Course overview
- Study period
- Semester 1, 2025 (24/02/2025 - 22/11/2025)
- Study level
- Postgraduate Coursework
- Location
- St Lucia
- Attendance mode
- In Person
- Units
- 8
- Administrative campus
- St Lucia
- Coordinating unit
- Music School
Students research and write a thesis on a topic approved by the course co-ordinator. The course provides students with the opportunity to develop a focussed research project in a field appropriate to their interests and the School of Music's expertise, deploying suitable critical frameworks and research methodologies under the guidance and supervision of an academic staff member. Students obtain experience which may lead them to further research-based programs, such as the PhD.
This course provides you with an opportunity to pursue a research project ﾠin depth. You identify a research problem and a potential project supervisor from the staff listed atﾠhttps://music.uq.edu.au/team/academics. When your project and supervisor are approved, you implement the agreed project, conducting the necessary research, analysis and writing under the guidance of your supervisor. The final assessment outcome is presented in a thesis of c. 16,000 words.
Course requirements
Assumed background
It is expected that students will have completed MUSC4410 Music Research Methods within the suite of courses in the MMus program (preferably with attainment of a grade of ﾠ5 or higher), or have completed an honours degree in music with a substantial research methods component and individual research work. Students without preparation in music research and reasonable academic English ﾠwill find this course very difficult.
Prerequisites
You'll need to complete the following courses before enrolling in this one:
MUSC4410 or permission of Head of School
Incompatible
You can't enrol in this course if you've already completed the following:
MUSC7001
Course contact
Timetable
Additional timetable information
Contact will be primarily on a one-to-one basis between youﾠand your allocated supervisor; suitable times should be made by mutual agreement between both.ﾠ Regular meetings are important, and you might expect to meet with your advisor ﾠaround once every two weeks on average, but this may vary at mutual agreement depending on the nature of the project.ﾠ It is important that you recognise that clear progress be demonstrated at these meetings. In the event that either you or your supervisor have questions or concerns about the nature and/or frequency of supervision, it is advised to contact the course co-ordinator at the earliest opportunity.
Aims and outcomes
This course gives youﾠexperience in the conduct of intensive, focused, individual research on a specific topic and guidance in the production of a substantial output resulting from this research. Completing this courseﾠis an important element in the preparation for further research postgraduate study in the related fields.
Learning outcomes
After successfully completing this course you should be able to:
LO1.
Identify a valid research topic and devise strategies for addressing it;
LO2.
Conduct independent research into the chosen topic, utilising the various resources within the University Library system, and elsewhere, as necessary. This would naturally include relevant databases, periodicals literature, collected editions, and/or a variety of other possible materials and resources;
LO3.
Identify relevant information (fact, ideas, findings, etc.) in the exisiting literature and research around your topic by means of which it might be informed; structure these findings into an argument leading to valid research questions or hypotheses;
LO4.
Identify and put into effect a suitable research method (or methods), within the methodological framework most applicable to the topic, in order to support your analysis or critique and findings;
LO5.
Communicate the results of your research (findings, argument, conclusion) in writing, at a high standard of academic English expression;
LO6.
Maintain a high standard of self critique in terms of the quality/originally of your ideas; quality and accuracy of your written expression; standards of your scholarly practice;
LO7.
Demonstrate a conscientious approach to all aspects of scholarly practice, including fairness and transparency, referencing and citation, intellectual honesty, discipline-specific conduct and practices;
LO8.
Observe proper ethical procedures for any aspects of the research that involve the participation of human subjects.
