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Independent Study Module (Community Music) - MUS00109M

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  • Department: Music
  • Credit value: 60 credits
  • Credit level: M
  • Academic year of delivery: 2023-24
    • See module specification for other years: 2024-25
  • Notes: This is an independent study module

Module summary

This module is an opportunity for you to pursue their own specialist interests within the field of community music, through the design and completion of a research project on a topic of your choice.

Module will run

Occurrence Teaching period
A Semester 2 2023-24 to Summer Semester 2023-24

Module aims

Throughout the taught elements of the MA course, students will have developed critical thinking and independent research skills, explored a variety of creative and inclusive approaches, begun to identify areas of specialist interest, and initiated connections to relevant communities. This independent study module provides an opportunity for you to explore an area of interest in more depth. The module can be approached in a variety of ways but ISM projects generally seek to answer a research question through practical activity, data collection and a dissertation, in which primary data is analysed and discussed within the wider academic and vocational context.

Module learning outcomes

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

  • Identify an area of specialist interest within the field of community music and develop a research question to explore the topic in more depth.

  • Design and carry out research projects that incorporate elements such as practical creative activity, primary data collection, data analysis, and a discussion of findings.

  • Situate your research in the wider community music context, through engagement with relevant literature and professional practice.

  • Work independently, motivating and guiding your own research and creative practice, and drawing on the support of a supervisor where necessary.

Indicative assessment

Task % of module mark
Essay/coursework 100

Special assessment rules

None

Additional assessment information

The module is assessed through a 7000-10,000 word dissertation (or package to be approved by module convenor, e.g. including compositions, workshop footage, performances, or other content relevant to the topic and research question)

Indicative reassessment

Task % of module mark
Essay/coursework 100

Module feedback

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

Indicative reading

Dependent on topic and focus.


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.