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Research Skills for Musicians - MUS00105M

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  • Department: Music
  • Credit value: 20 credits
  • Credit level: M
  • Academic year of delivery: 2024-25
    • See module specification for other years: 2023-24

Module summary

In this module, we build and consolidate the research skills that are required for postgraduate-level research on music-related topics.

Module will run

Occurrence Teaching period
A Semester 1 2024-25

Module aims

This module aims to equip you with the necessary research skills to carry out independent postgraduate-level research on music-related topics. It deals with issues such as the identification and use of appropriate primary and secondary sources; editorial principles; and advanced referencing. Critical thinking is examined and put into practice. The module also covers presentation skills and is assessed via presentation.

Module learning outcomes

By the end of the taught part of the module you should be able to:

  • Evaluate sources and account for their use in research contexts

  • Understand and apply methodologies related to the use of different sources

  • Recognise and apply different forms of critical thinking

  • Create a successful presentation on a topic of your own choice

  • Carry out independent postgraduate-level research on a music-related topic

Indicative assessment

Task % of module mark
Essay/coursework 50
Essay/coursework 50

Special assessment rules

None

Indicative reassessment

Task % of module mark
Essay/coursework 50
Essay/coursework 50

Module feedback

You will receive written feedback in line with standard University turnaround times.

Indicative reading

Gottlieb, Jane. (2017) Music Library and Research Skills. Second edition. New York, NY: Oxford University Press.

Sampsel, Laurie J. (2009) Music Research: A Handbook. New York: Oxford University Press.

Strunk, Oliver and L. Treitler. (1998) Source Readings in Music History. Revised edition. New York: Norton.

Weiss, Piero and Richard Taruskin. Music in the Western World: A History in Documents. New York: Schirmer Books; London: Collier Macmillan, 1984.


The information on this page is indicative of the module that is currently on offer. The University constantly explores ways to enhance and improve its degree programmes and therefore reserves the right to make variations to the content and method of delivery of modules, and to discontinue modules, if such action is reasonably considered to be necessary. In some instances it may be appropriate for the University to notify and consult with affected students about module changes in accordance with the University's policy on the Approval of Modifications to Existing Taught Programmes of Study.