Assessment
Assessment summary
| Category | Assessment task | Weight | Due date |
|---|---|---|---|
| Paper/ Report/ Annotation |
Initial Project Outline
|
Hurdle |
7/03/2025 5:00 pm
This assessment item may be submitted any time prior to the due date. |
| Paper/ Report/ Annotation |
Evidence of Human Research Ethics Approval
|
Hurdle - if required |
24/03/2025 5:00 pm
NB: Note that the due date refers to having a completed and approved application, or an application that is likely to be approved with modifications according to the feedback received by the relevant ethics board. It does NOT refer to the date by which the initial submission is to be made. If ethics clearance is not given, you will need to reconsider the nature of your project or withdrawal from the course. (Census date is Monday, 31 March 2025, a week after the Ethics Approval due date). Please work proactively with your supervisor and allow plenty of time. |
| Paper/ Report/ Annotation |
Literature review or equivalent
|
Hurdle |
30/05/2025 5:00 pm |
| Thesis | Thesis submission | 100% |
27/10/2025 5:00 pm |
| Presentation |
Oral defence
|
Hurdle |
10/11/2025 - 21/11/2025
Oral defence sessions will be scheduled at mutually agreeable times to staff and students involved. |
A hurdle is an assessment requirement that must be satisfied in order to receive a specific grade for the course. Check the assessment details for more information about hurdle requirements.
Assessment details
Initial Project Outline
- Hurdle
- Mode
- Written
- Category
- Paper/ Report/ Annotation
- Weight
- Hurdle
- Due date
7/03/2025 5:00 pm
This assessment item may be submitted any time prior to the due date.
- Learning outcomes
- L01, L07, L08
Task description
Your project outline is to focus your thinking about your research project early in the semester.
Length: approx. 1000 to 1500 words, submitted via TurnItIn.
Your project outline should be prepared in consultation with your supervisor prior to submission and must be approved by the course co-ordinator (who may consult with your supervisor) prior to working further on your project. Once approved you may continue with your project. You may submit your proposal early if you and your advisor agree is it ready and notify the course co-ordinator so that they can expedite assessment.
Your project outline must:
- Clearly articulate a research question or hypothesis
- Explain how this relates to extending existing knowledge in the field
- Provide appropriate scoping out of the project, identifying suitable methods, research strategies, resources needed, and so on
- Set out the timeline of activities, including research and drafting milestones
- Provide evidence of ethics approval or application in progress (if needed)
Hurdle requirements
This is a hurdle requirement and must be submitted to pass the course. Students who have not passed this hurdle a week prior to census date will need to show cause to the course co-ordinator as to why they should be allowed to continue the course.Submission guidelines
Submit via TurnItIn and also email to your advisor.
Deferral or extension
You may be able to apply for an extension.
The maximum extension allowed is 28 days. Extensions are given in multiples of 24 hours.
Extension requests must be received on or before the due date. No extensions will be granted afterwards.
Late submission
You will receive a mark of 0 if this assessment is submitted late.
Evidence of Human Research Ethics Approval
- Hurdle
- Mode
- Written
- Category
- Paper/ Report/ Annotation
- Weight
- Hurdle - if required
- Due date
24/03/2025 5:00 pm
NB: Note that the due date refers to having a completed and approved application, or an application that is likely to be approved with modifications according to the feedback received by the relevant ethics board. It does NOT refer to the date by which the initial submission is to be made.
If ethics clearance is not given, you will need to reconsider the nature of your project or withdrawal from the course. (Census date is Monday, 31 March 2025, a week after the Ethics Approval due date). Please work proactively with your supervisor and allow plenty of time.
- Learning outcomes
- L01, L04, L08
Task description
For projects that require ANY research involving human subjects or human-related materials, it is necessary to obtain the appropriate ethics approvals to conduct this research before you commence data collection.
Research involving human subjects or human-related materials that is not accompanied by the proper approvals cannot be accepted for assessment in this course. Moreover, the collection of data from human subjects or using human-materials without such approval is regarded as a form of research misconduct under the University's Policies & Procedures (see: https://policies.uq.edu.au/document/view-current.php?id=346&version=2).
The latest date that evidence of approval should be provided is one week before the Semester One census date. If you do not have ethics approval by this date, you must either:
- modify your research project such that it can be completed without reliance on research involving human subjects or human-related materials, or
- drop the course.
