programme specification - mdx

http://www.mdx.ac.uk/about-us/policies/academic-quality/handbook/ Last updated 23.09.2019

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BA Music

1. Programme title BA Music

2. Awarding institution Middlesex University

3. Teaching institution Middlesex University, Hendon campus

4. Details of accreditation by professional/statutory/regulatory body

Not applicable

5. Final qualification(s) available BA Music BA Music (Performance/Composition) BA Music (Popular) BA Music (Production) BA Music (Jazz) Cert HE Music Dip HE Music Plus all of the above awards are available with Foundation year

6. Year of validation / last review Year of amendment

2020

7. Language of study English

8. Mode of study Full-time (3 years) & Part-time (6 years) 9. Criteria for admission to the programme Applicants are required to have demonstrable potential in at least one of the areas of: • Music practice in: performance (in Classical, Jazz or Popular Music styles); composition; songwriting; music technology; • The theoretical or critical study of music. In general, the minimum conditional offer is 112UCAS tariff points. Whilst it is expected that Music will typically have formed a substantial part of the applicant’s prior studies, our admissions criteria are also sensitive to the fact that there may not necessarily have been the opportunity to formalise such studies via A-Level and BTEC qualifications in the subject. Passing the Middlesex University Performing Arts (Music) Foundation Programme also guarantees progression to Year 1 of the BA Music programme.

Programme Specification

http://www.mdx.ac.uk/about-us/policies/academic-quality/handbook/


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Applicants will be interviewed to ascertain appropriate skills and knowledge, except for international applicants, who are instead required to present appropriate materials. International applicants are required to have attained competency in English language of a level of at least IELTS 6.0 overall (or equivalent), with no component at less than 5.5. Mature applicants (over 21) without formal qualifications but with appropriate musical skills, knowledge and understanding, will also be considered for entry to the BA Music programme. The programme also has protocols in place for accepting students with Advanced Academic Standing to year 2 or 3, including via Articulation Agreements with partner institutions. 10. Aims of the programme

The programme aims to: • enable a sophisticated understanding of musical context – cultural, sociological, economic, musicological and aesthetic; • develop advanced practical and creative musical skills; • facilitate skills of critical reflection, autonomous learning, professional practice, and the transferable skills gained from an advanced study of music; • produce graduates who can enhance, and contribute to, the cultural experience of society, nationally and internationally, and who are employable in a wide range of industries. 11. Programme outcomes* A. Knowledge and understanding On completion of this programme the successful student will have knowledge and understanding of: 1. A range of musical repertoire, according to field of study; 2. A range of musical styles and aesthetics; 3. The context of music: historical, cultural, sociological, economic, ethical and political; 4. The creative domains of musical composition/ songwriting and/or performance and/or music technology;

Teaching/learning methods Students gain knowledge and understanding through: • Creative workshops, which enable students to try out and apply ideas and concepts • Lectures, which allow for tutor-led introduction and exploration of ideas, concepts, approaches and repertoires • Seminars, in which students develop skills of articulation and argument as ways of developing thinking and testing ideas • Events, guest lectures and master classes by visiting practitioners and industry specialists • Independent study and research, inviting students to work independently to explore materials, and broaden and deepen knowledge Assessment methods Students’ knowledge and understanding is assessed by:



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5. Effective approaches to music research, planning and/or rehearsing; 6. The music industries and their relationship with them; 7. Strategies for career development

• Performance and/or musicianship • Musical compositions/songs or improvisations or studio production work • Essays, blogs, reports and other written work • Podcasts • Presentations • Portfolios of creative work • Creative and/or research projects

B. Skills On completion of this programme the successful student will be able to: 1. Demonstrate technical competence in a specific area of creative music practice; 2. Employ sophisticated reflective and critical thinking; 3. Utilise skills of communication and construct convincing written and oral arguments; 4. Research effectively in music and related fields; 5. Plan, organise and manage study, research and/or practice; 6. Utilise skills of digital technology and numeracy, in performance and other creative domains and in project work; 7. Work and collaborate effectively in teams, groups and ensembles; 8. Develop their own careers in the context of maintaining personal attributes of resourcefulness, confidence and resilience.

