Module Catalogue 2024/25

Pre Requisite Comment

None

Co Requisite Comment

None

Aims

To enable students:
- to engage in an extended research project
- to consolidate and develop research techniques, critical skills, and scholarly imagination
- to demonstrate professional scholarly practice and develop skills in writing and presentation
appropriate to the chosen medium

In this module students pursue an extended research project on a topic of their own choice and
present the results in the form of a dissertation. Students submit a proposal draft for their research
for approval at the beginning of the academic year. They must demonstrate a clear set of aims, and
that their proposal is practicable in scope and implied resourcing. Each student is assigned a
supervisor, who will offer general guidance and monitor progress throughout the year. Students
undertake training in writing and referencing a Literature Review, which is part of the Research
Training Module. In addition, they have three group sessions specific to the dissertation which
supports the writing of the research proposal, general progress support and the final stages of
submission. During Semester 1 Assessment period, students will give an oral presentation informed
by their studies to that point.

Students should note that the responsibility for making and maintaining contact with their supervisor
is ultimately theirs.

Outline Of Syllabus

N/A

Intended Knowledge Outcomes

Knowledge of the chosen topic
knowledge of the relevant literature
knowledge of scholarly presentation conventions

Intended Skill Outcomes

abiliity to design a research project in music
ability to research literature, information and relevant debates
ability to critically analyse and synthesise information and arguments
ability to deploy knowledge in the construction of a convincing argument
ability to present materials in a convincing, scholarly and professionally acceptable manner

Teaching Rationale And Relationship

Since this is a dissertation module, focused on a topic of the student's own choice, the bulk of the student's time is devoted to private study and research. Students are recommended to arrange regular tutorials with their supervisor - ten structured one hour interactions. In addition, students are expected to take the relevant research training module. Students are also required to attend research seminars throughout the course of the year.

Assessment Rationale And Relationship

Research Proposal tests viability of proposed research and research planning skills. Presentation tests oral presentation skills, the ability to organise and present research to date, and to garner mid-point feedback and development of the research project. The quality of the dissertation tests all the learning outcomes.

The oral presentation takes place in the January Postgraduate Students conference and is double marked by the Degree Programme Director and another member of staff in Music.

Part-time students take the dissertation in the second year of their degree programme.

General Notes

n/a