Master of Music

Purpose

The purpose of the qualification is to provide graduates with in-depth knowledge of a specialised research field in Music to equip them for further intellectual development and gainful economic activity in the music industry. The qualification aims to provide graduates with high level knowledge on an interdisciplinary basis, as well as appropriate research skills that would enable them to successfully identify topics for further investigation, the various research methodologies, ethical research procedures and theoretical frameworks. The proposed qualification will also be beneficial to all those wishing to articulate to a research-based Doctorate.

Rationale

The qualification will address the need to advance the development of scholarship and intellectual leadership in a specialised research domain in Music. Currently a number of research-oriented Master of Music Degrees with a 70% research component are offered, but they are all considered to be coursework Masters' Degrees because of a small coursework component in each. Thus, the proposed new qualification will fill a gap in current offerings and will cater for the growing need for a 'pure' research Masters 'Degree. On average, seven students annually register for research-oriented Degrees in the Music Department and this Degree will optimally address this proven need. The addition of this qualification will also make the department's academic offerings more balanced in that the full spectrum of modes of music studies and qualifications will be presented. This is informed by and will be comparable to the diversity of offering types found at most leading institutions that have full research Master's Degrees to complement the course work Master's Degrees in music performance and composition.

Successful completion of an appropriate Degree as well as basic knowledge of the fundamental principles and concepts of research and statistical methods is required.

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)

Applicants who do not meet the admission criteria as stipulated, but can demonstrate experiential or work-based learning at an equivalent level may be considered for RPL towards admission, in accordance with the institutional policy.

Access to Qualification

Holders of a four-year Bachelor of Music Degree from a recognised institution, a relevant Honours Degree or the holders of other cognate qualifications as approved, may be accepted as candidates for the Degree.

This is a research-based qualification which culminates in the submission of a dissertation worth 180 Credits.

1. Access, organise and critically evaluate existing knowledge in the applicable field of study.
2. Master theoretical, advanced and specialised subject matter in the field of Music Studies.
3. Demonstrate acquisition of advanced knowledge, critical reflective and analytical skills with respect to the chosen area of specialisation.
4. Write up a scientifically acceptable research dissertation.

Critical Cross-Field Outcomes

This qualification enables all the Critical Cross-Field Outcomes to be addressed.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1

• An acceptable research proposal is developed.
• Appropriate literature is sourced, analysed, organised and evaluated systematically in the chosen focus area.
• Documents are prepared for obtaining ethics clearance.
• Intellectual competence and skill is exhibited in executing the research, using quantitative, qualitative or mixed research methods.
• Adherence to scientific writing criteria with cognisance of appropriate referencing conventions is consistently demonstrated.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2

• Specialised knowledge of specific areas of inquiry and an understanding of the interrelationship amongst various areas within the field is demonstrated.
• Sophisticated knowledge of the general field of inquiry and grasp of the theoretical and philosophical underpinnings of this field is demonstrated.
• The conceptual discourse concerning music and the arts can be critically evaluated.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3

• Musical works within their cultural contexts are analysed, including the ability to present reflections and analyses relevant to the creation, performance and interpretation of music.
• Solutions to problems are identified and recommended, displaying critical and creative thinking in the process of the field of study.
• Opinions about own and others' work is critically analysed and expressed.
• Orthodox theory and practice prevalent in Music Studies is challenged and new approaches are suggested.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 4

• An acceptable research dissertation is written up.
• Conclusions and recommendations are justified by the use of appropriate evidence and arguments.

Integrated Assessment

Assessment is 100% summative and will take the form of a dissertation to be externally examined according to institutional policy. Thus no formative assessment takes place in line with accepted protocol of research-based Degrees.