Music Department

Undergraduate Student
Handbook

2015/2016

Please note that the information contained in this online handbook maybe subject to modification
during the academic year. Students should always check the latest version at:
http://www.dur.ac.uk/resources/music/2015-2016DepartmentHandbook.pdf

If any problems are encountered with the links to other documents please notify the Department
Administrator ([email protected])

[September 2015]
CONTENTS

SECTION 1: Welcome to the Department of Music 4

SECTION 2: Induction Information 6
SECTION 3: Key Departmental Contacts 8
Departmental Governance 8
Student Engagement 9
The Undergraduate Staff/Student Consultative Committee (UGSSCC) 9
Noticeboards, pigeonholes, email, and DUO 10
Use and Booking of Departmental Facilities 10
Opening Hours 10
Office Hours 10
Access and Out-of-hours working 11
Use of the Common Room 11
Health and Safety 11
Rooms available for instrumental and singing practice 11
Music Technology Lab 12
Music Studios 12
Booking Rooms 12
Instruments 13
Music Notation Software 14
University Library 14
SECTION 4: Learning and Teaching 15
Programme Aims & Learning Outcomes 15
Programme Regulations 15
Department Statement on programme structure 16
Modules Studied in Level 1 16
Modules Studied in Level 2 17
Modules Studied in Level 3 18
Studying a foreign language 19
Code of Good Teaching Practice 19
Programme Concessions 19
Department Teaching Methods 19
Graduate Teaching Assistants and Module Co-ordinators 20
Academic Progress 20
Departmental Level Monitoring – Attendance at Lectures, Seminars
and Tutorials 20
Recording of Lectures 21
University Guidance on Academic Progress Procedure 21
The Academic Progress Procedure 22
Academic Progress Notice (APN) 22
Student Absence and Illness 23
Change of Module after Registration 23
Change of Programme 24
Regulations Regarding Instrumental Lessons 24
Departmental Policy on Student Engagement – obtaining feedback
on the Student Learning Experience 25
Programme and Module Evaluation 26
Withdrawing from Your Programme 26
Appeals and Complaints 27
SECTION 5: Assessment 29
Modes of Formative and Summative Assessment 29

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 Policy on the Quality Assurance of Examinations and Assessment
(Assessment Criteria) 29
Assessment Criteria 30
Assessment Deadlines and Word Counts 30
Penalty for Over-length Work 31
Late Submission of Work 31
Procedure for Seeking an Extension 31
Procedures for the Submission of Summative Work 31
Attendance at Composition Workshops and Requirements Specific
to the Submission of Materials for Rehearsal 32
Statement on Departmental Presentation Practice 33
Statement on Dissertation/Major Project Supervision 33
Departmental Statement on Disclosure of marks and feedback to
Students 33
Surgery Hour 34
Timely return of work 34
Serious Adverse Circumstances (SAC) 34
Assessment Irregularities, including Plagiarism 35
Progression Regulations 36
Departmental Prizes 36
SECTION 6: Student Support 38
Departmental Academic Advisers 38
Disability Support 39
University Counselling Service 39
Careers Advisory Service 39
DSU Advice Centre 40
English Language Centre 40
SECTION 7: University Codes of Practice 41
Diversity & Equality 41
Respect at Work and Study 41
Freedom of Speech 41
Other Codes of Practice, Policies and General Regulations 42
Useful links and Resources: University Links 42
Emergency Contacts:
Departmental Contacts in case of emergency 42
University contacts in case of emergency: Durham 42
University contacts in case of emergency: Queen’s Campus 43
Nightline 43

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SECTION 1: WELCOME TO THE DEPARTMENT OF MUSIC

The Durham Music Department is one of the leading centres in the UK for the study of music, part of a long-
established collegiate university and situated in an unparalleled setting adjacent to Durham’s famous
Cathedral. The undergraduate programme combines the rigour of a traditional musical training with an
involvement in contemporary critical discourses about music and its cultural context; our historic buildings
contain some cutting-edge technological facilities, especially for electroacoustic composition and
ethnomusicology. There are currently about 150 undergraduate students studying Music, for either Single-
or Combined-Honours degrees, and about 50 postgraduates on full-time or part-time programmes. There is
also the opportunity for students from other departments in the University to take individual modules in
Music if they wish. We have internationally renowned research strengths in historical musicology (including
British and Irish music of the sixteenth to the twentieth centuries, Russian music, the nineteenth-century
symphony, Adorno, critical theory and aesthetics), ethnomusicology (including Indian and Korean music),
theory and analysis, performance research, composition, music psychology, electroacoustic music and music
technology.

We have two main objectives in our undergraduate teaching. The first, which traditionally underpins all
university teaching in the humanities, is to train students to think in a coherent, objective and critical way,
and to help them understand the world in which we live. The second is to provide a broad knowledge and
understanding of music as it has developed over the centuries and as it is today, both in the West and
around the world. Our undergraduate teaching is ‘research-led’: this means not only that students benefit
from the expertise of the researchers who teach and supervise them, but also that we try to develop
independent research skills in all. The ‘capstone’ of the programme is the final-year double dissertation,
composition portfolio or recital, which requires each student to display initiative, motivation and
independence in carrying out a unique and original project.

Our wide range of courses is orientated around seven central pathways. These are:
(1) Historical Studies: the evolution of forms and styles (mainly but not exclusively in Western art music); the
place of music in culture and society; and critical debates over aesthetic values.
(2) Ethnomusicology: music in a global and comparative perspective, emphasizing the diverse ways in which
music is practised and understood by people in different societies (including our own).
(3) Composition: modules range from preparatory exercises designed to ensure that all students have a basic
competence in manipulating notes on paper and music-notation software, to fully-fledged original
composition, as well as an introduction to the ways in which electronic and computer technology can be
used in musical composition and performance.
(4) Performance Studies: a reasonable competence as a performer is considered essential for all Music
students, whilst advanced study is available for those wishing to specialise.
(5) Theory and Analysis: modules range from the foundational study of tonal grammar, syntax and forms,
through a survey of tonal and post-tonal theories (Schenkerian theory, set theory, serial theory), to special
topics in third year.
(6) Musical Techniques: first- and second-year modules cover classical and romantic harmony, and
Renaissance and baroque counterpoint including species counterpoint and fugue.
(7) Music and Science: this pathway comprises two modules: a second-year introduction to music and
science; and a third-year special module on music psychology.
These pathways are not, of course, water-tight; rather, they inter-relate. For example, in the case of first-
year modules, the exercises in traditional harmony and counterpoint forming part of ‘Musical Techniques’
are an important adjunct to historical and critical studies, theory and analysis, and composition. The
methodological tools provided by ‘Historical Studies 1’ and ‘Introduction to Ethnomusicology’ are similarly
not an end in themselves, but are of use in almost all areas of musical study; and the concepts of music as a
social activity introduced in ‘Introduction to Ethnomusicology’ are as applicable to Western art music as they
are to any other kind. We also offer a number of stand-alone modules, for instance ‘Arts Management’,
which is run in conjunction with Sage, Gateshead.

