Session: 2022/23
Last modified: 08/08/2022 09:45:27
| Named Award Title: | MA Music, (Songwriting) (Sound Prod) (Indust) |
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Award Title for Each Award:
| MA
Music, (Songwriting) (Sound Prod) (Indust)
PG Dip
Music, (Songwriting) (Sound Prod) (Indust)
PG Cert
Music, (Songwriting) (Sound Prod) (Indust)
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| Awarding Institution/Body: | University of the West of Scotland |
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| Language of Instruction & Examination: | English
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| Award Accredited By: | JAMES |
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| Maximum Period of Registration: | |
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| Mode of Study: | Full Time
Part Time
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| Campus: | Ayr
Roma Contemporary Music College (Italy)
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| School: | School of Business & Creative Industries |
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| Programme Leader: | Jo Collinson Scott |
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Admission Criteria
Candidates must be able to satisfy the general admission requirements of the University of the West of Scotland as specified in Chapter 2 of the University Regulatory Framework
together with the following programme requirements:
Appropriate Undergraduate QualificationCandidates must be able to satisfy the general admission requirements of the University of the West of Scotland as specified by Chapter 2 of the Regulatory Framework together with the following programme requirements: Honours degree (minimum 2:2 classification or a bachelor’s degree with significant and relevant work experience. Where candidates do not meet the standard entry requirement, they must demonstrate that they have sufficient relevant professional or practice-based experience to undertake their chosen programme of study.Other Required Qualifications/ExperienceEnglish language proficiency is also a requirement, with candidates expected to achieve IELTs average standard of 6.0.
Admission based on Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) will comply with the University’s Regulatory Framework (Chapter 2), as well as University regulations on postgraduate study and guidance on RPL. Credit transferred into the programme through Accreditation of Prior Learning (APL) must have been subject to reliable and valid methods of assessment at a recognised HEI. Accredited Prior Experiential Learning (APEL) entry is also permitted. The amount of credit transferred though RPL (APL and APEL) will comply with the maxima set out in the Regulatory Framework. Candidates should note that transferred credit does not carry a grade, therefore, award with distinction cannot be granted for awards where credit is transferred in at level 11.
Further desirable skills pre-applicationA relevant portfolio of: songwriting work/studio production work/creative entrepreneurship activities in the music industries. A demonstrable interest in contemporary popular music. |
General OverviewThe programme presents a range of high-level specialised skills related to professional expectations around the bracketed titles; these will be delivered across a range of relevant delivery modes including intensive workshops, classroom and studio delivery, online delivery and a range of self-directed professional briefs. Students will develop understanding around relevant methodologies, both in terms of traditional research modes and creative practice-led research. The programme is flexible, allowing for full-time and part-time study. Overarching educational aims include:
- Build self-direction and originality in developing creative work and in the promotion, management and dissemination of materials.
- Embed professional-level autonomy across a range of music practices.
- Deal with complex issues creatively and systematically, making judgments in the context of music creation and management that have artistic and ethical integrity and value for an audience / market.
- Embed approaches to self-critique, academic enquiry and practice-based research at the forefront of music, production and music business practices and the related academic discourse.
- Reflect on learning using tutor and peer feedback.
- Work independently, demonstrating initiative, self-organisation and time-management, progressing through the degree programme to become an independent learner at the forefront of professional practice.
- Collaborate across a range of creative music disciplines to deliver briefs within professional timescales in a range of group projects.
- Use a range of technologies relevant to subject specialisms and more broadly in terms of communication, information retrieval and the dissemination of creative projects.
- Develop a wide range of advanced skills on a professional level.
- Use the structures of the course to support professional development planning and career building.
- Build extensive, detailed knowledge and understanding of a number of specialisms at the forefront of music practice
Students will work towards the development of a major self-directed project relevant to their own particular pathway to be delivered via the Masters Creative Project 60-credit module. The project will evidence understanding and integration of specific and relevant research methodologies (creative practice-led and traditional research modes), significant subject knowledge and clear alignment with the expectations of industry. In completing the project students will also define a professional dissemination plan. Students of the MA Music (Industries)/MA Music pathway may alternatively undertake a Dissertation in the final trimester dependent on the focus of their research and desired output.
The MA Music graduate, across the four pathway titles, will be an accomplished, critically reflective practitioner with a set of strongly focused skills and the ability to exist and thrive autonomously in a range of professional contexts.
