Musicology MMus
Research Skills and Digital Musicology MUSIC5062
- Academic Session: 2026-27
- School: School of Culture and Creative Arts
- Credits: 20
- Level: Level 5 (SCQF level 11)
- Typically Offered: Semester 1
- Available to Visiting Students: Yes
- Collaborative Online International Learning: No
- Curriculum For Life: No
Short Description
The course introduces students to current research methods in musicology, including, for example, the use of modern bibliographical tools, archival research, sketch studies and genetic criticism, and empirical methods. It will also feature recent presentation techniques including those associated with digital humanities and digital musicology.
Timetable
10x1hr weekly lecture
10x1hr weekly seminar
5hs tutorials on presentations and essays.
Assessment
The standard assessments for this course are:
■ Essay of 2500 words, submitted at the end of the course - 50%
■ A digital musicology project (such as a database, website, interactive map or computer-aided analysis) equivalent to 2500 words, or written outline for a digital musicology project (2500 words) - 50%
If required, for instance where a disability prevents a student from undertaking a specific method of assessment, the following alternatives are available:
■ There is no alternative to the essay, but a flexible deadline and extra time can be offered as reasonable adjustments (students should follow the usual process for extensions)
■ There is no alternative to the digital musicology project, but a flexible deadline and extra time can be offered as reasonable adjustments (students should follow the usual process for extensions)
Further reasonable adjustments may be provided where necessary. Students are encouraged to consult with the course convenor.
Course Aims
The course aims to introduce students to current research techniques, including, for example, the use of modern bibliographical tools, archival research, sketch studies and genetic criticism, and empirical methods. More specifically, the course aims to:
■ give students a good grasp of current techniques for conducting and presenting musicological research, including in the field of digital musicology
■ encourage students to reflect on the role of different kinds and standards of evidence in musicological scholarship
■ inculcate research ethics in students
Intended Learning Outcomes of Course
By the end of this course students will be able to:
■ evaluate and employ different research techniques, including, for example, modern bibliographical tools, archival research, sketch studies and genetic criticism and empirical methods.
■ critically reflect on the use and standards of evidence associated with different techniques and methods
■ act in accordance with ethical practice in research conduct