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A special word should be said about Performance Studies. Instrumental and singing tuition is provided by
outside teachers. Although we seek to support performance as broadly as possible, a university music
department is not a conservatoire, and whilst some members of staff are professional performers and
conductors, we, like all university music departments, do not have the staff and facilities normal in
conservatoires, which provide the full range of teaching on all instruments and voice-types. All Level 1
students taking the module ‘Performance 1’ are required to have outside lessons. Students are also required
to have outside lessons for the Level 2 Performance module (please note that Performance 2 is capped: if
you are a first-year student intending to specialise in performance it is important that you secure a mark of
at least 60 on the performance element of the first-year course). The Department maintains a list of
approved teachers and contracts teachers directly for lessons required as part of performance modules (see
page 24 for further details).

The Department is well-equipped with lecture and seminar rooms, a concert room, a large instrument
collection including a complete Javanese gamelan (currently housed in the University’s observatory) as well
as many orchestral, early and non-Western instruments, sophisticated electro-acoustic music studios, multi-
media workstations and practise rooms. The substantial music collections are held in the main University
Library, on Level 3 of the new library extension, where enhanced facilities are available including individual
booths housing PCs equipped with headphones and MIDI keyboards for the benefit of music students. Some
music-specific facilities, notably Sibelius software, are available on networked computers across the
University (including in colleges). Musical practise and rehearsal is also supported across the colleges.

In addition to teaching and research, the Music Department has a further function, which is to support the
concert life of the University, the city and the local community. This embraces a wide range of music from
medieval to contemporary, including orchestral, choral and chamber music, early music, jazz, electronic,
Asian, African and European folk music. The Department promotes the professional University Concert Series
(MUSICON) and occasional lunchtime recitals. These are complemented by active Durham University student
societies such as the Music Society, the Orchestral Society, the Choral Society, the Light Opera Group, the
Chamber Choir, and staff-led groups such as the New Music Ensemble and Korean Percussion Group. The
Brodsky Quartet visit the Department each year, as part of an annual residency sponsored by the Radcliffe
Trust, to give concerts, workshops and master classes. Several undergraduate courses, particularly those in
composition, benefit from workshops featuring these and other eminent visiting groups, such as the Ives
Ensemble and players from the Northern Sinfonia. All students thus have ample opportunity to balance their
academic work with creative activities, both in and out of the classroom. We believe that this interaction of
theory and practice makes Durham a uniquely stimulating and rewarding place to study Music. We hope you
agree.

Professor Julian Horton

Head of Department, September 2015

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SECTION 2: INDUCTION INFORMATION

University Level Enrolment/Registration Information

All new students are sent information on enrolment, registration and verification before they arrive in
Durham. Enrolment is where you check, confirm and update your personal information held by the
University, and accept the University's regulations. Registration is where you check, confirm and sign up
for the modules and programme you are studying. Verification is where you provide us with evidence to
prove your identity. You can enrol online before you arrive in Durham, and should complete the whole
process within your first week.

Continuing students will enrol and register in June (continuing students do not need to verify their
identity).

Further information on enrolment, register and verification for new and continuing students is available
online: https://www.dur.ac.uk/student.registry/registration/

Departmental Level Enrolment/Registration Information

Detailed department-specific information on induction for first-year students is included in a separate

Induction Guide. Students can take all six Level 1 music modules, or have the option to take one from
another department; a list of available modules is available in the guide, though note that any music
module so substituted will still have to be taken in second year. Below is a brief list of some of the
events which you will need to attend during your first week:

International student induction - to be confirmed

Welcome meeting in the Department of Music for new international students
(Lecture Room, Music Department, Palace Green)

Mon 5 October 2015

2pm-5pm UG Induction: Welcome meeting in the Department of Music (Concert Room, Music
Department, Palace Green). Attendance is compulsory for all single honours students.

Tues 6 September 2015

11am-12pm UG Induction: Welcome meeting in the Department of Music (Lecture Room, Music
Department, Palace Green). Repeat of session held on 5 October for Combined Honours students.

Thursday 8 October 2015

11am-12pm Welcome from the Director of Undergraduate Studies and essential information on
studying in the music department. Attendance is compulsory for all music students.
12pm -1pm All first-year single honours students will attend an induction seminar led by their Academic
Advisers (to follow the above meeting in individual rooms; your adviser will lead you with them)

Friday 9 October 2015

4pm Music Department Social (Concert Room, Music Department, Palace Green)

(Please note that you will be informed by your College of their events).

During the rest of the academic year there are several other key dates which you should be aware of at
this stage. They are:

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Michaelmas Term 2015: auditions for the Sir Thomas Beecham Scholarship – details will be circulated
during the first few weeks of term.

19 December 2015: Michaelmas Term ends

18 January 2016: Epiphany Term begins

18 March 2016: Epiphany Term ends

25 April 2016: Easter Term begins

16 May 2016: The official examination period begins (please note that examinations are sometimes
timetabled for Saturdays and also the public bank holiday at the end of May and you should not plan
any time away from Durham until the official examination timetable is published).

3 June 2016: examination period ends.

24 June 2016: Easter Term ends.

The official University Almanac is available at: http://www.dur.ac.uk/dates/ and the full University
timetable for examinations, including the arrangements for any resits, etc., is available at:
https://www.dur.ac.uk/resources/learningandteaching.handbook/Section6/A601.pdf

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SECTION 3: THE DEPARTMENT

Key Departmental Contacts

Role Name Email address

Head of Department Professor Julian Horton [email protected]
Director of Dr Patrick Zuk [email protected]
Postgraduate Studies
Director of Research Professor Martin Clayton [email protected]
Director of Dr Nick Collins (Michaelmas Term) [email protected]
Undergraduate Studies
Dr Laura Leante (Epiphany and Easter
Terms)
Chairman of the Board Mr John Snijders [email protected]
of Examiners
Departmental Mrs Karen Nichol [email protected]
Administrator
Department Secretary Ms Joyce Dent [email protected]
Secretary Miss Faye Smith [email protected]
Technical Analyst Mr Martin Allison [email protected]
Instrument Co- Dr Simone Tarsitani [email protected]
ordinator
Exchanges Co- Dr Laura Leante
ordinator
[email protected]
Disability Dr Simon Mills [email protected]
Representative
Diversity and Dr Laura Leante and Dr Simon Mills [email protected]
Harassment Officers [email protected]

Departmental Governance

The Board of Studies has ultimate responsibility for all the activities associated with the Department.

