2026/27 Undergraduate Module Catalogue

MUS3003 Music in Our World

20 Credits Class Size: 90

Module manager: Professor Karen Burland
Email: k.burland@leeds.ac.uk

Taught: Semesters 1 & 2 (Sep to Jun) View Timetable

Year running 2026/27

Mutually Exclusive

MUS3053

This module is not approved as a discovery module

Module summary

In this module you will apply your creativity, expertise and knowledge of music in responding to a project brief that communicates music’s impact in our world. You will work closely with a member of staff and a group of fellow students on a brief related to ongoing research, creative challenge, or contemporary issue. The nature of the outputs will depend on the specific needs of each project and may involve research and analysis, curating an exhibition or event, creating online resources or digital communications, or developing a project plan for a musical intervention. The module will support you to develop and reflect on your personal skills, as well as reflect on the ethical implications of working with others. It aims to inspire you to connect your musical studies and interests to wider contexts within and beyond the university.

Objectives

The purpose of this module is to immerse you in the collaborative nature of developing research, practice, and impact. It emphasizes the importance of teamwork, critical analysis, effective communication, and the creative application of skills and knowledge. This module will:

1. Provide an opportunity for you to contribute to projects at the leading edge of research, creative practice, and/or impact
2. Provide an opportunity for you to explore how expertise in music can be applied beyond your studies
3. Encourage you to consider the relevance of your academic studies and skills beyond university, including how broader contexts can inform your learning and practice
4. Encourage you to reflect on your personal skills development and the ethical implications of working with project partners and other stakeholders.

Learning outcomes

On successful completion of the module students will be able to:

1. Design, develop and deliver a creative and critical response to a brief.
2. Apply skills, knowledge, and expertise gained throughout your studies to a project that has relevance beyond your studies.
3. Evaluate the ethical implications of working with others and on active projects.
4. Reflect critically on your own learning, achievement, and personal/professional development.
5. Communicate ideas in precise, organised and accessible ways that are suitable for a variety of audiences.
6. Work effectively with others to plan, develop, and deliver outputs in response to a challenging project brief.

Teaching Methods

Delivery type Number Length hours Student hours
Supervision 8 1 8
Lecture 5 2 10
Practical 5 2 10
Private study hours 172
Total Contact hours 28
Total hours (100hr per 10 credits) 200

Opportunities for Formative Feedback

- Each group will submit a project proposal which outlines their collective response and individual contributions to their project brief towards the end of semester one. This will be discussed during one of the group tutorials (feedback for the group will also be provided);
- Feedback will be provided on students' reflections throughout the module (e.g. during seminars/tutorials, on diaries/work logs)
- Students will be trained and supported to provide peer support (in one of the seminars and via Buddy Check), and they will also provide formative feedback to each other.

Methods of Assessment

Coursework
Assessment type Notes % of formal assessment
Coursework Project Portfolio 60
Coursework Reflective Report 40
Total percentage (Assessment Coursework) 100

In most cases, resits will take the form of the same type of task, though in some cases we may need to change this (e.g. from a group to individual submission). Please note that, due to the nature of the module, in some cases it may only be possible to resit the module by retaking it, including teaching, at the next opportunity.

Reading List

Check the module area in Minerva for your reading list

Last updated: 13/03/2026

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