Please be aware that dropping the course after the census date means you are financially liable for fees for this course.
For more information on obtaining ethics approval for conducting human-related research, see: https://music.uq.edu.au/student-support/research-ethics-approval-honours-and-coursework-masters.
Hurdle requirements
This is a hurdle requirement for all projects requiring ethics approval: evidence of approval, or at least substantive work towards approval, must be provided to pass the course if your research involves human subjects or tissue.Submission guidelines
Ethics applications need to be submitted by the student's supervisor, who is regarded as the lead investigator.
Application are to be lodged through MyResearch (use UQ SSO).
Once the supervisor has opened the application, the student can be added and is expected to work through the application under the supervisor's guidance.
Allow two weeks for expedited review.
Email the Course Coordinator to update them fully on the advancement of any ethics application.
Deferral or extension
You cannot defer or apply for an extension for this assessment.
Extensions cannot be granted for ethics approval.
If you do not have ethics approval by the census date, you should either:
- be responding to conditions returned by the Ethics Review panel
- modify your research project such that it can be completed without reliance on research involving human subjects or human-related materials, or
- drop the course.
Late submission
You will receive a mark of 0 if this assessment is submitted late.
Literature review or equivalent
- Hurdle
- Mode
- Written
- Category
- Paper/ Report/ Annotation
- Weight
- Hurdle
- Due date
30/05/2025 5:00 pm
- Learning outcomes
- L01, L02, L03, L04, L05, L06, L07
Task description
You are required to demonstrate reasonable progress through the formal submission of an updated project plan and literature review or similar appropriate substantial piece of writing/creative work by the end of the first semester of the course. Your advisor will be asked to comment on it in a report that will be available to both you and the course co-ordinator. This is a hurdle requirement. The object is to provide feedback on progress and strengths and areas in need of improvement at close to the half-way point of the thesis.
Length: minimum 3,000 words.
Hurdle requirements
This is a hurdle requirement and must be passed in order to pass the course. Work that is deemed insufficient on first submission will require further submission, responding to feedback, before the hurdle is met.Submission guidelines
Submit via TurnItIn.
Deferral or extension
You may be able to apply for an extension.
The maximum extension allowed is 28 days. Extensions are given in multiples of 24 hours.
Extension requests must be received on or before the due date. No extensions will be grated afterwards.
Late submission
You will receive a mark of 0 if this assessment is submitted late.
Thesis submission
- Mode
- Written
- Category
- Thesis
- Weight
- 100%
- Due date
27/10/2025 5:00 pm
- Learning outcomes
- L01, L02, L03, L04, L05, L06, L07, L08
Task description
The thesis is c. 16,000 words in length. Your topic will be agreed upon primarily between you and your advisor, although the advice of the course co-ordinator may also be sought in this matter. You are strongly urged to consider your advisor's advice carefully (and that of the course co-ordinator, if applicable) in relation forming your topic. Your results are much less likely to be satisfactory in cases where the you and your advisor do not agree on the feasibility of your topic.
For matters relating to presentation, the you should:
- follow the advice of your advisor;
- consult the School of Music Academic Writing Guide
- review previous theses that are recommended by your advisor or course co-ordinator as exemplary.
Please note that the deadline for submitting a complete draft of your thesis to your advisor for final review is the Friday of Week 10 of the second semester. Advisors cannot guarantee to have time to read your final draft with sufficient attention after this time as well as have it returned to you with sufficient time for you to take meaningful action on suggestions. (Of course, it is expected that you will have been submitting material throughout the year regularly). Advisors are not obliged to read and respond to first drafts of lengthy written material after this time.
Additional Comments on the Thesis
Many but not all academic theses follow this standard structure—note that specific topics may warrant modified approaches. Please consult with your advisor about the appropriate format for your thesis.