Its membership consists of all members of academic staff. It is chaired by The Head of Department,
Professor Julian Horton ([email protected]) and the Secretary to the Board is the
Department Administrator, Karen Nichol ([email protected]). Two student representatives
are also members of the Board, one representing undergraduate students, the other postgraduate
students. They are the senior student representatives of the staff/student consultative committees that
regularly report to the Board, one representing the undergraduate community (UGSSCC), the other the
postgraduate community (PGSSCC). Both of these representatives have a key role to play in the
governance of the Department.

The Board of Studies has a number of sub-committees, including an Education Committee, chaired by
the Director of Undergraduate Studies, Dr Nick Collins (Michaelmas Term) and Dr Laura Leante
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(Epiphany and Easter Terms) ([email protected]) and a Board of Examiners, chaired by Mr John
Snijders ([email protected]). There are other sub-committees that consider matters such as
library provision and departmental research.

Student Engagement

Durham is committed to developing academic communities of staff and students, communities which
draw on the expertise and experience of both groups to reflect on and enhance the quality of the
educational opportunities the University offers. Central to this approach is student representation on
the various University committees and groups with responsibilities for the student experience.

At an institutional level, students are represented on: Senate, Education Committee, Research
Committee, Quality and Standards Sub-Committee, and Student Experience Committee. Students are
also represented on all Faculty Education Committees.

The Undergraduate Staff/Student Consultative Committee (UGSSCC)

Chairman: Dr Nick Collins (Michaelmas Term) and Dr Laura Leante (Epiphany and Easter Terms)
([email protected])
Senior Student Representative: to be confirmed ([email protected])

UGSSCC Constitution

1. The Undergraduate Staff/Student Consultative Committee (hereafter the UGSSCC) will be chaired
by the Director of Undergraduate Studies. The Secretary to the Committee will either be another
academic member of staff or a member of the administrative staff. The remaining staff
membership of the UGSSCC will consist of the Chair of the Board of Studies in Music (Head of
Department).

2. In terms of student membership, official student representatives will be elected for each year by
the student union. If necessary to maintain sufficient numbers of representatives, the department
will also invite additional student representatives from the student body, aiming to ensure a
complement of two single honours and one combined honours students from each of the three
years of study. A Senior Student Representative will be nominated from amongst the department’s
student reps. This representative must be an undergraduate pursuing a single honours degree in
the Department of Music and will normally be commencing the final year of study. The Senior
Student Representative and the student union nominated representatives will count as members
towards the target complement of representatives.

3. The Senior Student Representative will be ex officio a member of the Board of Studies in Music and
will also serve as a member of the Annual Course Review.

4. The UGSSCC will normally meet once each term.

5. The Secretary of the UGSSCC will be responsible for taking and distributing the minutes of the
Committee, and for preparing the agendas for meeting.

6. All undergraduate members of the department are represented on the UGSSCC and can
individually or collectively ask for items to be discussed at the meetings of the Committee. The
student representatives are responsible for proactively consulting with those they represent in this
context and ensuring that issues raised are brought forward for discussion.

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7. The UGSSCC will in addition consider all standing items that are required by the University. These
include, and are not necessarily restricted to, the outcomes of the Annual Course Review and the
NSS.

Notice boards, pigeonholes, email, and DUO

The Common Room, near the departmental office, contains staff and student pigeonholes, the main
notice-boards, a photocopier and various brochures about musical events, courses and competitions.
Although the notice board still has an important role to play in terms of providing information for
students, email and duo (Durham University Online), our primary E-learning and support facility, are the
most important means of communication outside your classes. It is a Departmental requirement that
you consult your email at least once a day.

The main form of communication in the Department is email and all students are required to use
and check their Durham email account on a daily basis. Important information is sent to Durham
email accounts.

USE AND BOOKING OF DEPARTMENTAL FACILITIES

The Music Department occupies three different buildings: Divinity House (where the Concert Room,
Lecture Room and Studios 1 & 2 are located); the Old Registry next door, where the Music Technology
Lab and Studio 3 are located; and 48-49 North Bailey, which houses a Seminar Room, 4 Practice Rooms
and a music recording studio for postgraduate students.

Opening Hours (Divinity House, the Music Technology Lab, and 48-49 North Bailey: see below for
further details)

Term time: 8.00 am to 10.00 pm, weekdays and weekends

Vacation: 8.00 am to 5.00 pm, Monday to Friday only, except by special arrangement.

Office Hours

The Departmental Offices are open from 9.00 am to 5.00 pm Monday to Friday, and are normally closed
for lunch from 12.30 pm to 2.00 pm.

Access to the Department’s buildings is by swipe card. All registered music students are required to
carry their campus card at all times to gain entry to the Department Buildings. All entrance doors, for
safety and security reasons must never be propped open. Access to Practice Rooms in 48-49 North
Bailey is also by swipe card.

Unlike many university departments, the general public is often on the premises when coming to
concerts, and we should take pride in the appearance of the building for all who use it. Our buildings
are not community property, and although members of other departments may come in on business
(committee meetings, etc.), they should not wander about on their own. Non-members are not allowed
to make use of any departmental facilities or equipment, and students may not use any of the rooms
for private teaching.

During vacation periods there may be occasions when access to some of the facilities has to be
restricted, for example during conferences, and it must be clearly understood that access during
vacation periods is not a right but a privilege. Our intention, however, is keep such disruptions to a
minimum.
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Access and Out-of-hours Working

The Music School, the Music Technology Lab, and 48-49 North Bailey are open to Music students until
10.00 p.m. during term time. For use after 10.00 pm permission must be obtained from Ms Dent in
advance.

Use of the Common Room

The Common Room, near the Departmental Office, is for the use of all Music Department students and
staff. There is a cold and hot water dispenser in the Common Room and students should place their
finished cups in the recycling box provided. The Common Room must be kept tidy at all times with
paper put in the paper recycling bin, and all other rubbish put into the general bins.

Health and Safety

DOORS: For safety and security reasons external and internal doors should not be propped open.

FIRE SAFETY: The Department takes fire safety seriously. The fire alarm system is tested by the
University’s Estates and Buildings Department every week (out of hours) and annual full fire evacuation
practices takes place at some point during the academic year. Fire action notices are posted in every
room with instructions on what to do in the event of a fire. Make sure you read them and know exactly
what to do; that is, how to raise the alarm, what the quickest exit route is and who to contact. Anyone
with a disability that may prevent them responding quickly to a fire alarm, should declare it beforehand
and consult with the Department to see what can be done to minimise the risk.

