Module WXT-4011:
Masters Project

Run by School of Music and Media

60 Credits or 30 ECTS Credits

Organiser: Prof Pwyll ap Sion

Dissertation or other approved prose submission/Edition with commentary:

The module aims: 1. to enable the student to produce an extended piece of writing thatembodies the methods and results of a research project. 2. to acquire a wider and more profound knowledge and understanding of the field of study, building on the work undertaken for MA Part I. 3. to enhance study and research skills as appropriate 4. to develop independence of thought and the ability to sustain an argument 5. to learn how to structure a complex argument, incorporating a range of primary and secondary evidence. 6. to understand concepts and techniques currently being applied in the chosen field 7. to enable selection of a methodology or methodologies appropriate to the chosen subject. 8. to develop the ability to communicate persuasively and unambiguously in writing. 9. to develop the ability to document evidence using an appropriate system of referencing.

Notated composition/ Electroacoustic composition: The module aims: 1. to develop proficiency in a variety of compositional techniques. 2. to develop self-confidence in working with the tools and materials of composition. 3. to develop a compositional language and idiom which is artistically relevant to contemporary and society. 4. to enable originality of thought and creative independence. 5. to learn how to make balanced assessments of his/her own creative work. 6. to appreciate and interpret his/her own creative work in the context of the work of other composers.

Performance The module aims: 1. to enable the student to develop their performing technique, innate musicality, and 'platform presence' in public performance 2. to enable the student to deliver effectively a substantial recital involving several different compositional styles 3. to enhance their technique, stylistic and interpretational awareness, and stamina 4. to develop an understanding of repertory in its historical and compositional context 5. to develop an appropriate style of programme note writing, with due emphasis on persuasive and unambiguous communication.

The Part Two module of the MA or MMus consists of a single project of a scope and scale that a student may reasonably expect to completed after four to five months of full-time, independent, supervised study. It should demonstrate advanced knowledge and study in the field, and should incorporate some level of individuality in terms of thought and approach. It will normally be undertaken in the main study area chosen for Part One, and may take the form of either (i) a dissertation or equivalent prose study, (ii) a portfolio of compositions, (iii) an edition with commentary or (iv) a public recital, depending on the student's main area of specialism. The scope and content of the project will be guided by the supervisor(s), and should follow the plan submitted in the module 'Preparing for the Part Two project'.

threshold

Threshold (50-59) Work which displays a good grasp of factual knowledge, with adequate ability at conceptual thought, and some awareness of methodological issues (albeit limited), and showing sufficient evidence of a generally intellectual approach, with fair expression.

good

Good (60-69) Work which displays a sound grasp of the subject, a good level of conceptual thought, awareness of methodological and other issues, with evidence of intellectual acumen and good expression .

excellent

Excellent (70+) Work which displays a thorough grasp of the subject, with evidence of extended study, profound conceptual thought, originality of approach and excellent presentational skills.

1. On successful completion of the module, students will be able to demonstrate that they can execute and submit an extended piece of work that shows a detailed knowledge of the field of study in question. .

2. On successful completion of the module, students will be able to demonstrate the ability to think critically, independently and evaluatively.

3. On successful completion of the module, students will be able to develop the ability to sustain an argument (written and/or musical) and to communicate persuasively and coherently.

4. On successful completion of the module, students will be able to demonstrate an understanding of a variety of concepts and techniques in their chosen field of study.

5. On successful completion of the module, students will be able to Illustrate a variety of skills in the chosen field of study.

6. On successful completion of the module, students will be able to demonstrate originality of thought and/or creative independence.

7. On successful completion of the module, students will be able to demonstrate enhanced research skills and demonstrating a range of appropriate research methodologies in the area of musicology, refined editorial skills in the case of an editions with commentary; evidence of a range of creative and technical abilities in the case of composition; or technical competence, control and interpretative understanding of the music in the case of performance.

Type	Name	Description	Weight
	Final Project		95
	Brief Project Plan		5

		Hours
Private study		582
Tutorial	Individual supervision on a fortnightly basis, up to a total of 18 hours.	18

• Literacy - Proficiency in reading and writing through a variety of media
• Self-Management - Able to work unsupervised in an efficient, punctual and structured manner. To examine the outcomes of tasks and events, and judge levels of quality and importance
• Exploring - Able to investigate, research and consider alternatives
• Information retrieval - Able to access different and multiple sources of information
• Management - Able to utilise, coordinate and control resources (human, physical and/or financial)
• Argument - Able to put forward, debate and justify an opinion or a course of action, with an individual or in a wider group setting
• Self-awareness & Reflectivity - Having an awareness of your own strengths, weaknesses, aims and objectives. Able to regularly review, evaluate and reflect upon the performance of yourself and others

• Musicianship skills – recognition, classification, contextualisation, reconstruction, exploration
• Re-creative skills – interpretation, innovation, versatility, and other skills relating to performance
• Creative skills – conception, elaboration, adaptation, presentation, collaboration, preservation
• Intellectual skills specific to Music – contextual knowledge, cultural awareness, critical understanding, repertoire knowledge, curiosity, analytical demonstration
• Technological skills – digital capture, digital expression, digital innovation
• Intellectual skills shared with other disciplines – research and exploration, reasoning and logic, understanding, critical judgement, assimilation and application
• Skills of communication and interaction – oral and written communication, public presentation, team-working and collaboration, awareness of professional protocols, sensitivity, ICT skills, etc.
• Skills of personal management – self-motivation, self-critical awareness, independence, entrepreneurship and employment skills, time management and reliability, organisation, etc.
• Enhanced powers of imagination and creativity (4.17)

Resource implications for students

None.

Talis Reading list

http://readinglists.bangor.ac.uk/modules/wxt-4011.html

Compulsory in courses:

• V9AC: MA Medieval Studies year 1 (MA/MS)
• W3AH: MA Music year 1 (MA/MUS)
• W3BJ: MA Music with Education year 1 (MA/MUSED)
• W3BM: MMus Composition and Sonic Art year 1 (MMUS/CSA)
• W3BG: MMus Performance year 1 (MMUS/MUSP)