Analytical Skills

This module calls for students to engage in a large scale research project. The aim is to give students the opportunity to demonstrate their ability to critically analyse, synthesise and develop knowledge in the form of a 6000 word written dissertation research project. The dissertation should include a formal structure, methodology, have a succinct and purposeful research question and be related to the music industry or wider creative sector. The topic and area can take a number of forms, of which many are discussed and exampled in the online research skills module. The dissertation should demonstrate a thorough awareness of academic research related to the topic and draw from a range of information and methodologies to add to the existing research domain. The formal dissertation structure and practices (referencing, style, justification, narrative, methodology etc.) outlined in the online research skills module should be used as a guide to presenting and formulating the work.Students should utilise project proposals developed in the online research skills module and demonstrate an appropriate narrative exposition of their subject matter demonstrating clarity of analytical skills culminating in reasoned and evidenced conclusions. Knowledge – On completion of this module, the successful student will be able to:

1 Develop the skills and competencies required across the entire research process

2 Formulate purposeful, reasoned and clear research questions

3 Identify suitable methodologies for the exploration of a research question

4 Use analytical skills for the synthesis, understanding and dissemination of knowledge