ELECTRICAL EQUIPMENT. Please note that, in compliance with the Electricity at Work Regulations, the
department has a duty to ensure (so far as is reasonably practicable) that electrical equipment brought
onto the premises does not give rise to danger. Accordingly, anyone bringing electronic instruments,
recording equipment etc. into the department with the intention of using them here (e.g. in the
recording studios) should have them inspected by a music department technician BEFOREHAND.

OUT OF HOURS WORKING: Students working out of normal office hours or at any times when
members of staff may not be present should act responsibly and be alert to safety and security matters
should they arise. To get help you should be aware of the following important telephone numbers:-
Emergency 9-999, University Emergency (33) 43333, University Security (33) 42222. These are also
clearly displayed on out-of-hours student permits.

Rooms available for instrumental and singing practice

A suite of four practice rooms in 48-49 North Bailey are available to be booked by Music students.
Practice Room 1 is the largest room and contains the Department’s Yamaha C3 piano; it can
accommodate small ensembles as well as individual practice. Practice Room 2 is equipped by amplifiers,
drum kit and electric keyboard. Practice Rooms 3 and 4 are equipped with upright pianos and are
suitable only for individual practice.

The Concert Room, Lecture Room and Seminar Room are also available for individual practice at the
appropriate times, although more restrictions apply to these spaces. At all times teaching requirements
take precedence over all other activities in these rooms, and this precedence includes these three
rooms. In particular the Concert Room may not normally be used for routine practice between 9.00 am
and 1.00 pm (Monday to Friday). There is a specific restriction on the use of the grand pianos in the
Concert Room: The Steinway Model D piano in the Concert Room is kept locked at all times when not in

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use. Students wishing to play this piano must apply in writing to Mr John Snijders for permission
([email protected]). Full details of the procedures for booking rooms within the Department
are to be found below.

A link to the room booking timetable can be found on the desktop on the PCs in the Music Technology
Lab.

In addition, a number of rooms suitable for music practice are available in Colleges: a list of these rooms
is attached to this Handbook with details of how to book as Appendix I. Unless otherwise stated, music
students may book any of these rooms at any time for individual practice. In case of any difficulties
finding or booking appropriate practice space, please contact Ms Joyce Dent.

These spaces can also be booked by approved vocal/instrumental teachers to teach students taking
performance modules in the Department. Teachers should make these bookings directly, using the
online booking form (see below).

Please note that there is no room available in the Department for the storage of student instruments.
The Department can take no responsibility or liability for any loss or damage to instruments or other
property left on the premises.

Music Technology Lab

The Department’s Music Technology Lab is in the Old Registry, a building just a few yards to the north of
the Music School, across Windy Gap. It provides a range of study facilities, ranging from multimedia
computers to listening and recording equipment. The Technical Workshop is also located in this building
and technical support is available during office hours, should it be required.

IMPORTANT: The Music Technology Lab is provided as a quiet study space for Music students. This
space is not to be used for social gatherings, and the specialist computing facilities should not be used
for routine use of email, Facebook and so forth. It is important that students using this space to study
are not distracted, and any abuses of the space should be reported to the Head of Department
immediately.

Music Studios

The Music School houses four Electroacoustic Music Studios, two in the main building, one adjacent to
the Music Technology Lab, and a research studio (for postgraduates and staff) in 48-49 North Bailey.
Access is restricted to those students who have a legitimate reason to use them as an integral
component of a taught module or programme of research. On a trial basis for the 2014-5 academic
year, students in any year of study who complete an induction session (to be offered at the beginning of
Michaelmas or Epiphany terms) will be allowed access to studio 3 next to the Music Technology Lab;
this is only offered on the basis of self-directed study and where students have a compelling need to
obtain access outside of modules. Booking priority will remain with those students officially studying a
music technology/studio composition module. There are specific rules governing use of the studios,
which must be respected and are provided to the students concerned at the start of the year. Dr Nick
Collins ([email protected]) has overall responsibility for the management of these resources.

Booking Rooms

Students wishing to book rooms in the Music Department (Concert Room, Lecture Room, 48-49 North
Bailey Seminar Room and Practice Rooms) should complete the online booking form which can be
found at: http://www.dur.ac.uk/music/about/bookings/, stating the time and date they require.

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Bookings will be entered on the online booking system which can viewed on the display screen in the
foyer and also online. Please note: if a user does not arrive to use the room within 15 minutes of the
booked time another user can use the room for the whole duration of the booking.

Staff priority: For obvious reasons staff have priority over the booking of facilities. However, to avoid
last minute changes of plan the Department’s policy is that such ‘priority’ bookings of rooms or
instruments must be made at least three weeks in advance.

Please note:

1. Private teaching of instrumental lessons by students on Department premises is not permitted.

2. Department rooms are not to be used by non-departmental organisations, even if some

members of the Department are also members of those organisations, except by special
permission of the Head of Department.

3. Care and attention should be given to the Department pianos: they should not be pushed up
against radiators or have food or drink placed on top of them. After use they should be closed
and the covers replaced.

IMPORTANT: After rehearsals or concerts in the Concert Room and Lecture Room, those involved
should see that:

 the stage is cleared of chairs, stands and other equipment,

 pianos are closed and covered,
 other instruments and music stands are returned to their places in the instrument store
 chairs in the auditorium are replaced and left straight, wall-curtains are in their closed
position, and the room is tidy.

Instruments

The Department owns a number of instruments including concert grand pianos, Western orchestral
instruments and other instruments – including for instance recorders, cornetts and sackbutts, African
drums and Asian zithers (qin, zheng).

Although all the public rooms and pianos in the department are available for individual practice at the
appropriate times, there is a restriction on the use of the grand pianos in the Concert Room. The
Steinway Model D piano in the Concert Room is kept locked at all times when not in use. Students
wishing to play this piano must apply in writing to Mr John Snijders for permission
([email protected]). Pianos should be treated appropriately (e.g. food and drink should not be
placed on them), and they must be closed and covered after use. If you find that one of the pianos has
not been left in an appropriate condition, please contact Mr Snijders immediately.

Other instruments can be booked out in advance by contacting Dr Simone Tarsitani

([email protected]) in the first instance. As with room bookings (see above), staff
priority applies. It is important that all instruments that are booked out, whether by an individual or a
society, are looked after appropriately and returned in a timely fashion to the appropriate place (e.g.
the space allocated for them in the instrument store room). In case of accidental damage, or if you find
an instrument in poor condition, or in case of any other queries, please contact Dr Tarsitani
immediately.

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Please note that there is no room available in the Department for storage of student instruments. The
Department can take no responsibility or liability for any loss or damage to instruments or other
property left on the premises.

