Research Project - ELE00166M
Module summary
Putting into practice the project management skills you have gained in the Project Development module you will undertake your own substantial independent research project in audio or music technology, with guidance from an academic member of staff. A number of topic areas are suggested each year, and we aim to also provide industry-related projects whenever possible, where topics are suggested by our industrial partners.
Module will run
| Occurrence | Teaching period |
|---|---|
| A | Summer Semester 2026-27 |
Module aims
Subject content aims:
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Critical thinking and analytical skills
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Research skills
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Report planning and writing
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Empirical research and/or development work
Graduate skills aims:
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Self-management
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Self-motivation
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Project planning and development
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Autonomous task planning
Module learning outcomes
After successful completion of this module, students will be able to:
- Undertake significant independent research in audio or music technology, applying critical analysis and empirical methodologies effectively (M1)
- Formulate a project-based solution to a complex problem in audio technology, producing a detailed project specification and plan (M2)
- Select and apply appropriate research methods, analytical techniques, and software tools to investigate and address specific audio or music technology research questions, critically assessing their strengths and limitations (M3)
- Critically evaluate and synthesise current literature, identifying gaps and opportunities relevant to their research topic (M4)
- Design an innovative, practical solution or research outcome in audio and music technology, addressing a contemporary research issue with originality and creativity (M5)
- Apply an integrated or systems approach to the solution of a complex problem within audio or music technology research (M6)
- Evaluate the contextual impact of their project, including its contribution to research programmes. Examine the environmental and/or societal impact of their solution to a complex problem (to include the entire life cycle of the potential product or process) and minimise adverse environmental and societal effects (M7)
- Plan, organise, and manage a substantial independent research project, demonstrating awareness of ethical considerations, and risk management (M8, M9)
- Employ practical laboratory, workshop, and/or programming skills to conduct experiments, develop prototypes, and rigorously test audio or music technology solutions, systematically investigating and resolving complex research problems (M12)
- Apply knowledge of engineering management principles, commercial context, project and change management, and relevant legal matters including intellectual property rights to effectively execute and manage audio or music technology projects (M15)
- Produce and manage a comprehensive, structured, and technically rigorous research report, presenting findings clearly and accessibly for diverse audiences. Discuss and defend the completed work in a viva voce examination (M17)
- Demonstrate self-directed project management skills, employing effective time management, autonomous planning, and continuous reflection on their research progress and outcomes to inform future research and professional practice (M18)
Module content
Students submit their topic choices by week 3 of the Semester 2 and will be allocated a project supervisor.
It is expected that students meet their project supervisor regularly over the course of the project. Supervision may be carried out in small groups comprising students who are undertaking research in a similar area with the same supervisor.
Students will also be expected to email their second supervisor weekly to keep them informed of their progress.
Indicative assessment
| Task | % of module mark |
|---|---|
| Essay/coursework | 100.0 |
Special assessment rules
None
Additional assessment information
As a capstone module, reassessment is by amendment and resubmission of the original work.
Indicative reassessment
| Task | % of module mark |
|---|---|
| Essay/coursework | 100.0 |
Module feedback
'Feedback’ at a university level can be understood as any part of the learning process which is designed to guide your progress through your degree programme. We aim to help you reflect on your own learning and help you feel more clear about your progress through clarifying what is expected of you in both formative and summative assessments. A comprehensive guide to feedback and to forms of feedback is available in the Guide to Assessment Standards, Marking and Feedback.
The School of PET aims to provide some form of feedback on all formative and summative assessments that are carried out during the degree programme. In general, feedback on any written work/assignments undertaken will be sufficient so as to indicate the nature of the changes needed in order to improve the work. The School will endeavour to return all exam feedback within the timescale set out in the University's Policy on Assessment Feedback Turnaround Time. The School would normally expect to adhere to the times given, however, it is possible that exceptional circumstances may delay feedback. The School will endeavour to keep such delays to a minimum. Please note that any marks released are subject to ratification by the Board of Examiners and Senate. Meetings at the start/end of each term provide you with an opportunity to discuss and reflect with your supervisor on your overall performance to date.
Formative Feedback:
Received at intervals throughout the project period.
This builds on feedback received from supervisors throughout the Project Development module, where the student’s Research Blog, Presentation and Literature Survey / Project Plan provide major sources of Formative Feedback.
Summative Feedback:
A standardised feedback sheet will be received for each assessment for the module, showing the final module mark, the marks breakdown against each of the learning objective assessment criteria, and how these have met based on a set of predefined grade descriptors that will be supplied with the assessment brief. In addition, personalised feedback will be given highlighting three clear areas of strength and three areas for improvement. The final module mark will also be made available via eVision.
Indicative reading
To be chosen with supervisor dependent on research topic undertaken.