Statement from our Head of Division:
“Your learning and teaching in Arts & Media aligns to principles set out in the UWS Curriculum Framework 2022. Module and programme design is therefore guided by a flexible, hybrid and student-centred approach. We design module assessments to be authentic both in terms of their academic rigour and relevance to the creative industries. The journey through your chosen programme of study is designed to be simple and coherent, developing a full range of academic, creative and conceptual skills required to develop exciting and sustainable careers in the creative industries. Your voice is important in helping us shape learning and teaching that is inclusive and contemporary, so we encourage you to engage with opportunities to feedback on your experiences.”
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Graduate Attributes, Employability & Personal Development Planning |
The programme is fully aligned with institutional priorities around the development of graduate attributes and with the institutional policy on personal development planning. The mapping of programme and module learning outcomes and employability-integrated assessment ensures the visibility of graduate attributes, employability and citizenship competencies. Personal development is embedded and explicitly signposted in the curriculum, with students provided with regular opportunities to capture and evaluate progression and development, stimulating reflection, self-regulation and a more constructive engagement with employability. It is recognised that personal development planning is an essential component of lifelong learning and continuing and professional development. To support this activity, all students are provided with access to personal development planning tools and enabled to develop a personal e-portfolio across the programme.
Specifically the modules, programme levels and programme learning outcomes across the framework are carefully designed to ensure professional practice is closely aligned with academic development. Students are required to consider creative work within modules as publishable outputs – this is clear in modules such as Creative Industries: Professional Practice, Professional Music Brief and Professional Music Release and in the final Masters Creative Project / Dissertation which is likely to be either a published creative work or a contextualisation of a live business idea.
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Work Based Learning/Placement Details |
- Work-related learning underpins both the programme and its distinct pathways through the externally-facing assessments, professionally focused briefs and the expectation that the overarching narrative of MA Music is to work through a series of modules and levels towards a substantial professional output either in terms of songwriting and performance, music production or an entrepreneurial event / artefact / research. The delivery team is closely aligned to all aspects of the music industry within Scotland and abroad and bring this expertise to bear on the teaching of the programme, the research that underpins it and also in terms of access to industry figures. There will be an opportunity to engage with community music projects – a growing employment sector within the music industries – and other live events. The existing music MA programmes already have a significant track record in accessing live, high profile projects for students and graduates (Digital Commonwealth 2014, Pits, Ponies, People & Stories research project, The Falkirk Music Pot via Creative Scotland).
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Engagement |
In line with the Academic Engagement Procedure, Students are defined as academically engaged if they are regularly engaged with timetabled teaching sessions, course-related learning resources including those in the Library and on the relevant learning platform, and complete assessments and submit these on time. Where a programme has Professional, Statutory or Regulatory Body requirements these will be listed here: Submitting material for all assessments, engaging with Aula materials weekly during scheduled teaching times, attending timetabled classes more than 80% of the time unless absence has been agreed with module co-ordinators/lecturers. Certain assessments may require attendance at workshops/classes as part of their completion and in this case attendance requirements may be stricter - where this is the case, this will be outlined as part of the detailed module assessment requirements. |
Programme structures and requirements, SCQF level, term, module name and code, credits and awards
(
Chapter 1, Regulatory Framework
)
A. PG Cert
Learning Outcomes (Maximum of 5 per heading)
Knowledge and Understanding |
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A1 | Demonstrate understanding of collaborative music practice within a wide range of industry contexts. |
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A2 | Develop extensive knowledge and understanding of the ways in which music practice can be evaluated and understood including a range of research methodologies from musicology and other relevant disciplines (business, cultural, literary, aesthetic philosophy). |
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A3 | Demonstrate ability to critically evaluate current and historical academic practices in analysis, including advanced scholarship in the discipline. |
Practice - Applied Knowledge and Understanding |
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B1 | Use a wide range of the principal skills, techniques and practices associated with music practices and apply these in the light of a broad analytical and historical understanding. |
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B2 | Demonstrate professional practice in a wide variety of contexts including working to briefs, collaborating with a range of clients and negotiating in creative partnership. |
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B3 | Plan and execute a significant project of practice-led research. |
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B4 | Demonstrate ability to apply a number of specialised research methodologies, including standard methods of musical, technical and business analysis alongside creative critical responses. |
Communication, ICT and Numeracy Skills |
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C1 | Demonstrate an ability to express complex ideas in written and oral form. |
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C2 | Use a wide range of software to support the development of creative and entrepreneurial work. |
Generic Cognitive Skills - Problem Solving, Analysis, Evaluation |
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D1 | Develop responses to creative and professional challenge, making critically informed and autonomous judgements. |
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D2 | Prepare original and creative responses to research questions. |
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D3 | Demonstrate the ability to critically review, consolidate and practically expand upon complex practices and highly abstract thinking in academic practice. |
Autonomy, Accountability and Working With Others |
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E1 | Demonstrate professional leadership in projects, working with others in complex collaborative scenarios. |
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E2 | Exercise substantial autonomy and initiative in preparation for seminars and in researching written submissions. |
Core Modules
* Indicates that module descriptor is not published.