Music Notation Software

The Department supports the use of Sibelius software, version 6 (versions 7 and 8 have been released,
but we do not believe they offer any significant advantage over version 6). You are able to access
Sibelius in the Music Technology Lab, or on any networked computer in the library or in your college.
The Department is able to provide a small number of Sibelius licences to run the software on laptops
only; priority is given in the first three weeks of term to Level 3 composition students, Level 2 students
taking the modules Composition 2 and Orchestration, and masters and doctoral composition students.
From the beginning of week 4 any remaining copies will be available to other students on a basis of first
come first served. If you would like a licence to run the software on your own laptop computer, please
contact Martin Allison in the workshop adjacent to the Music Technology Lab; in order to install a
license, it is necessary to bring your laptop to Martin's office. We cannot install licenses for non-
portable desktop machines due to the local specialised nature of the installation process. If you have
your own copy of Sibelius version 7 or 8, please save any files you want to submit to staff as version 6
format.

University Library

The Department’s library resources (books, scores, CDs, etc.) are located in the Main Library. All
students are given an introduction to these resources on admission to the Department, and there are
music specialists on the library staff to assist you with any queries. As part of your programme of study
you will make extensive use of these facilities, including electronic resources such as on-line journals,
etc., and further context-specific advice and guidance will be given by your tutors as an when the need
arises.

The electronic gateway to the library is to be found at: http://www.dur.ac.uk/library/

14
SECTION 4: LEARNING AND TEACHING

Programme Aims & Learning Outcomes.

The principal teaching aims of the BA Music programme are as follows:

 To provide students with a broad musical training embracing the techniques of composition,
musicology (including ethnomusicology) and performance
 To equip students with the knowledge and skills needed to undertake independent research
projects
 To enhance student employability via the development of key skills, with particular focus on
critical and independent study skills
In order to meet these aims, a comprehensive set of Learning Outcomes has been defined. The Learning
Outcomes of each individual module are specified in the Faculty Handbook
https://www.dur.ac.uk/faculty.handbook/; the programme is designed in such a way that successful
completion of the degree ensures that all of the programme’s Learning Outcomes have been met.

Programme Regulations

The University Calendar (Volume II) contains the core regulations for undergraduate degree
programmes. These regulations ensure a common standard for each award, whichever programme you
study. All degree programmes are built up of modules worth 20, 40 or 60 credits, and are based upon
these core regulations. The regulations for Single Honours Music and links to the individual module
descriptors can be viewed at:

http://www.dur.ac.uk/programme.specifications/ug.programmes/?dept=MUSI&prog=W300

The regulations for Single Honours Music (with year abroad) can be viewed at:

https://www.dur.ac.uk/programme.specifications/ug.programmes/?dept=MUSI&prog=W302

Students doing a Combined Honours degree should go to the following link in the first instance, and
then cross-reference with the above link for music-specific information:

http://www.dur.ac.uk/programme.specifications/ug.programmes/?dept=COMB

These regulations and associated module descriptors provide the key reference point for your
programme of study. They tell you which modules you must take and which you may choose from.
Specifically:

 whether the module is running in 2015/2016 (please note that not all modules run each
academic year) ;
 whether the module is open to any student, or tied to a specific programme;
 whether the module must be taken with another module or modules (co-requisites);
 whether there are other modules which you may not take if you take the module (excluded
combination);
 and whether you must have successfully passed any specific modules previously or have
particular pre-existing qualifications (pre-requisites);

15
Module outlines list the teaching methods, assessments, contact hours and learning outcomes for every
module offered by every department in the University. It is searchable by department and by level.

The University timetable will tell you whether any optional modules are compatible with your
compulsory ones:

http://www.dur.ac.uk/timetable/students/

Department Statement on programme structure:

Course overview

Our curriculum places emphasis on research-led teaching, the development of independent learning
and the acquisition of transferable skills, while maximising the benefit to you of working with our
internationally respected researchers.

The first-year course is designed to introduce you to a broad range of disciplines and approaches, with
one module in historical musicology and five further modules covering areas of analysis,
ethnomusicology, composition, performance, and musical techniques (e.g. harmony and counterpoint).
Students have the option of taking all six modules in Music or taking five Music modules and one
module from another Department. Essential topics in music technology are spread over the Music
curriculum, as are foundational research skills that you will need in the later years.

The second-year course builds on this foundation, increasing the emphasis on the development of your
own independent research skills. You will have a wide choice of options for more advanced study in
historical musicology, analysis, musical techniques, ethnomusicology, composition (both acoustic and
electroacoustic), and performance, depending on your interests. Some modules, such as Creative Music
Technology, Orchestration and Conducting, include the development of specific professional skills and
will be useful if you intend to work in a music-related field.

Students also have the option of spending a third-year abroad and returning to Durham for a fourth
year to complete their degree. Please note: if you think you may be interested in the year abroad
option, you should contact the department’s Exchange Coordinator as soon as possible in your second
year to discuss options.

In the third year, the emphasis is strongly on your own independent work, as you apply the research
skills developed over the previous two years. Most importantly you will complete a major (double-
weighted) independent project, which can take the form of a dissertation, composition portfolio or
performance project. You will be able to complement this with a single-weighted project if you like
(again, this could be dissertation, composition or performance), as well as a range of more advanced
modules across the Music Department’s research specialisms or in another subject area.

All modules are designed to help you to develop a range of transferable skills that will help you in your
future employment. We will help you to keep track of your progress in developing a wide range of skills
valued by employers, from induction week to graduation.

Modules Studied in Level 1

MODULE NAME MODULE MODULE

NUMBER CO-ORDINATOR/LEADER(S)
Musical Techniques MUSI1211 Dr Alasdair Jamieson

16
 EITHER Performance 1: Listening and MUSI1241 Dr Hector Sequera
Performing (with recital)

OR Performance 1: Listening and MUSI1291 Dr Hector Sequera

Performing (with essay)
Introduction to Ethnomusicology MUSI1251 Dr Simon Mills
Historical Studies 1 MUSI1261 Professor Jeremy Dibble
Composition 1: 20th-century Innovations MUSI1271 Dr Eric Egan
Analysis I: Elements of Tonal Theory and MUSI1281 Professor Julian Horton
Practice

For single honours Music students, Historical Studies 1 is compulsory and students have the option of
taking the five remaining Music modules in addition or four Music modules and a module from another
Department. Note that any module from these six not taken in the first year, must be taken at Level 2.

For Combined Honours students, the choice is restricted. Combined Honours students taking Music can
take up to 3 modules in Music. The options are initially Introduction to Ethnomusicology (MUSI1251),
Analysis I: Elements of Tonal Theory and Practice (MUSI1281) and/or Historical Studies 1 (MUSI1261).
Combined Honours students wishing to take Performance 1: Listening and Performing (with recital)
(MUSI1241) or Performance 1: Listening and Performing (with essay) (MUSI1291) may do so as a
second module choice in Music and those students wishing to take Composition 1: 20th-Century
Innovations (MUSI1271) or Musical Techniques (MUSI1211) may do so as a third module choice in
Music.

