Bachelor of Music Honours

Purpose

The qualification equips learners with the skills necessary either for employment in Music or for further study at Masters level in Music or a related subject area. The qualification equips learners to integrate and apply the theories and methods of Music to an appropriate research context.

Rationale

This Bachelor of Music Honours is the first year of Postgraduate study in Music. It provides the opportunity for further intensive study in Performance, Composition, Dance or Musicology and training in concepts and research methods that equip the learner with the skills necessary either for employment in the field of Music or for further study in a Masters in Music, or a related subject area.

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)

Non-graduates who have shown by examination or publication or a record of appropriate training that they have reached a level in the subject or a cognate subject equivalent to a Bachelor's Degree may apply.

Entry Requirements

The minimum entry requirement for this qualification is

• Bachelor of Music, NQF Level 7.

This qualification consists of the following compulsory and elective modules at NQF Level 8 totalling 120 Credits

• Research Essay, 30 Credits.
• Four more courses totalling a minimum of 90 Credits.

• Understand and interpret literary and other texts within an area of specialisation;
• Design and conduct research in an area of specialisation;
• Produce academic papers that reflect an ability to interrogate the professional literature and engage in critical debate;
• Find information about professional relevance efficiently and independently;
• Use information-technology efficiently and independently;
• Embark on independent study.

The following Associated Assessment Criteria will assess the Exit Level Outcomes in an integrated manner.

• Formulate a sophisticated argument drawing on appropriate theory and practical skills.
• Produce critiques of music theory and research.
• Produce a portfolio of music compositions.
• Utilise appropriate quantitative and qualitative methods to address research questions.
• Use computer-based notational packages to prepare musical scores.
• Apply theoretical knowledge to an understanding of advanced musical analysis.

Integrated Assessment

The integrated assessment includes measurement of foundational, reflective, technical and practical competencies. Learners are required to complete a series of exercises in creative work where appropriate. These serve both to integrate skills learnt during the Honours year, and to prepare the learner for Masters level study.

A learner is required to pass each component of the Honours qualification.

The Institution has a system of external peer review and evaluation of each course. One of the aspects of the system is an evaluation of the standards and assessment practices of the department. The academic staff of the Institution use this in a manner which is consistent with the quality assurance system of the Institution.