You should be aware that the following elements are usually deemed essential to the production of an academic thesis:
1. Introduction
Stating rationale and/or purpose of study, as well as outlining and elaborating the research topic/question.
2. Body
Usually a number of chapters, comprising, among various possible elements: an examination of current research and related literature to the central purpose of the study leading to relevant research questions and hypotheses (effectively, a literature review); application of a valid research method and approach to address the principal questions or hypotheses, statement of results and discussion of the findings.
3. Conclusion
Synthesising the main aspects of the study. The discussion and anticipation of further study demonstrate an awareness of the implications and further application of the findings in a broader context.
Format
Students should download the template that is provided to students in the MUSSC7000 Blackboard site and follow relevant guidelines in the School of Music Academic Writing Guide .
Font
You are required to use 12-point font size, a standard modern font, and 1.5 or 2 line spacing.
Submission
Submission of the thesis is through Turnitin (via Blackboard).
Submission guidelines
You are required to upload an electronic copy (PDF) of your thesis to TurnItIn on Blackboard.
Deferral or extension
You may be able to apply for an extension.
The maximum extension allowed is 28 days. Extensions are given in multiples of 24 hours.
Extension requests must be received on or before the due date. No extensions will be grated afterwards.
Late submission
A penalty of 10% of the maximum possible mark will be deducted per 24 hours from time submission is due for up to 7 days. After 7 days, you will receive a mark of 0.
Oral defence
- Hurdle
- In-person
- Mode
- Oral
- Category
- Presentation
- Weight
- Hurdle
- Due date
10/11/2025 - 21/11/2025
Oral defence sessions will be scheduled at mutually agreeable times to staff and students involved.
- Learning outcomes
- L02, L03, L04, L06, L07
Task description
Following submission and assessment of the these, you are required to discuss your work with either the course co-ordinator, examiner or both. You can expect to be asked questions about certain aspects of your thesis and will have an opportunity to respond to assessment feedback.
Hurdle requirements
This is a hurdle requirement and must be passed to pass the course.Submission guidelines
There is no submissable material, students simply come to the session as scheduled. Sessions will take a maximum of 20 minutes, but may be shorter.
Deferral or extension
You may be able to defer this exam.
Application to defer oral defence sessions will only be consider when lodged in advance. Please consult with the course co-ordinator if you have concerns about the scheduling.
Course grading
Full criteria for each grade is available in the Assessment Procedure.
| Grade | Cut off Marks | Description |
|---|---|---|
| 1 (Low Fail) | 1 - |
Absence of evidence of achievement of course learning outcomes. Course grade description: Work is grossly deficient in all areas, or incomplete. |
| 2 (Fail) | 25 - |
Minimal evidence of achievement of course learning outcomes. Course grade description: Work shows little skill in researching a topic, significantly incomplete knowledge of the specific topic, no contextual awareness, no critical insight, the prose style lacks basic competence (e.g. is riddled with basic errors), there is no evident engagement with the requirements of scholarly practice.ﾠ (Alternatively, while there is less of a problem in certain areas, the standard of that in others is more in line with that of the grade "1".) |
| 3 (Marginal Fail) | <p>45</p> - |
Demonstrated evidence of developing achievement of course learning outcomes Course grade description: Work overall fails to show sufficient skill in researching a topic (e.g.ﾠrelevant issues may not be considered or discussed), the specific knowledge is either hazy overall or manifestly incomplete, there is not much sense of a context for the topic, there is very little, if any,ﾠcritical insight, prose writing has consistent flaws, the level of scholarly practice adopted shows a failure to fully engage with this aspect of the work. (Alternatively, while there is less of a problem in certain areas, the standard in others is more in line with that of the grade "2".) |
| 4 (Pass) | <p>50</p> - |
Demonstrated evidence of functional achievement of course learning outcomes. Course grade description: Work demonstrates an adequate grasp of basic research skills, fair knowledge of the specific topic but with less awareness of contextual issues, it displays minimal critical insight, prose writing is adequate but lacking in elegance and fluency, an honest attempt is made at adhering to the requirements ofﾠscholarly practice. |