Students from other Departments who would like to take one or two modules in Music and meet the
pre-requisite requirements (see below) may choose Introduction to Ethnomusicology (MUSI1251) or
Historical Studies 1 (MUSI1251) or Analysis I: Elements of Tonal Theory and Practice (MUSI1281). The
modules Composition 1: 20th-Century Innovations (MUSI1271), Performance 1: Listening and
Performing (with recital) (MUSI1241), Performance 1: Listening and Performing (with essay)
(MUSI1291) or Musical Techniques (MUSI1211) are not available as electives.

Modules Studied in Level 2

Students must take modules to the value of 120 credits from:

MODULE NAME MODULE MODULE

NUMBER CO-ORDINATOR/LEADER
Creative Music Technology MUS2641 Dr Nick Collins
Historical Studies 2 MUSI2691 Dr Patrick Zuk
Performance 2: Practice as Research MUSI2711 Mr John Snijders
Composition 2: New Directions in Art Music MUSI2311 Dr Eric Egan
Orchestration MUSI2541 Professor Richard Rijnvos
Conducting MUSI2581 Dr Alasdair Jamieson
Advanced Musical Techniques MUSI2601 Professor Jeremy Dibble
Theory and Analysis MUSI2611 Professor Julian Horton
Studies in the History of Opera MUSI2651 Dr Patrick Zuk
World Music Traditions MUSI2661 Dr Simon Mills
Studies in Popular Music MUSI2671 Dr Laura Leante
Russian and Soviet Music, 1890-1975 MUSI2681 Dr Patrick Zuk
Music and Science MUSI2731 Dr Nick Collins
Modules up to the value of 40 credits

17
 offered by another Board of Studies (no
more than 40 credits can be taken from
another Board of Studies over Level 2 and
Level 3)

Modules Studied in Level 3

Students must take a module to the value of 40 credits from:

MODULE NAME MODULE MODULE

NUMBER CO-ORDINATOR/LEADER
Portfolio of Compositions (double) MUSI3312 Professor Richard Rijnvos
Dissertation (double) MUSI3332 Professor Tuomas Eerola
Performance 3 (double): Public MUSI3672 Mr John Snijders
Performance Project

In addition, students must take modules up to 80 credits from the following

MODULE NAME MODULE MODULE

NUMBER CO-ORDINATOR/LEADER
Dissertation (single) MUSI3041 Professor Tuomas Eerola
Portfolio of Compositions (single) MUSI3071 Professor Richard Rijnvos
The Music of India MUSI3601 Dr Laura Leante
Contemporary Music Performance MUSI3611 Mr John Snijders
Performance 3: Recorded Performance MUSI3621 Mr John Snijders
Project (single)
Arts Management (Music) MUSI3661 Mr Dave Camlin
Late 19th- and Early 20th-Century English MUSI3551 Professor Jeremy Dibble
Song
Advanced Ethnomusicology MUSI3691 Dr Simon Mills
Psychology of Music* MUSI3701 Professor Tuomas Eerola
Studies in Symphonic Analysis MUSI3721 Professor Julian Horton
Time and Rhythm MUSI3631 Professor Martin Clayton
Words and Music MUSI3731 Professor Martin Clayton
Live Electronic Music** MUSI3681 Dr Nick Collins
Modules up to the value of 20 credits from
Level 2
Modules up to the value of 40 credits
offered by another Board of Studies (no
more than 40 credits can be taken from
another Board of Studies over Level 2 and
Level 3)
* taught short-fat in the Epiphany Term
** taught short-fat in the Michaelmas Term

18
Studying a Foreign Language

The Centre for Foreign Language Study, based in the School of Modern Languages and Cultures, exists
to deliver language learning opportunities both in Durham and at Queen’s campus, Stockton for
undergraduates, postgraduates, staff, and members of the public. Credit-bearing modules aimed at
learners without an A-level qualification in a foreign language are offered in a range of languages and at
various levels for undergraduates and taught postgraduates. For more information students should use
the following contacts:

Languages for All (non credit-bearing courses)

Contact: [email protected] – 0191 3342241 or 0191 091 3344669

Credit-bearing modules
 Arabic: tbc
 Chinese: Ms Jin HUANG, room ER277
 French: Mrs Anna JOHNSTON, room ER218
 German: Dr Alex BURDUMY, room ER218
 Italian: tbc
 Japanese: Mrs Ritsuko KOSO, room ERA51
 Portuguese: tbc
 Russian: Mrs Branka GRUNDY, room ERA28
 Spanish: Dr Marion CODERCH , room ER217

Code of Good Teaching Practice

The Department sets out to deliver an educational experience of the highest quality for all students,
and through its various mechanisms of formal and informal consultation with students it seeks to
enhance and improve this provision on an on-going basis, paying particular regard to the feedback that
it receives from the National Student Survey, module evaluation questionnaires, and the
representatives who serve on the staff/student committee.

All members of staff are committed to delivering the aims and objectives of the Department in terms of
learning and teaching (see above) in ways which ensure that all students benefit equally from the
opportunities thus afforded.

Programme Concessions

If you want to take a module not normally permitted by the regulations, or for which you do not have
the appropriate pre- or co-requisites, it may be possible for you to do so if there is a valid academic
reason (for example, is it of tangible benefit to a future career path you are targeting? Just wanting to
take a module for interest’s sake is not enough). You will need permission from the Music Department
and the Faculty, please contact Dr Nick Collins, Director of Undergraduate Studies
([email protected]), in the first instance.

Department Teaching Methods

The Department of Music uses a wide variety of teaching modes to deliver its programme of teaching and
learning. The formal lecture is still used for the delivery of some aspects of the curriculum, but a good deal
of work takes place in the form of seminars for smaller groups and group or individual tutorials. There is
an expectation that students will attend and engage with all teaching sessions, whether lecture, seminar,
tutorial or workshop. Students automatically have access to the information available on DUO for each

19
module for which they are registered, and will receive module-specific instruction in the use of this
important electronic learning and teaching facility.

Graduate Teaching Assistants and Module Co-ordinators

The Department of Music employs a number of Graduate Teaching Assistants, postgraduate research
students who give lectures, seminars, tutorials and workshops, and considers them a valuable part of
departmental teaching. Each module is managed by a Module Co-ordinator who is a member of academic
staff and takes overall responsibility for its delivery.

Academic Progress

The University requires you to fulfil your academic obligations. This includes being in residence in
Durham or Stockton during term time, and completing registration procedures. More importantly, you
must also attend classes and submit work required on the dates and times when it is due. It is your
responsibility to make sure that you know which classes are compulsory and when and where work has
to be handed in.

