Master of Sound Design (by Research)

Overview

The Master of Sound Design (by research) provides the second phase of training, building on the Postgraduate Diploma in Production (Sound specialisation)for advanced students.

Description

An advanced level research project consisting of the following aspects over three semesters.

• A 8,000 word, or equivalent, research proposal, discussing the major research objectives, methodologies to be used, and projected outcomes of the study. The research proposal to be presented to peers and the School of Production research committee at a post graduate seminar.
  37.5 points

  ---

• Directed study courses arranged in liaison with the course supervisor that provide theoretical and/or practical support for the major research project. These courses will be available through the Postgraduate Diploma in Production (Sound specialisation).
  12.5 points.

  ---

OR

• Fieldwork arranged in liaison with the course supervisor that provides practical experience relevant to the major research project.
  12.5 points.
  
  The major research project: Phase A: The sound design of a major public performance or series of performances, value 60% of total research project. This performance will be documented, and assessed by two appropriate experts in the field.
  Phase B: A 10-15,000 word commentary, value 40% of total research project, to be developed concurrently with Phase A. This commentary will be assessed by the same two appropriate experts in the field.
  100 points

Objectives

To:

• provide an opportunity for candidates to undertake advanced work in sound design for the performance arts in an environment where their artistic vision will be realised;
• extend the knowledge, creative and expressive skills, and collaborative abilities of the candidate;
• develop appropriate skills in the documentation, description and analysis of the sound design processes;
• enhance the development of sound design, with relevance to the contemporary age and the traditions of the art form;
• provide an environment where the practice and critical analysis of sound design exists at an advanced level; making a significant and innovative contribution to sound design practice.

Generic Skills

At the completion of the course students should be able to:

• Exhibit extensive theoretical and practical knowledge of their discipline including relevant professional knowledge, skills, discipline and ethics as they relate to a practising visual/performing artist.
• Demonstrate capacities for artistic imagination, creativity, transformation and interpretation.
• Demonstrate practical skills in respect of critical analysis, problem solving, report writing, team work and oral and written communication.
• Demonstrate a flexible and innovative approach to the national and international challenges for the professional visual/performing artist in the 21st century.
• Work at various levels, both as an individual and as a team member, in a wide variety of visual/performing artistic environments.
• Contribute to a range of visual/performing arts environments as artistic collaborators and leaders.
• Demonstrate an open, independent and inquiring attitude towards contemporary cultural developments and new ideas.
• Critically and creatively engage with topics of cultural significance across communities.
• Understand and appreciate how the visual and performing arts connect with the broader society and contribute to its social and economic development.
• Understand their relationship with and responsibility to their cultural environment and society.

Student Commitment

It is estimated that 3,120 hours will need to be committed to the satisfactory completion of this degree, either full-time over eighteen months or part-time over part-time over 3 years.

Assessment

Sound Design for a performance or series of performances (60%); written commentary of 10,000-15,000 words (40%). Two appropriate external examiners will assess both the performance(s) and the commentary. The Degree of Master of Sound will be conferred on students reaching a mark of 65% (H3). Marks will be provided as letter grades with corresponding percentages.

Course Progression Guidelines

The maximum time permitted for completion of the course is two years full-time or four years part-time. Student progress is monitored by the candidate’s supervisor(s) who is/are required to report in writing any lack of satisfactory progress to the candidate and to the Head of Production. Where satisfactory progress has not been maintained, a candidate shall be given the opportunity to present and explain the reasons.

Subjects by Year

Year 1

• 757-603 - Research Proposal
• 757-604 - Directed Study
• 757-605 - Fieldwork
• 757-606 - Research Project (Sound Design)

Subjects

Year 1

Subject description:

In this subject the student will develop and outline a succinct and directed approach to the area(s) of study and exploration, discussing the major research objectives and projected outcomes of the study. The student will demonstrate a clear understanding of appropriate research methodologies, and a critical understanding of the relevant literature.

The proposal may consist of a written exegesis, a sound design(s) with an accompanying exegesis, software and/or hardware, with an accompanying exegesis, or other work deemed appropriate to the student’s research by the supervisor and equivalent in work commitment to an 8000 word essay. The student will present their research to peers and the VCA Production research committee.

Objectives:

On completion of the subject the student should have developed:

• Written and oral communication skills commensurate with a higher degree;
• An intellectual curiosity and appropriate research skills;
• Presentation skills;
• High level analytical and problem solving skills;
• Appropriate bibliographical skills.

Assessment:

Research proposal, including literature review, of 8,000 words, or equivalent (100%). A mark of 75% or higher must be achieved to continue to the next phase of study. This subject is a hurdle requirement.

Subject description:

In this subject the student will attend allocated course(s) offered by VCA Production to develop sound design, collaborative and documentation skills bearing direct relation to their chosen area of study.

Objectives:

On completion of the subject the student should have developed:

• An ability to work in a variety of sound design contexts;
• High level analytical, collaborative and problem solving skills;
• Appropriate documentation skills.

Assessment:

Successful completion of allocated course(s) to a mark of 75% or higher must be achieved to continue to the next phase of study. If chosen this subject is a hurdle requirement.

Subject description:

In this subject the student will develop further experience through assisting in the development of sound design(s) with a professional sound designer, sound design or theatre company, and develop collaborative and documentation skills bearing direct relation to their chosen area of study.

Objectives:

On completion of the subject the student should have developed:

• An ability to work in a variety of sound design contexts;
• High level analytical, collaborative and problem solving skills;
• Appropriate documentation skills.

Assessment:

Successful completion of sound design project work(s) and documentation of the work(s), or documentation of the industry placement equivalent to 10000 words in total. This may consist of written work, a sound design(s) with accompanying documentation, software and/or hardware, with accompanying documentation, or other work deemed appropriate to the student’s research by the supervisor and equivalent in work commitment to a 10000 word essay. A mark of 75% or higher must be achieved to continue to the next phase of study. If chosen this subject is a hurdle requirement.

Subject description:

In this subject the student will develop a sound design(s) for the performance and/or non-performance arts to a high professional standard and provide a succinct and directed commentary discussing the area(s) of study and exploration discussed in the Research Proposal in regard to the sound design(s) presented.

Objectives:

On completion of the subject the student should have significantly developed and should have provided evidence of:

• Collaborative skills in developing projects;
• Written and oral communication skills commensurate with a higher degree;
• An intellectual curiosity and appropriate research skills;
• High level analytical and problem solving skills;
• Appropriate bibliographical skills.

Assessment:

Sound Design for a performance or series of performances (60%); written commentary of 10,000-15,000 words (40%). Two appropriate external examiners will assess both the performance(s) and the commentary. The Degree of Master of Sound will be conferred on students reaching a mark of 65% (H3). Marks will be provided as letter grades with corresponding percentages.