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Overview

The research project is a core module and allows students to design and deliver an extended piece of research into any aspect of music education. The project itself may take a variety of forms, such as a dissertation (of around 12,000 words), a portfolio of education materials with commentary, a series of guided demonstrations with commentary etc. It may include aspects of composition and performance. It will be possible to combine more than one mode of submission in a single project, or to define a completely different mode of submission.

The project proposal must be submitted as part of the Advanced Research Methods module, along with any ethical approval.

Students will submit a research proposal for the project as part of the Advanced Research Methods module. They will be allocated a supervisor (or supervisors, depending on the elements within the project), who will provide up to 8 hours individual supervision across the summer (June - September). There will also be three group sessions aimed at supplementing research strategies.

Assessment Strategy

Pass: C– to C+ (50–59%) The crucial achievement is demonstration of a sound grasp of issues relating to music education. However, the mark will be limited to this level by such things as: unoriginal application of a pre-defined methodology, which results in a failure to address its limitations with regard to the subject matter concerned; heavy reliance on and unquestioned use of secondary literature; inability to distinguish the relevant from the irrelevant; poor expression; incompetent bibliographical and footnoting skills. In relevant assignments the lack of a bibliography will merit an automatic fail.

Merit: B– to B+ (60–69%) The distinguishing quality is the demonstration of a robust understanding of issues relating to music education. The work will therefore demonstrate the ability to develop an original and sophisticated argument without intrinsic contradictions and inconsistencies; the application of a robust methodology, ability to diagnose and remedy problems and contradictions within established approaches to teaching music performance; effective communication of ideas and argument.

Distinction: A– and A (70–83%) The distinguishing quality is the demonstration of novel and original insights into music education. Work of this category will typically result from: the aggregation of a sizeable body of previously unresearched information; the application of a range of methodologies; the solution of challenging problems or identification of hidden flaws in established approaches in music education; excellent skills of communication.

Distinction: A+ to A** (84–100%) Work at this level is of a standard that attains or closely approaches professional standards and has the potential to re-define the area or methodological debate. The work will demonstrate in a consistent manner all of the features listed in the 70–84% category, and will be of such a quality that it either stands up to publication in a scholarly journal in its submitted state, or demonstrates skills of model professional quality.

Learning Outcomes

• Demonstrate enhanced research skills and demonstrating a range of appropriate research methodologies (and methods) in the area of music education.

• Demonstrate originality of thought and/or creative independence.

• Demonstrate the ability to critique and evaluate appropriate of concepts and techniques in the field of music education.

• Demonstrate the ability to execute and submit an extended piece of work that shows a detailed knowledge of music education

• Demonstrate the ability to sustain an argument and to communicate persuasively and coherently.

• Demonstrate the ability to think critically, independently and evaluatively.