The Faculty Handbook contains a list of compulsory activities for all modules. Assessment deadlines for
pieces of work in the Music Department are made available to all students towards the end of October.
If you are not clear over any submission date please ask for clarification.

Departmental Level Monitoring - Attendance at Lectures, Seminars and Tutorials

Students are expected to attend all academic commitments. If unfortunate circumstances arise, such as
illness, students engage with the system of self-certification via their college, and will also inform the
department in a timely fashion; wherever possible, this means advance notice of an absence. Students
missing sessions must liaise with their module tutors to catch up on any missed work.

If the Department suspects a pattern of missed attendance or work submission unexplained through
appropriate self- certification and/or medical evidence, a student will be asked to explain themselves to
the Director of UnderGraduate Studies (DUGS). In particular, three or more missed core sessions and/or
assignments for modules will trigger investigation (where core sessions are the most commonly
occurring teaching session type, almost always lectures). If there is a lack of appropriate explanation
including in a possible face-to-face interview, students will be given a written warning via email with
conditions on further attendance: any future lapse will then be followed by the department seeking an
academic progress notice from faculty.

Students are reminded that they are required to provide self-certification within five working days (in
effect, a week) of missed commitments. Delay in providing these documents may lead to the
Department pursuing disciplinary procedures; it is a student’s responsibility to seek self certification to
excuse absence, and the Department is not obliged to chase self certification forms.

Whilst the Department encourages student involvement in extra-curricular music-making, students are
reminded that their degree comes first. For example, participating in concerts outside of Durham is not
a reasonable excuse for non-attendance; priority must be given to academic commitments in the
Department.

Any student seeking permission to meet a sporting commitment must: (i) give as much notice as is
reasonably possible; (ii) seek the agreement of any tutor whose class is to be missed and also the
permission of the Head of Department; and (iii) be prepared to make good any academic commitment

20
that will be missed, wherever this is possible, in whatever way is deemed appropriate by the Head of
Department.

Any student wishing to be absent from Durham at any time during term must ask permission from the
Department to do so in good time before the event and should complete a self-certification of absence
form from their College.

Recording of Lectures
Students may request permission to record any teaching session delivered as part of their programme
of study. Students should make requests in advance of the session using the process set out in Volume
1 of the University’s Calendar. This information can be found at the following web address:
http://www.dur.ac.uk/university.calendar/volumei/codes_of_practice/recording_of_lectures/
Students may only record teaching sessions where the teacher responsible for the session has given
their consent (verbally or in writing, e.g. by e-mail). Covert recording of lectures is not permitted and
will be treated as a disciplinary offence.
If it is identified in the individual Recommendations for Reasonable Adjustment (RRA) report from
Disability Support that it is a reasonable adjustment under the Disability Discrimination Act (DDA) for a
student to record teaching sessions, there will be no requirement for students to seek any additional
permission as it is the University’s expectation that permission to make such a recording will not
normally be refused. Please see Section 6 (Student Support) for more details concerning the services
offered by Disability Support.
Nonetheless where permission has been granted to one or more students to record a teaching session
other than a lecture, the approval of the other students in the teaching session to this recording must
be obtained. If recording such sessions has been included in an RRA and the approval of the other
students is not given, the department/school will contact Disability Support to consider what alternative
reasonable adjustments will need to be made.

University Guidance on Academic Progress Procedure

(a) Students registered on taught programmes of study at undergraduate and postgraduate levels are
required to make satisfactory academic progress in their studies and fulfil their academic commitments.
Making satisfactory progress in the Department of Music involves attending lectures, tutorials,
workshops and seminars and completion and submission of formative and summative assessed work.
These requirements for making satisfactory academic progress are defined for each individual module
and the details of these are published in either the Faculty Handbook (for undergraduate students) or
Postgraduate Module Catalogue (for taught postgraduate students).

(b) A student may fail to make satisfactory progress for a number of reasons: as a result of personal
problems which are preventing him/her from concentrating on the work, poor time management or
simple laziness. If a student fails to fulfil his/her academic commitments it is important that the reason
for this is established as quickly as possible so that appropriate action can be taken: this may mean
advising the student to seek medical or other help or it may involve disciplinary procedures. In many
cases a mixture of approaches is required, combining support with firmness.

(c) The Academic Progress procedure is intended to:

identify those students who are not making appropriate academic progress;
ascertain why these students are at risk of not completing their programme, make appropriate support
available where available and practicable, and set clear milestones for the return of these students to
making satisfactory academic progress;
21
and where it is not possible for the student to make this satisfactory progress, and/or it is clear that it is
not in the best interests of the student or the University for him/her to continue with his/her
programme, to require such a student to withdraw.

The Academic Progress Procedure

(a) The department responsible for a module (i.e. the department to which a module is coded) is
responsible for monitoring the progress of all students on the module, against the requirements
published in the Faculty Handbook. In the Department of Music, attendance at all teaching activities,
whether lectures, tutorials, seminars or workshops, is monitored in the form of registers at each
session. A suspicious pattern of absence, within and across modules, especially with regard to core
teaching sessions (e.g. lectures) or missed submission of formative assignments, without good cause
and explanation, will result in investigation of a student’s progress.

(b) If a student is not making appropriate academic progress, the Director of Undergraduate Studies
shall issue in writing (which may include email) a departmental warning noting that if the student does
not start to make appropriate academic progress (to be clearly identified in the departmental warning)
by a specified date then the faculty will be requested to issue an Academic Progress Notice (APN).

(c) The departmental warning will also invite the student to meet with a representative of the
department issuing the warning. The Department will keep records of all contact with the student in
respect of his/her failure to fulfil academic commitments.

(d) The departmental warning will be copied to the student's college, and the senior tutor will offer to
see the student.

Academic Progress Notice (APN)

(a) If the student does not meet the requirements of the departmental warning, the Head of the
Department that has issued the warning will send a written request that an APN be issued. This request
should be made using the APN proforma to the Pro-Vice-Chancellor of the Faculty of Arts and
Humanities. This will state:

the grounds for raising concerns about the student's academic progress;
the academic requirements which the student must fulfil according to a stated timetable within a
period of normally not less than four weeks. The purpose of this is to ensure that the student has
caught up any work missed and/or has regained the habit of regular study. The period of four weeks
may extend over 2 terms. It may not extend across academic years. The APN period may not extend
over the pre-examination period of the Easter Term for undergraduates or over the last 4 weeks of the
dissertation period for taught postgraduates;
the latest date by which departments may request the faculty to issue an APN is: for undergraduate
students: the end of the 6th week of the Epiphany Term; for taught postgraduates: the end of the 9th
week before the submission of the dissertation.