Teaching/learning methods Students learn cognitive skills through: • Performance, in which students participate either as performers or audience, to experience and explore techniques of performance in the context of practice • Creative workshops, across a choice of practical domains, which enable students to try out and refine tools and techniques • Independent rehearsal and practice, in which students acquire the understanding and skills to rehearse effectively and productively • Independent study and research, enabling students to learn the skills of working autonomously and independently Assessment methods Students’ cognitive skills are assessed by • Performance and/or musicianship • Musical compositions/songs or improvisations or studio production work • Essays, blogs, reports and other written work • Podcasts • Seminar presentations • Portfolios of creative work • Creative projects

12. Programme structure (levels, modules, credits and progression requirements) 12.1 Overall structure of the programme



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Full-time Structures



5



6



7



8



9

Part-time Structures



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11



12



13



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12.2 Levels and modules

- Level 4 - General Note:

Progression paths from Level 5 are detailed below. COMPULSORY OPTIONAL PROGRESSION REQUIREMENTS Students must take all of the following: MUS1001 Performance, Composition & Songwriting MUS1002 Musicianship & Theory MUS1003 Music Technologies MUS1004 Critical Thinking in Music

No optional modules at Level 4

All students are registered to BA Music at Level 4. All L4 modules must be passed for progression to Level 5 / Year 2 From Level 5, students may progress to BA Music or select a specialist pathway to be articulated in the final award, hence final exit awards will be one of:

- BA Music - BA Music (Performance/ Composition) - BA Music (Jazz) - BA Music (Popular) - BA Music (Production)



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- Level 5 -

COMPULSORY OPTIONAL PROGRESSION REQUIREMENTS

For BA Music Students must take all of the following: MUS2014 Popular Music in the 21st Century or

MUS2015 Music & Culture

Students must select three modules from

MUS2010 Composition, Songwriting & Arranging MUS2011 Bop & Hardbop

MUS2012 Performance & Musicianship

MUS2013 Recording & Production

MUS2016 The New Music Business

MUS2017 Style & Theory MUS2018 Interactive Sound & Synthesis

For progression to MUS2011 students must have passed the Jazz Improvisation assessment in MUS1001

For BA Music (Performance/ Composition) pathway MUS2015

Music & Culture

plus: MUS2010 Composition, Songwriting & Arranging and/or

MUS2012 Performance & Musicianship


MUS2017 Style & Theory

MUS2018 Interactive Sound & Synthesis



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COMPULSORY OPTIONAL PROGRESSION

REQUIREMENTS For BA Music (Popular) pathway MUS2014 Popular Music in the 21st Century

or


plus:

MUS2010 Composition, Songwriting & Arranging

and/or

MUS2012

Performance & Musicianship

Students must also choose at least one from the following: MUS2013 Recording & Production


For BA Music (Production) pathway MUS2013

Recording & Production

MUS2018 Interactive Sound & Synthesis

Students must also choose two from the following: MUS2010 Composition, Songwriting & Arranging MUS2012 Performance & Musicianship MUS2016 The New Music Business or one of the following two modules: MUS2014 Popular Music in the 21st Century MUS2015 Music & Culture

For BA Music (Jazz) pathway MUS2011 Bop & Hardbop MUS2012 Performance & Musicianship

Students must also choose two from the following: MUS2013 Recording & Production



For progression to MUS2011 students must have passed the Jazz Improvisation assessment in MUS1001

General Note: At least 75% of Level 5 modules need to be passed to progress to Level 6, notwithstanding the prerequisite requirements of particular Level 6 modules as detailed below.



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- Level 6 -

COMPULSORY OPTIONAL PROGRESSION

REQUIREMENTS For BA Music No compulsory modules Students select four modules from:

MUS3010 Advanced Composition/Songwriting MUS3011 Advanced Jazz Improvisation

MUS3012 Advanced Performance & Musicianship MUS3013 Production Project

MUS3014 Popular Music Studies

MUS3015 Music Since 1960

MUS3016 Working in Music

MUS3017 Music for Screen & Virtual Realities MUS3018 Music for Dance, Theatre & Live Shows

MUS3019 Negotiated Project

A pass in MUS2010 is required for MUS3010 A pass in MUS2011 is required for MUS3011 A pass in MUS2012 is required for MUS3012 A pass in MUS2013 is required for MUS3013

