Module Details

Module Code: MUSC8031
Title: Dissertation 1
Long Title: Dissertation 1
NFQ Level: Advanced
Valid From: Semester 1 - 2021/22 ( September 2021 )
Duration: 1 Semester
Credits: 5
Field of Study: 2121 - Music & Performing Arts
Module Delivered in: 1 programme(s)
Module Description: This module prepares the learner to write a substantial undergraduate dissertation by developing the learner's critical thinking and research skills and knowledge of a specific topic relating to music history, music education/psychology, critical editing or Irish traditional music, and may involve fieldwork. This module consists of the development of a research plan and the completion of a comprehensive survey of the relevant literature and sources on an approved topic.
 
Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of this module the learner will be able to:
# Learning Outcome Description
LO1 Formulate a research question in a chosen area, having considered the existing knowledge base.
LO2 Access and survey the relevant literature on a specific topic.
LO3 Devise an appropriate research plan.
LO4 Identify appropriate research methodologies for the chosen topic.
Dependencies
Module Recommendations

This is prior learning (or a practical skill) that is strongly recommended before enrolment in this module. You may enrol in this module if you have not acquired the recommended learning but you will have considerable difficulty in passing (i.e. achieving the learning outcomes of) the module. While the prior learning is expressed as named MTU module(s) it also allows for learning (in another module or modules) which is equivalent to the learning specified in the named module(s).
Incompatible Modules
These are modules which have learning outcomes that are too similar to the learning outcomes of this module. You may not earn additional credit for the same learning and therefore you may not enrol in this module if you have successfully completed any modules in the incompatible list.
No incompatible modules listed
Co-requisite Modules
No Co-requisite modules listed
Requirements

This is prior learning (or a practical skill) that is mandatory before enrolment in this module is allowed. You may not enrol on this module if you have not acquired the learning specified in this section.
No requirements listed
 
Indicative Content
Proposal
A detailed proposal outlining the aims of the research, the questions to be addressed, and the proposed research framework.
Literature Review
Survey of relevant bibliography, including primary and secondary sources, and compilation of Literature Review.
Module Content & Assessment
Assessment Breakdown%
Coursework100.00%

Assessments

Coursework
Assessment Type Written Report % of Total Mark 20
Timing Week 7 Learning Outcomes 1,2,3,4
Assessment Description
Proposal and research plan
Assessment Type Reflective Journal % of Total Mark 20
Timing Week 9 Learning Outcomes 2
Assessment Description
Regular reflections and notes on compilation of bibliography, evaluation of sources, and development of research plan and methodology.
Assessment Type Essay % of Total Mark 60
Timing Sem End Learning Outcomes 1,2
Assessment Description
Review of literature
No End of Module Formal Examination
Reassessment Requirement
Coursework Only
This module is reassessed solely on the basis of re-submitted coursework. There is no repeat written examination.

The University reserves the right to alter the nature and timings of assessment

 

Module Workload

Workload: Full Time
Workload Type Contact Type Workload Description Frequency Average Weekly Learner Workload Hours
Tutorial Contact Research skills, writing skills Every Week 0.33 0.33
Independent & Directed Learning (Non-contact) Non Contact Development of research skills, independent research and writing Every Week 6.67 6.67
Total Hours 7.00
Total Weekly Learner Workload 7.00
Total Weekly Contact Hours 0.33
This module has no Part Time workload.
 
Module Resources
Recommended Book Resources
  • Gary Thomas. (2017), How to do your Research Project: a Guide for Students, 3rd ed.. Sage, [ISBN: 9781473948877].
  • Judith Bell and Stephen Waters. (2014), Doing your Research Project: A Guide for First-time Researchers, McGraw-Hill, [ISBN: 9780335264469].
  • Modern Language Association. (2016), MLA Handbook, 8th ed. [ISBN: 9781603292627].
Supplementary Book Resources
  • Bruce Ballenger. (2011), The Curious Researcher, 7th edition. Longman, [ISBN: 9780205172870].
This module does not have any article/paper resources
This module does not have any other resources
 
Module Delivered in
Programme Code Programme Semester Delivery
CR_GMUSC_8 Bachelor of Music (Honours) 7 Elective