Module: PM7001-30 Research Methodologies & Context

Level: 7

Credit Value: 30

Module Tutor: Dr Roger Apfelbaum

Module Tutor Contact Details: r.apfelbaum@bathspa.ac.uk

1.Brief description and aims of module

This key master’s level module recognises that research is a dynamic and varied field. It provides opportunities for you to collaborate with colleagues studying other Music and Performing Arts subjects. This encourages engagement with differing perspectives, broadening your research horizons and increasing your research capacity. This potentially prepares you for doctoral study, but is a first-step towards the Major Project at the end of the programme.

The module considers different research methodologies so that you develop a sophisticated understanding of, and ability to, research at postgraduate level. It also provides subject-specific context. This might include research into the cultural, commercial and technical aspects of a subject, a deeper understanding of the professionalism expected of a career in a cognate area, or a critical analysis of existing works, ideas and trends in the subject area. The module develops your critical perspectives on your personal creative practice.

The module aims to:

• Foster knowledge of research methodologies and scholarship

• Engage you with key debates and theories relevant to your own discipline

• Explore the relationship between theory and practice at postgraduate level

2.Outline syllabus

All courses share an initial core teaching block that provides an overview of postgraduate research methodologies. For example, (but not exclusively): practice-based research, historical research and/or action research methods. This common core element ensures that you are fully equipped to engage in postgraduate research and take the form of lectures.

Alongside this core teaching, you explore the contextual knowledge, professional expectations and current body of research associated to your specific area of study. As an indication, sessions might focus on the history, practice and/or theories associated with the discipline. These sessions address your main specialism directly through seminars and tutorials.

With your tutors, you develop a research topic and determine a suitable means for presenting the final submission. Negotiation defines the precise means of assessment, but in line with the Level 7 descriptor in the FHEQ, a key learning outcome is for you to identify a means of dissemination appropriate to your research topic.

3.Teaching and learning activities

The initial series of lectures considers frameworks and methodologies for synthesizing and generating knowledge. Staff deliver the contextual elements through smaller lecture, seminar groups and tutorials. Programmes utilise a range of online resources and e-learning strategies appropriate to the nature of your subject and the wider student body.

Through face-to-face and/or online tutorials, tutors facilitate your identification and development of a research question. The formative assessment activity is to negotiate a research proposal to determine the parameters of the research and define the means of dissemination. To ensure parity of assessment, you will be asked to select and agree assessment criteria appropriate to your research. The interdisciplinary nature of this module provides for a range of topics and methods, and so selecting focused criteria allows for formative engagement in the assessment process.

For the summative assessment, you submit the research project. The module presumes a 7,500 word-count or equivalent. The formative project proposal task considers the balance of written and practical work, using the indicative word count as a guide.

Assessment Item 1:

• Assessment Type: Course Work

• Description: Research Project (7,500 words – indicative)

• % Weighting: 100%