For BA Music (Performance/Composition) pathway MUS3015 Music Since1960

plus

MUS3010 Advanced Composition/Songwriting and/or

MUS3012 Advanced Performance & Musicianship

Students must also choose at least one from the following:


MUS3017 Music for Screen & Virtual Realities MUS3018 Music for Dance, Theatre & Live Shows MUS3019 Negotiated Project

A pass in MUS2010 is required for MUS3010 A pass in MUS2012 is required for MUS3012



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For BA Music (Popular) pathway MUS3014 Popular Music Studies

or MUS3016 Working in Music

plus

MUS3010 Advanced Composition/Songwriting and/or

MUS3012 Advanced Performance & Musicianship

Students must also choose at least one from the following:

MUS3013 Production Project


A pass in MUS2010 is required for MUS3010 A pass in MUS2012 is required for MUS3012 A pass in MUS2013 is required for MUS3013

For BA Music (Production) pathway MUS3013

Production Project

MUS3020

Studio Production Placement

Students must also choose two from the following:


MUS3017 Music for Screen & Virtual Realities MUS3018 Music for Dance, Theatre & Live Shows

MUS3019 Negotiated Project

For BA Music (Jazz) pathway MUS3011 Advanced Jazz Improvisation MUS3012 Advanced Performance & Musicianship

Students must also choose two from the following: MUS3013 Production Project



A pass in MUS2011 is required for MUS3011 A pass in MUS2012 is required for MUS3012 A pass in MUS2013 is required for MUS3013



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12.3 Non-compensatable modules

Module level Module code Levels 5 and 6 For BA Music:

There are no non-compensatable modules

Levels 5 and 6 For BA Music (Performance/Composition) pathway: MUS2010 and/or MUS2012

MUS2015

MUS3010 and/or MUS3012 Levels 5 and 6 For BA Music (Popular) pathway:

MUS2010 and/or MUS2012

MUS2014 and /or MUS2016

MUS3010 and/or MUS3012 Levels 5 and 6 For BA Music (Production) pathway:

MUS2013 and MUS2018

MUS3013 Levels 5 and 6 For BA Music (Jazz) pathway:

MUS2011 and MUS2012

MUS3011 and MUS3012

13. Information about assessment regulations The Programme conforms to Middlesex University Regulations.

14. Placement opportunities, requirements and support All students have the opportunity to take a Placement in the Negotiated Project in Year 3 (MUS3019) and BA Music (Production) pathway students take a Studio placement in industry via MUS3020 These modules are supported by the Module Leaders and the University’s Employability and Careers service (currently named MDX Works) 15. Future careers / progression Graduates from the award will be equipped to progress to a wide range of opportunities in the growing sector of creative arts industries that align to Music. As well as busy freelance musician careers, the programme provides the skills required for the many jobs within the overlapping worlds of live music, audio-visual music and sound, performers for live shows, theatre and studio sessions, composers and arrangers, musical directors, music supervisors, promoter and self-promoter, record label director, sound engineers, music producers, recording studio editors, technicians, music mixing and mastering engineers. The audio-visual industry also comprises opportunities in film, radio, television, advertising, and virtual realities including computer games. The course will also prepare for those wishing to go into classroom teaching, workshop leading and peripatetic instrumental tuition as well as music journalism, media music. The programme also prepares students for further study in a number of post-graduate settings, both universities and conservatoires, and across a



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range of specialist academic and music practitioner domains, which also includes the two MA programmes currently available in Music at Middlesex University. 16. Particular support for learning (if applicable) Moodle system (called My Learning) – virtual learning environment Sheppard Library and specialist resources, both physical and virtual Specialist staff: Music Technicians and specialist Librarian Personal Tutoring scheme: students are supported by the same personal tutor through their studies to help navigate options/pathways and to offer individual guidance Music practice rooms and technical facilities in Grove Building Specialist Music Studio in Grove B (G172) Digital Media Workshop (access to Music Technology facilities) Technical music equipment from KitHub (loan store for Faculty of Creative Arts) 17. JACS code (or other relevant coding system)

18. Relevant QAA subject benchmark group(s)

Music (2016)

19. Reference points The following reference points were used in designing the Programme: • QAA Subject Benchmark Statement for Music (2016) • Publications and reports of the Incorporated Institute of Musicians (ISM) • National Association for Music in Higher Education (NAMHE) • Framework for Higher Education Qualifications • Middlesex University Strategy • Middlesex University Regulations 20. Other information • Opportunities for Study abroad (we have links with partners in New York, New Orleans and throughout Europe)

• Performance opportunities on campus and at external venues in London, e.g. Vortex, Camden Assembly, St Pancras Church, Burgh House.

