This module will enhance both academic and vocational skills, and provide valuable preparation for progression to level 4 and beyond. Students will have the opportunity to carry out in-depth research and investigation into a chosen area of interest in Music and Sound. Students will be expected to choose and justify an appropriate area that promises ample scope for detailed study. Suggested examples of the types of topic for investigation include the history and development of a style of music; the work of a producer, mix engineer or performer; social and cultural influences of and on a music or genre etc.

Students will submit a research plan identifying their choice of subject matter along with intended resources and materials. Students will work independently in identifying information sources, extracting, collating and interpreting information and writing up the eventual outcome of their findings. This will be submitted as a piece of formal academic writing.

The research plan should outline the area of study, the approach taken to the research and review some of the existing literature and how that interacts with the planned research and an assessment of its overall quality and value to the project. (LO1)

The Research write up should present the research work and start to provide answers for the questions posed in the proposal. It should do so in a formal academic style and present a clear evidence base for the conclusions reached. (LO2 and 3).

The contact time will be broken down as follows:
8 lecture/tutorials of 3 hours including small group work and individual support.
8 weeks of 1-2-1 tutorial support of 15-20 minutes a week per student.

1. Propose and plan a music-based research project. Problem Solving

2. Undertake a programme of research relevant to the chosen project area. Enquiry

3. Write a report discussing, presenting and appraising all findings of the study. Reflection

Library and online research resources.

The most recent additions of the following texts, which will be available through online study links. The following are the most recent editions:

Przybylski, L. (2020) Hybrid Ethnography: Online, Offline, and In Between: 58. 1st edition. Los Angeles: SAGE Publications, Inc.

Ridley, D. (2012) The Literature Review: A Step-By-Step Guide For Students. Second edition. Los Angeles: Sage Publications Ltd.

Williamon, A. et al. (2021) Performing Music Research: Methods in Music Education, Psychology, and Performance Science. New York: OUP Oxford.

Do you want to understand better how to research, write and present your idea in a formal academic way? This module will give you the tools you need in a clear and supportive environment. There is a direct focus on individual support and supervision to ensure that the writing process is understood as well as possible, and students are supported into good habits and develop relevant skills whilst looking in depth and a subject that interests them.