Module: CMU6003-20 Commercial Music Research Planning and Methods

Level: 6

Credit Value: 20

Module Tutor: Emma Hooper

Module Tutor Contact Details: e.hooper@bathspa.ac.uk

1. Brief description and aims of module:

This module functions as an adjunct to the Commercial Music Research: Writing and Revision module offered in Semester 2, enabling students to work on an in-depth research/study project across two semesters. This module is therefore research based in its focus and provides students with the opportunity to craft a research project, including choosing an appropriate topic, designing a fitting methodology and undertake preparatory research in advance of engaging with the writing up portion of the project.  This module aims to:

• Prepare students to confidently undertake a larger-scale research project

• Foster a positive approach to lifelong learning and career development

• Facilitate the research of ideas within a professional and/or academic context

 2. Outline syllabus

 Being one of the final creative parts of the Commercial Music program, this module’s content is determined by students in order to reflect their own tastes, interests and specialist areas of knowledge. Lectures into the fundamentals of research and methodology begin the term, then the module is conducted through regular one-to-one tutorials with specialist supervisors from the CM team.

 3. Teaching and learning activities

This study module focuses on independent learning, in line with the FHEQ level 6 descriptor. There will be some initial lecture delivery around research and planning, but in the main tutor contact will be through advisory tutorials to support study choice and planning. There will be subsequent check-up points. In developing their research file students should articulate clearly how they intend to process their research findings into the semester 2 CM Research: Writing and Revision module.

The formative assessment will be though tutorials and a presentation and discussion of a draft project brief.

The summative assessment will be the submission of the Research Gathering file and presentation at the Student Conference.

Assessment Item 1:

• Assessment Type: CW

• Description: Research Gathering File

• % Weighting: 50

Assessment Item 2:

• Assessment Type: CW

• Description: Student Conference Presentation

• % Weighting: 50