Footnotes
Optional Modules
* Indicates that module descriptor is not published.
Footnotes
Criteria for Progression and Award
B. PG Dip
Learning Outcomes (Maximum of 5 per heading)
Knowledge and Understanding |
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A1 | Demonstrate an extensive, detailed and critical knowledge and understanding in research methodologies much of which is at or informed by developments at the forefront of research in and applied to creative practice. |
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A2 | Demonstrate critical understanding of the principal theories, concepts and practicalities of conceptualising and realizing a coherent music performance, production or event. |
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A3 | Detailed critical understanding of the complexity of collaborative and interdisciplinary working. |
Practice - Applied Knowledge and Understanding |
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B1 | Use a significant range of the principal skills, techniques and practices associated with specific music, production and music business practices. |
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B2 | Use a selection from a range of research methods techniques and practices at the forefront or informed by key developments within academic discourse. |
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B3 | Plan and execute a significant collaborative project in collaboration with a range of music and creative practitioners with professional consideration of practical and ethical challenges. |
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B4 | Demonstrate originality or creativity in the application of knowledge and understanding of research and research methods as applied to a range of music practices. |
Communication, ICT and Numeracy Skills |
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C1 | Use a range of advanced skills in communicating creative ideas (including written, demonstrated and verbal forms) in professional contexts, working at a high professional level of competency. |
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C2 | Communicate, using appropriate methods, to a range of audiences with different levels of knowledge/expertise. |
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C3 | Communicate with peers, more senior colleagues and specialists. |
Generic Cognitive Skills - Problem Solving, Analysis, Evaluation |
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D1 | Deal with complex and divergent issues, making critically informed judgements towards the creation of an artefact or event. |
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D2 | Develop original and creative responses to problems and issues in relation to collaborative practice. |
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D3 | Demonstrate professional level insights, interpretations and solutions to problems and issues. |
Autonomy, Accountability and Working With Others |
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E1 | Exercise substantial autonomy and initiative in professional music and equivalent music-related activities. |
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E2 | Take responsibility for development and completion of own work and the work of others in a range of professional music contexts. |
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E3 | Demonstrate strong critical reflection on own practice and evaluation of the work of others. |
Core Modules
* Indicates that module descriptor is not published.
Footnotes
Optional Modules
* Indicates that module descriptor is not published.
Footnotes
Criteria for Progression and Award
For information on the criteria for the award of Distinction please refer to University Regulation, Chapter 3 (3.25)
C. Masters
Learning Outcomes (Maximum of 5 per heading)
Knowledge and Understanding |
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A1 | Demonstrate knowledge that covers and integrates most if not all of the principal areas, features, boundaries, terminology and conventions of music practices. |
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A2 | Demonstrate critical understanding of the principal theories, concepts and principles underpinning popular music practice. |
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A3 | Demonstrate a critical understanding of a range of specialised theories, principles and concepts applying to popular music practice. |
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A4 | Display extensive, detailed and critical knowledge and understanding in one or more specialism related to music practice, much of which is at or informed by developments at the forefront of the discipline. |
Practice - Applied Knowledge and Understanding |
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B1 | Apply a range of specialised skills, techniques, practices and/or materials which are at the forefront or informed by forefront developments in music practice. |
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B2 | Apply a range of standard and specialised research or equivalent instruments and techniques of enquiry. |
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B3 | Plan and execute a significant project of research, investigation or development. |
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B4 | Demonstrate originality or creativity in the application of knowledge, understanding and/or practices related to music practice. |
Communication, ICT and Numeracy Skills |
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C1 | Communicate, using appropriate methods to a range of audiences with different levels of knowledge/expertise. |
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C2 | Communicate with peers, more senior colleagues and specialists. |
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C3 | Use a wide range of software to support, enhance and disseminate work at this level. |
Generic Cognitive Skills - Problem Solving, Analysis, Evaluation |
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D1 | Apply critical analysis, evaluation and synthesis to issues which are at the forefront or informed by developments at the forefront of creative media practice. |
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D2 | Identify, conceptualise and define new and abstract problems and issues. |
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D3 | Develop original and creative responses to problems and issues drawing on information from a variety of sources, including academic research publications and the wider music commentariat. |
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D4 | Critically review, consolidate and extend knowledge, skills, practices and thinking in music related practice |
Autonomy, Accountability and Working With Others |
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E1 | Exercise substantial autonomy and initiative in professional music contexts taking responsibility for a wide range of resources. |
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E2 | Systematically identify and address own learning needs both in current and in new areas making an identifiable contribution to change and development. |
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E3 | Develop as an independent researcher by planning, designing, executing, disseminating and contextualising a music-related project. |
Core Modules
* Indicates that module descriptor is not published.
