What will I learn on this module?
This module is designed to equip you with the research skills you need in order to carry out original, independent research in Music. It serves as a preparation for the dissertation you will write in your final year of study. You will have the opportunity to frame a question, plan your research, and write an extended essay on a theme of your choice related to a topic introduced at the start of the module. In doing so, you will gain an understanding of how to frame research questions and arrive at a title, how to manage a project working independently, how to find primary and secondary sources, how to present your work and develop your academic writing.
How will I learn on this module?
The module falls into three parts. First, you will be introduced to topic for the module; second, your will plan your project and receive skills training in plenary workshop sessions; thirdly you will undertake research with supervision. In the workshops you will cover topics such as project and time management; how to do research and build up a bibliography; how to use theoretical, historical and musical sources; how to use electronic sources to extend your research capabilities. Your supervisor will be available to help guide your research and to provide you with commentary on your written work in one-to-one sessions.
How will I be supported academically on this module?
Your main support will come from the module tutor. They will help you to develop a research proposal, to find research material in relation to your topic, to develop your research, to build a bibliography, and will discuss the development of your writing. You will also have the support network of other students doing music history projects. You will receive feedback on your ideas expressed in a presentation and a blog post, and feedback on this will feed forward to help you write your essay.
What will I be expected to read on this module?
All modules at Northumbria include a range of reading materials that students are expected to engage with. Online reading lists (provided after enrolment) give you access to your reading material for your modules. The Library works in partnership with your module tutors to ensure you have access to the material that you need.
What will I be expected to achieve?
Knowledge & Understanding:
• You will demonstrate detailed knowledge of your chosen essay topic and an awareness of critical developments in the field.
Intellectual / Professional skills & abilities:
• You will be able to devise, plan and manage a research project.
• You will have the ability to identify relevant primary and secondary materials from electronic, print and other relevant sources and to deploy this evidence to support a compelling argument
Personal Values Attributes (Global / Cultural awareness, Ethics, Curiosity) (PVA):
• You will be able to work independently on a piece of work that reflects your scholarly and musical interests, demonstrating determination through self-motivation.
• You will embrace self-critical awareness and feedback from others as you monitor your own progress.
How will I be assessed?
There are two pieces of assessment, one formative and the other summative.
1. SUMMATIVE: 10-minute project proposal pitch (10%) This provides an overview of your central question, its significance, and the research you will undertake to answer it. It will allow you to develop skills in presenting your ideas. You will receive feedback via written commentary. (MLO 2, 3, 4, 5)
2. SUMMATIVE: 750-word blog post (15%) summarising the main argument of your research in terms accessible to the general, musical public. This will enable you to practice communicating your argument clearly. (MLO 1, 3, 4, 5)
3. SUMMATIVE: Extended Essay of 4,500 words (75%) (MLO 1, 2, 3, 4, 5). Feedback comprises annotations to the script and a short report, plus an opportunity to go over your work with the marker in an individual tutorial.
Pre-requisite(s)
N/A
Co-requisite(s)
N/A
Module abstract
This module equips you with some of the research skills you will need to carry out independent work for your dissertation in your final year. You will write an extended essay on a subject related to a topic introduced at the beginning of the module. You will learn how to frame research questions and arrive at a title, how to manage a project working independently, how to find primary and secondary sources, how to present your work and to develop your academic writing.
Course info
UCAS Code W320
Credits 20
Level of Study Undergraduate
Mode of Study 3 years Full Time or 4 years with a placement (sandwich)/study abroad
Department Humanities
Location City Campus, Northumbria University
City Newcastle
Start September 2025
All information is accurate at the time of sharing.
Full time Courses are primarily delivered via on-campus face to face learning but could include elements of online learning. Most courses run as planned and as promoted on our website and via our marketing materials, but if there are any substantial changes (as determined by the Competition and Markets Authority) to a course or there is the potential that course may be withdrawn, we will notify all affected applicants as soon as possible with advice and guidance regarding their options. It is also important to be aware that optional modules listed on course pages may be subject to change depending on uptake numbers each year.
Contact time is subject to increase or decrease in line with possible restrictions imposed by the government or the University in the interest of maintaining the health and safety and wellbeing of students, staff, and visitors if this is deemed necessary in future.
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