| 5 (Credit) | <p>65</p> - |
Demonstrated evidence of proficient achievement of course learning outcomes. Course grade description: Work demonstrates a sound command of research skills, good, although not comprehensive,ﾠknowledge of the topic with an adequate grasp of contextual matters, some critical insight, clear, although not blemish-free, written communication, and overall competency with regard to scholarly practice. |
| 6 (Distinction) | <p>75</p> - |
Demonstrated evidence of advanced achievement of course learning outcomes. Course grade description: Work demonstrates a very solid command of research skills, strong specific knowledge in the topic area with sound grasp of contextual matters, a degree of critical insight, clear and fluent written communication, and a good level of consistency with regard to the requirements of scholarly practice. |
| 7 (High Distinction) | <p>85</p> - |
Demonstrated evidence of exceptional achievement of course learning outcomes. Course grade description: Work demonstrates an excellent command ofﾠresearch skills, deep knowledge in the topic areaﾠallied with strong contextual breadth, clear critical insight, highly fluent and lucid written communication, and scrupulous attention to the requirements of scholarlyﾠpractice. |
Additional course grading information
Marking criteria and/or marking rubrics are available in the ‘Assessment’ folder in Blackboard for this course.
Supplementary assessment
Supplementary assessment is available for this course.
Additional assessment information
This task has been designed to be challenging, authentic and complex. Whilst students may use AI technologies, successful completion of assessment in this course will require students to critically engage in specific contexts and tasks for which artificial intelligence will provide only limited support and guidance.ﾠVisit the UQ Library website for information on what constitutes AI use and how to acknowledge it's use in assessment.
A failure to reference AI use may constitute student misconduct under the Student Code of Conduct.ﾠ
To pass this assessment, students will be required to demonstrate detailed comprehension of their written submission independent of AI tools.ﾠIf requested, you must be able to provide time-stamped drafts of your work in English that demonstrate your progression throughout the course.
Students must complete all assessment tasks in full and in good faith to be eligible for a passing grade in this course. “In good faith” means that the student has, in the judgement of the marker, made a genuine attempt to complete the assessment task to the best of their ability.ﾠﾠ
Learning resources
You'll need the following resources to successfully complete the course. We've indicated below if you need a personal copy of the reading materials or your own item.
Library resources
Library resources are available on the UQ Library website.
Learning activities
The learning activities for this course are outlined below. Learn more about the learning outcomes that apply to this course.
Filter activity type by
Please select
| Learning period | Activity type | Topic |
|---|---|---|
Multiple weeks From O-Week (first semester) To Week 2 |
General contact hours |
Orientation Initial contact between yourself and the course co-ordinator, your supervisor and/or advisors. Specific time to be arranged. Learning outcomes: L01 |
Multiple weeks From O-Week (first semester) To Week 25 |
Not Timetabled |
Supervision One-to-one supervision. This will be an ongoing arrangement between yourself and your supervisor. You and your supervisor arrange mutually suitable times for regular meetings in order to guide you in the development of your research, provide feedback on drafts, and so on. Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L04, L05, L06, L07, L08 |
Additional learning activity information
A regular Honours Seminar takes place each week. All students in this course are invited to attend, and details will be made available in Blackboard.
Policies and procedures
University policies and procedures apply to all aspects of student life. As a UQ student, you must comply with University-wide and program-specific requirements, including the:
- Student Code of Conduct Policy
- Student Integrity and Misconduct Policy and Procedure
- Assessment Procedure
- Examinations Procedure
- Reasonable Adjustments - Students Policy and Procedure
Learn more about UQ policies on my.UQ and the Policy and Procedure Library.
School guidelines
Your school has additional guidelines you'll need to follow for this course:
- School of Music site