• Performance/guest speaker/master-class series from artists and industry specialists

• Visiting Honorary professors



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• Collaborations with other artistic disciplines on a lively campus for the arts and creative industries, with students from Dance, Theatre Arts, Animation, TV Production, Fine Art, Graphic Design, and numerous other areas

• Links with the Association of Independent Festivals (AIF)

• Close links to the BA Music Business & Arts Management course in the Music department, enhancing the music industry focus and facilitating a strong external outlook

• Collaborations with local partners: Barnet Educational Arts Trust (BEAT); The North London Conservatoire (NLC); Haringey Music Hub; Enfield Music Hub; St Mary’s Church, Hendon. Please note programme specifications provide a concise summary of the main features of the programme and the learning outcomes that a typical student might reasonably be expected to achieve if s/he takes full advantage of the learning opportunities that are provided. More detailed information about the programme can be found in the rest of your programme handbook and the university regulations.



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Curriculum map for BA Music This section shows the highest level at which programme outcomes are to be achieved by all graduates, and maps programme learning outcomes against the modules in which they are assessed. Programme learning outcomes Knowledge and understanding

A1 Knowledge of musical repertoires as appropriate to field of study

A2 Familiarity with a variety musical styles and aesthetics

A3 The context of Music: historical, cultural, sociological, economic, ethical and political

A4 Creative domains of musical composition/songwriting and/or performance and/or music technology

A5 Effective approaches to music research, planning and rehearsing

A6 The Music Industry and their place in it

A7 Strategies for career development

Skills

B1 Demonstrate technical competence in a specific area of creative music practice

B2 Employ reflective and critical thinking

B3 Utilise skills of communication and construct convincing written and/or oral arguments B4 Research effectively in music and related fields

B5 Plan, organise and manage study, research and/or practice

B6 Utilise skills of digital technology and numeracy, in performance and/or creative and project work

B7 Work and collaborate effectively in teams, groups and ensembles



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B8 Develop their own careers in the context of maintaining personal attributes of resourcefulness, confidence and resilience Programme outcomes A1 A2 A3 A4 A5 A6 A7 B1 B2 B3 B4 B5 B6 B7 B8 Highest level achieved by all graduates 6 6 6 6 6 6 6 6 6 6 6 6 6 6 6 *The Learning outcomes of MUS3019 can vary according to the nature of the agreed project



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Module Title Module

Code by Level

A1 A2 A3 A4 A5 A6 A7 B1 B2 B3 B4 B5 B6 B7 B8

Performance, Composition & Songwriting

MUS1001 X X X X X

Musicianship & Theory MUS1002 X X X X Music Technologies MUS1003 X X Critical Thinking in Music MUS1004 X X X X X X

Composition, Songwriting & Arranging MUS2010 X X X X Bop & Hardbop MUS2011 X X X X X X X Performance & Musicianship MUS2012 X X X X X X X X Recording & Production MUS2013 X X X X X Popular Music in the 21st Century MUS2014 X X X X X X X X Music & Culture MUS2015 X X X X X X The New Music Business MUS2016 X X X X X X X Style, Rhythm & Theory MUS2017 Interactive Sound & Synthesis MUS2018 X X X X X

Advanced Composition/Songwriting MUS3010 X X X X X X X X X X Advanced Jazz Improvisation MUS3011 X X X X X X X X

Advanced Performance & Musicianship MUS3012 X X X X X X X X X X X Production Project MUS3013 X X X X X X X X X Popular Music Studies MUS3014 X X X X X X Music Since 1960 MUS3015 X X X X X X Working in Music MUS3016 X X X X X X X X

Music for Screen & Virtual Realities MUS3017 X X X X X X X X X X Music for Dance, Theatre & Live Shows

MUS3018 X X X X X X X X X X

Negotiated Project * MUS3019 X X X X X X X X X Studio Production Placement MUS3020 X X X X X X X X X X


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