The focus of this module is on guided self-managed learning. Students will continue to explore their own areas of interest by accessing our facilities and expertise within a critical and supportive framework supported by a series of individual and group tutorials, and student led sessions. There will also be sessions and workshops introducing the students to research methods and ethics at a postgraduate level. Assessment will again be through a negotiated portfolio, supported by an interim presentation and a critical evaluation.

Assessment One: Presentation

A presentation on a topic related to the music industry assessing learning outcome 1. The presentation may be in the form of a commercial pitch as appropriate.

Assessment Two: (Digital Diary)

A digital diary in an appropriate format documenting and reflecting on the development of the project assessing learning outcomes 2 and 4

Assessment Three: Negotiated Portfolio

A portfolio of work, the exact nature of which will be negotiated between the student and the course team, assessing learning outcomes 1, and 2. Examples of appropriate portfolios could include compositions, recording projects, mixing, and mastering projects, software development, performance, or musicology. This will be an opportunity to either build on work started in the Modern Musicianship One module, or undertake an advanced investigation into a new topic.

Assessment Four: Report

A report (3000 words), assessing learning outcomes 1, 3 and 4, evaluating and reflecting upon the negotiated portfolio

Group tutorials, independent learning, guided self-managed activities, workshops and lectures.

1. Show an Understanding of different methods of research in the context of the music industry

2. Demonstrate an ability to solve problems and provide solutions to a music industry related topic

3. Show an awareness of research ethics when carrying out music related investigations

4. Reflect critically on the research process

Cadman Music Studios

G136 and G135 Music Labs

Media Resource Centre

Staffordshire University Library

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

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

Barret, E and Bolt, B (eds.) (2019) Practice as research: Approaches to Creative Arts Enquiry. Bloomsbury

You will use our world class facilities and expertise to focus in on a music industry topic related to your interests. Your topic could be related to music production, music technology, composition and performance or the music business. You will also be given the skills you need to carry out research on a music related topic at a postgraduate level.