Footnotes
Core for all pathways: Creative Industries: Professional Practice & Analysing Creativity
Core for MA Music: Songwriting:
Research: Critical Development
Songwriting Workshop
Masters Creative Project
Core for MA Music: Sound Production:
Analysing Creativity
Soundscapes
Masters Creative Project
Core for MA Music: Industries:
Analysing Creativity
Global Music Ind
Core for MA Music:
Global Music Industries
Analysing Creativity
and Research Critical Development & Masters Creative Project or either Marketing Events & Tourism Diss & Creative Research
NB for MA: Music Industries: If taking Dissertation in Trimester 3 then Creative Research should have been taken in Trimester 2.
If taking Masters Creative Project in Trimester 3 then Research Critical Development should have been taken in Trimester 2
The programme leader and supervisory team will work with students to design and implement the most advantageous route.
Optional Modules
* Indicates that module descriptor is not published.
Footnotes
OPTION 1 - Students following the Songwriting route, must select TWO options ( 1 from each Trimester) from the following:
Set Subset Module Code Module Title Text Credits
MUSC10013 Music, Film & Sound Aesthetics
MUSC11009 Professional Music Release
MUSC11019 Professional Music Brief
MUSC11023 Soundscapes (20 Credit)
CMPG11006 Creative Media Practice
OPTION 2 - Students following the Sound Production route, must select TWO options ( 1 from each Trimester) from the following :
Option Modules - Students are required to select 40 credits from the options below:
Set Subset Module Code Module Title Text Credits
MUSC10013 Music, Film & Sound Aesthetics
MUSC11009 Professional Music Release
MUSC11019 Professional Music Brief
MUSC11020 Songwriting Workshop
CMPG11006 Creative Media Practice
OPTION 3 - Students following the Industries route , must select TWO options ( 1 from each Trimester) from the following :
Set Subset Module Code Module Title Text Credits
MUSC10013 Music, Film & Sound Aesthetics
MUSC11019 Professional Music Brief
MUSC11020 Songwriting Workshop
MUSC11023 Soundscapes (20 Credit)
MUSC11009 Professional Music Release
CMPG11006 Creative Media Practice
OPTION 4 - Students following the Generic Music pathway, must select TWO options ( 1 from each Trimester) from the following :
Set Subset Module Code Module Title Text Credits
MUSC10013 Music, Film & Sound Aesthetics
MUSC11009 Professional Music Release
MUSC11019 Professional Music Brief
MUSC11020 Songwriting Workshop
MUSC11023 Soundscapes (20 Credit)
CMPG11006 Creative Media Practice
Criteria for Award
Students who successfully complete Masters Creative Project and have the appropriate 180 credit total will be eligible to exit with the:
MA Music: Songwriting or
MA Music: Sound Production or
Students who successfully complete Masters Dissertation - Marketing, Events & Tourism or Masters Creative Project and have the appropriate 180 credit total will be eligible to exit with the:
MA Music: Industries or
MA Music
For information on the award of Distinction, please refer to University Regulation, Chapter 3 (3.25)
Regulations of Assessment |
Candidates will be bound by the general assessment regulations of the
University as specified in the
University Regulatory Framework.
An overview of the assessment details is provided in the Student Handbook and
the assessment criteria for each module is provided in the module
descriptor which forms part of the module pack issued to students. For further
details on assessment please refer to Chapter 3 of the Regulatory Framework.
To qualify for an award of the University, students must complete all the
programme requirements and must meet the credit minima detailed in Chapter 1
of the Regulatory Framework.
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Combined Studies |
There may be instances where a student has been unsuccessful in meeting the award criteria for the named award and for other more generic named awards existing within the School.
Provided that they have met the credit requirements in line with the SCQF credit minima (please see Regulation 1.21),
they will be eligible for an exit award of
PgCert/ PgDip in Combined Studies.
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Version Number: 1.05