
Ethical Considerations and Researcher–Participant Relationships
The course places strong emphasis on ethical reflexivity. Arts-based research often reshapes traditional power dynamics between researchers and participants, raising important ethical questions.
Participants will engage with topics such as:
- Consent and authorship in creative research
- Representation and ownership of artistic outputs
- Emotional and relational dimensions of researcher–participant interaction
These discussions are essential for conducting responsible and ethical qualitative research
Who Should Attend This Course?
The course is especially suited for:
- Early career researchers
- Academics in media, social sciences, humanities, and criminology
- Research practitioners interested in qualitative and creative methods
Anyone curious about expanding their methodological toolkit through arts-based inquiry will find this course valuable.
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