Module manager: Dr Ian Sapiro
Email: i.p.sapiro@leeds.ac.uk
Taught: Semesters 1 & 2 (Sep to Jun) View Timetable
Year running 2026/27
MUSS3140 Dissertation MUSS3325 Applied Project MUSS3240 Composition MUSS3640 Music Technology
This module is not approved as a discovery module
This module allows you to pursue an extended research project in an area of music or sound studies in which you have an interest. The module involves devising, carrying out, documenting, and critically evaluating the research project. Areas of study typically include: applications of music technology; arranging and editing; composition; event- and marketing-based projects; music psychology; performance-related work; and the investigation of musicological interests (e.g. history, philosophy, education). These are purely indicative, and you may develop a project in an area of music or sound studies not listed here. Through this module you will engage critically with current and historic practice, scholarship, and critical discourse and develop your personal and professional identity through practical and intellectual engagement with music.
The independent research project is an opportunity for you to apply knowledge, theoretical principles and/or skills to a question or area related to music or sound studies that interests you. These may be linked to your programme of study. Alternatively, this is an opportunity for you to explore your own interests in music or sound studies separately from your main area of study.
The goal is for you to gain experience of devising, researching, carrying out, documenting and critically engaging with a project driven by your own initiative and creativity. You will be supported by lectures, seminars, and supervisions that are designed to foster creative autonomy.
On successful completion of the module students will be able to:
1. Devise and execute an independent research project in music that synthesizes diverse contexts and/or perspectives.
2. Show creative initiative in applying knowledge and skills within music.
3. Interrogate and critique methodologies used in the study of music.
4. Employ critical judgement in the selection and use of relevant research, practice and scholarship.
5. Communicate ideas in precise, organised and accessible ways.
6. Make independent use of a variety of digital resources to attain personal/professional goals.
| Delivery type | Number | Length hours | Student hours |
|---|---|---|---|
| Supervision | 1 | 1 | 1 |
| Supervision | 6 | 0.5 | 3 |
| Lecture | 6 | 1 | 6 |
| Seminar | 2 | 1 | 2 |
| Private study hours | 388 | ||
| Total Contact hours | 12 | ||
| Total hours (100hr per 10 credits) | 400 | ||
The module will have several opportunities for formative feedback.
1) A project proposal will receive formative feedback over the summer preceding the academic session in which the project is carried out
2) One component (e.g. draft chapter, practice-research component) and plan for project completion, due towards end of semester 1
3) A work-in-progress presentation, due early-mid semester 2
Formative verbal feedback from a supervisor is central to the supervision meetings, to which students are expected to come with work and/or questions prepared.
| Assessment type | Notes | % of formal assessment |
|---|---|---|
| Coursework | Project | 100 |
| Total percentage (Assessment Coursework) | 100 | |
Resits will normally be the same task as the first. In some cases, due to the time and access to facilities/equipment required, it may be necessary to offer resits of practical work during the following academic session rather than over the summer period.
Check the module area in Minerva for your reading list
Last updated: 05/02/2026
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