Master of Sound Design

Course 717AA (2011)

Note: This is an archived Handbook entry from 2011.

Year and Campus: 2011 - Southbank
CRICOS Code: 053034G
Fees Information: Subject EFTSL, Level, Discipline & Census Date
Level: Research Higher Degree
Duration & Credit Points: Students are expected to complete this research in 1.50 years full time, or equivalent part time.

Coordinator

R Alsop

Contact

Faculty of the VCA and Music Student Centre
Email: vcam-info@unimelb.edu.au
Tel: +61 3 9685 9419
Fax: +61 3 9685 9358
Web: www.vcam.unimelb.edu.au
Course Overview: The Master of Sound Design (by research) provides the second phase of training, building on the postgraduate diploma (Sound Design) for advanced students. 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.
  • 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 Graduate Diploma in Sound Design stream.

OR

  • Fieldwork arranged in liaison with the course supervisor that provide practical experience relevant to the major research project.

AND

The major research project: Phase A: The sound design of a major public performance or series of performances, value 67% 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 33% 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.

The sound design of a major public performance or series of performances, value 67% of total research project. This performance will be documented, and assessed by two appropriate experts in the field. A 10-15,000 word commentary, value 33% 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.

Objectives:

This course aims 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.
Course Structure & Available Subjects: Qualification for the award Master of Sound Design requires the satisfactory completion of all subjects listed below.
Subject Options:

Master of Sound Design (Research)

Subject
Study Period Commencement:
Credit Points:
RHD First Half Year, RHD Second Half Year
RHD First Half Year, RHD Second Half Year
RHD First Half Year, RHD Second Half Year
Not offered in 2011
Entry Requirements:

Applicants will have completed a four-year Honours degree or equivalent in a cognate discipline, with a grade average of at least 70% (H2B).

Applicants must also submit a 1,000 word outline of the area they wish to explore, showing the relevance of that area and demonstrating an advanced knowledge of the area of sound design.

Core Participation Requirements: For the purposes of considering request for Reasonable Adjustments under the Disability Standards for Education (Cwth 2005), and Students Experiencing Academic Disadvantage Policy, academic requirements for subjects within this course are articulated in the Subject Description, Subject Objectives, Generic Skills and Assessment Requirements of each subject entry.
The University is dedicated to provide support to those with special requirements. Further details on the disability support scheme can be found at the Disability Liaison Unit website: http://www.services.unimelb.edu.au/disability/
Graduate Attributes: http://www.unimelb.edu.au/about/attributes.html
Generic Skills:

At the completion of this 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.

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