The module aims to provide you with the opportunity to build on skills and areas of interest developed during your previous years of study. You will be encouraged to engage in selective and appropriate research, and in the coherent production of creative solutions to a self-written brief. You will author the brief, that will specify your project, in consultation with your supervising tutor. Your chosen project should stem from knowledge and skills already attained and from your own experiences in music and sound, which can be taken to a higher level to produce an outstanding piece of work.
The dissertation requires the development of strong research and study skills, which are used to undertake a focused piece of academic study based on a subject grounded in the student's course area of music and sound or related subjects.
Your dissertation will include a literature review of your chosen area that shows the development of strong research and study skills, a project plan and creative solutions to your own brief. The dissertation should demonstrate an extension of the range of skills developed on your course and can include the gathering and analysis of data, testing, evaluation and conclusions.

1. Illustrated Interim report consisting of a maximum of 1000 words including a brief literature review and a brief outline work of work so far and plans for how you will use the remainder of your time available. Includes completion of ethics form (which does not contribute to word count) (Learning Outcomes 1 and 5) 20% weighting

2. Dissertation of 4000 words long (Learning Outcomes 2, 3, 4 and 5) 80% weighting

4 x 1 hour lectures at the start of semester plus bi-weekly meetings with your supervisor

1. Identify and refine a research problem of interest from the relevant literature (including e-learning resources) and select, design and implement an appropriate methodology and research instrument for the chosen investigation. Enquiry; Learning; Reflection

2. Demonstrate the ability as an individual to sustain and bring to fruition a long-term research process. Application

3. Produce solutions that answer a range of problems within the parameters of an effective brief. Application, Learning

4. Write a dissertation discussing, presenting and critically appraising all findings of the study. Analysis, Learning, Reflection

5. Demonstrate an in-depth understanding of a particular topic, including a critical review and assessment of the relevant research, empirical findings, theoretical perspectives and arguments and debates in the area. Analysis; Problem Solving

The University library and online e-Resources
Computer running Microsoft Office or other Word Processor

Anderton, C. and Pisfil, S. (2022) Researching Live Music: Gigs, Tours, Concerts and Festivals. 1st edn.

Beins, Bernard (2014). Successful Research Projects: A Step-by-Step Guide. London, Sage

Bell, J. (2005) Doing your Research Project, Open University Press

Blaxter, L., Hughes, C., Tight, M. (2010). How to Research. 4th Edition. Maidenhead: Open University Press

Dogantan-Dack, Mine (ed.) (2016) Artistic Practice as Research in Music: Theory, Criticism, Practice.

Filimowicz, M. (2021) Doing Research in Sound Design. 1st edn. Focal Press.

Flick, Uwe (2015). Introducing Research Methodology: A Beginner's Guide to doing a Research Project. 2nd ed. London, Sage

Laurel, B. (2004). Design Research: Methods and Perspectives. Cambridge MA: MIT Press

Moylan, W. (2020) Recording Analysis: How the Record Shapes the Song. 1st edn.

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.

Rumsey, F. (2021) Sound and Recording: Applications and Theory. 8th edn. Focal Press.

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

Weyers, J & McMillan, K. (2011) How to Write Dissertations & Project Reports. 2nd ed. Prentice Hall: London

This individual project, of your design, allows you to produce in depth work on a chosen subject that directly relates to your studies and future career aspirations.