Doctor of Philosophy in Music

Purpose

This qualification is to equip learners with the necessary knowledge and skills to apply educational knowledge, skills, principles and methods as an advanced musician and/or music educationist and/or in other advanced music related occupation with regard to advanced research, comparable with international standards. Qualifiers will demonstrate knowledge, skills and applied competence in the field of study that provide opportunities for continued personal growth, gainful economic activity and rewarding contributions to society.

Rationale

This qualification is designed to allow musicians to attain the highest-level of academic excellence in their field, with advanced research competence. A doctorate is essential for an academic career in music and is enrolled for by staff members at academic institutions, but there is also learner intake from other sectors of music practice (both private and public), of individuals who wish to develop specialised skill in music research and practice.

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)

Where applicants do not meet the minimum admission requirements, RPL may be used to grant access to the qualification.

Entry Requirements

The minimum entry requirement for this qualification is

• Master of Music, Level 9.

This qualification consists of elective modules at National Qualifications Framework, Level 10, totalling 360 Credits.

Elective Modules, 360 Credits (Choose one)

• An integrated study of creative and research work that culminates in a thesis, 360 Credits.
• Dissertation, 360 Credits.
• Five thematically related, publishable articles, 360 Credits.

1. Manage, control and conduct research procedures by applying advanced research methods and complete an independent original research project(s).
2. Reflect critically on theory and its application.
3. Deal with complex issues both systematically and creatively.
4. Design and critically appraise research.
5. Make sound judgments using available data and information.
6. Communicate research conclusions clearly to specialist and non-specialist audiences.
7. Demonstrate self-direction and originality in tackling and solving problems and act autonomously in planning and implementing tasks with a theoretical underpinning.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome

Learners will demonstrate their knowledge and skills through

• A research report for the fulfilment of the overall requirements as set for the qualification.
• Conducting a comprehensive review of leading and current research in an area of specialisation to produce significant insights.
• Preparing the resources of academic and professional/occupational discourse to communicate and defend substantial ideas that are the products of research.

Integrated Assessment

Through the production of a thesis various assessment methods and types are integrated demonstrating applied competence. Integrated assessment at the level of the qualification provides an opportunity for learners to show that they are able to integrate concepts, ideas and actions across Exit Level Outcomes.

Integrated assessment should show how already demonstrated competence in individual areas can be linked and applied for the achievement of a holistic outcome as described in the exit level outcomes.

These concepts are especially applicable to the option for this qualification where the learner presents an integrated study of creative work and research.

Integrated assessment must judge the quality of the observable performance, and also the quality of the thinking that lies behind it. . Assessment tools must encourage learners to give an account of the thinking and decision-making that underpin their demonstrated performance. Some assessment practices will demand practical evidence while others may be more theoretical, depending on the type of outcomes to be assessed. The ratio between action and interpretation is not fixed, but varies according to the demands of the particular Exit Level Outcome of the qualification. At the doctoral level, the highest competencies of musical and Music-cognitive insight are expected.