This module is not currently running in 2024 to 2025.
This module aims to foster the student's ability to develop her/his research skills through student-led work, and to develop an advanced understanding of musical endeavour. The module facilitates the transition from undergraduate level work or employment to self-management of independent postgraduate study and the formulation and presentation of an agreed research proposal and dissertation. Through a series of themed seminars, it will address current arguments and historical paradigms surrounding music theory and practice, considering areas such as research methods, the role of social forces in the production and reception of music, and perspectives on musical practices. The series will draw upon a number of disciplines, such as critical theory, cultural studies and philosophy. Students will attend the regular School of Music and Fine Art postgraduate seminars, which will encourage the consideration and discussion of research in relation to different practices, contexts and methods.
Teaching will be primarily delivered through one-to-one supervision (5 hours) and small group tutorials (18 hours), where students can develop their research topic in consultation with their supervisor and engage in peer evaluation of work in progress. Research skills and current issues and theories in the study of music will be discussed in a short workshop series (12 hours). This module is based around the research needs of the individual and as such the one-to-one supervision is designed to guide and support a students' independent learning and research.
Each student will have a named supervisor, but will be free to draw on the relevant expertise of other staff as appropriate.
Students will be expected to attend the School of Music and Fine Art's research seminars and to contribute to these as both speakers and participants in debate.
Annotated Bibliography, 1,500 words – 20%
Introductory Chapter and Dissertation Outline, 1,500 words – 20%
10,000 word Dissertation - 60%
The Dissertation may include material that has previously been submitted for assessment as part of the Annotated Bibliography and/or Introductory Chapter and Dissertation Outline. However it would be expected that these will be revised based on tutor feedback prior to incorporation in to the Dissertation.
Biggs, M. & Karlsson, H. eds. (2010). The Routledge Companion to Research in the Arts. London: Routledge.
Collins, H., (2010). Creative Research: The Theory and Practice of Research for the Creative Industries. Ava: London.
Cottrell, S. (2005). Critical Thinking Skills: Developing Effective Analysis and Argument. London: Palgrave Macmillan.
Hart, C. (2004). Doing your Masters Dissertation. London: Sage.
Pickering, M. ed. (2008). Research Methods for Cultural Studies. Edinburgh: Edinburgh University Press.
Potter, S. (2006). Doing Postgraduate Research. London: Sage.
Wisker, G. (2007). The Postgraduate Research Handbook. London: Palgrave Macmillan.
Supervisors will work with students to create a specialised reading list relating to each student's chosen research topic
See the library reading list for this module (Medway)
The intended subject specific learning outcomes.
On successfully completing the module students will be able to:
1) Demonstrate a critical understanding of key methods, ideas and issues in the study of music.
2) Analyse and evaluate complex issues within musical research, and suggest innovative approaches to understanding or moving beyond these issues.
3) Demonstrate a practical understanding of how established techniques of research and enquiry are used to create and interpret knowledge in the study of music.
4) Demonstrate an in-depth critical understanding of a range of contemporary and historical musical contexts and practices.
The intended generic learning outcomes.
On successfully completing the module students will be able to:
1) Identify and critically assess relevant primary and secondary sources within the context of a specific research project.
2) Disseminate work of a professional standard to specialist and non-specialist audiences using appropriate terminology.
3) Communicate and express arguments with clear conviction, referring critically to a wide range of relevant issues and questions.
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