(b) On receipt of the request the Head of Faculty/Deputy to the Head of Faculty will, normally within
the next working day, check with other relevant departments, including the Director of Combined
Honours/Natural Sciences if appropriate, whether they have concerns about the student which would
lead them to wish to be associated with the APN. If they do, this must be confirmed immediately in
writing to the Head of Faculty/Deputy to the Head of Faculty stating clearly: a. the grounds for wishing
to be associated with the process: b. the academic requirements which the student must fulfil within
the stated period.

22
(c) The Head of Faculty/Deputy to the Head of Faculty will issue a letter to the student normally within
three working days of receiving the request. For undergraduate students and full-time postgraduate
students this letter will be sent to their term-time address (with a copy to their home address, if the
letter is sent near the end of term). For part-time postgraduate students this letter will be sent to their
correspondence address as notified to the Graduate School Office. All categories of student will also
receive a copy of the letter by email to their Durham email address. Copies will be sent as outlined
below: Heads of Departments and Secretaries of all departments in which the student is taking one or
more modules; College Senior Tutor; Director of Combined Honours/ Deputy to the Head of Faculty -
Natural Sciences (where appropriate)

The Code of Practice on Academic Progress Procedure can be viewed at:

http://www.dur.ac.uk/university.calendar/volumei/codes_of_practice/academic_progress_a_code_of_
good_practice/

Student Absence and Illness

The University’s guidelines on Student Absence and Illness can be found at the following website:
http://www.dur.ac.uk/learningandteaching.handbook/6/2/6/

If you are unable to attend academic commitments for illness or other good cause you must complete a
Self-Certification of Absence form from your College Student Support Office in advance wherever
possible and submit this to the Department within 5 working days of the start of your illness. You may
use this form on up to 2 occasions per term, to cover each time at most 7 consecutive calendar days. It
is imperative that you liaise with the Department on your return to catch up on all work missed.

The self certification form is linked here, and may be submitted to your college via email:
https://www.dur.ac.uk/resources/learningandteaching.handbook/Section6/A6.12.doc

Students who exceed these limits should consult their department and college to discuss their situation
and explore possible means of support (for instance, a concession to temporarily take time out from
their studies). They should provide independent evidence (as far as this is possible) to explain the
reasons for their absence. Repeatedly absent students may be required to attend an interview with an
appropriate member of academic staff, and if need be the Academic Progress Procedure will be invoked.

If you have an illness which affected your performance in the exam period from Easter vacation to your
last exam, please follow the process outlined on page 33 – Serious Adverse Circumstances.

In the case of illness please contact Miss Faye Smith, Secretary,

[email protected].

Change of Module after Registration

If you wish to change a module after registering, please contact Karen Nichol at the earliest opportunity.
It will not always be possible for you to change modules - it will depend on your suitability for the
module, the availability of places and the amount of work which you will need to catch up on – and the
longer you leave it, the less likely it will be that permission will be given. In this Department requests to
change module registration will not normally be considered after the end of the third teaching week
(Friday 30 October 2015). Changes to single term modules should be made within the first teaching
week.

23
Change of Programme

To ensure the quality of student experience, we have a target quota for each of our degree courses and
winning a place on these is very competitive, as you will know. Although it is possible to change degree
programmes, you should bear in mind that there is no automatic right to do so, and we need to take
into account factors such as academic merit and availability of places on particular programmes. If you
do wish to change degree programme, you must be able to satisfy any prerequisites for the subject
concerned.

If you feel that you are on the wrong degree programme, it is best to seek advice from Dr Nick Collins,
Director of Undergraduate Studies, at the earliest opportunity.

Regulations Regarding Instrumental Lessons

Instrumental lessons, taken from an approved teacher, are an essential part of the various performance
modules offered by the department. These individual lessons are an academic commitment in the same
way as lectures and seminars: it is your responsibility to find a teacher, arrange your lessons, and attend
them. If you experience any difficulty with instrumental or vocal lessons, you must contact Mr Snijders
([email protected]) or Dr Sequera ([email protected]) immediately to report the
problem and discuss how to proceed.

Notice that performance students are entitled to the following number of instrumental/vocal lessons
per year:

 8 hours for year 1

 11 hours for year 2
 14 hours for year 3, single module (i.e. Recorded Performance Project and Contemporary Music
Performance), and
 20 hours for year 3, double module (i.e. Public Performance Project).

Please notice:

 If you book more lessons than your allocation, you will have to pay for the extra ones.
 You cannot combine vocal and instrumental lessons or lessons for two different instruments in
your departmental allocation.
 Students taking two performance modules, e.g. Performance 3 double and Contemporary
Music Performance, will only be allocated the highest number of lessons (20 for Performance 3
double) and NOT the sum of lessons for the two modules.

A list of approved instrumental and vocal teachers is available from Ms Dent

([email protected]) as well as in the performance modules pages on DUO. Students may also
consult with Mr John Snijders and Dr Hector Sequera.

Instrumental and vocal teachers will be responsible for preparing reports on students’ progress, and
these will be requested from teachers twice a year by Ms Dent. In exceptional circumstances where you
cannot find a suitable teacher from the list of approved teachers, you may consult with Ms. Dent, Mr.
Snijders or Dr. Sequera to find an alternative solution.

It is absolutely essential that you identify a teacher early in the academic year in order to ensure that
you are able to make appropriate progress on the performance module for which you are registered.
Your instrumental or vocal teacher will be contracted and paid directly by the Department on receipt of
a termly report on your progress. Instrumental or vocal lessons that are entirely outside the
24
requirements of the Departmental syllabus are solely the responsibility of the student and cannot be
supported financially by the Department. Naturally, such self-funded extra-curricular lessons do not
require the preparation of teacher reports.

There is nothing to stop you from working towards a reputable diploma whilst in residence. However, if
we feel that you are spending too much time on instrumental work at the expense of your academic
commitments, your attention will be directed towards this imbalance, and you will be expected to re-
adjust your working load accordingly.

A student who fails to attend a pre-arranged instrumental/vocal lesson without giving notice to the
teacher will be liable to pay for the missed lesson.

If students require consultation with their home instrumental/vocal tutors on the recital repertoire, this
must take place over the winter break ahead of the deadline for the Repertoire List as stated in the
module handbook.

A student who fails to attend a pre-arranged instrumental/vocal lesson without giving notice to the
teacher will be liable to pay for the missed lesson.

Departmental Policy on Student Engagement – Obtaining Feedback on the Student Learning Experience

Obtaining feedback from students is extremely important for the Department. This feedback enables us
to identify aspects of the student learning experience that work well and also those that could usefully
be improved upon.

The Department uses a range of methods for obtaining feedback from students, and is committed to an
on-going process of enhancement in this context. These methods are both formal and informal and the
procedures for reporting and acting upon the information received are reviewed regularly in
consultation with students.

In terms of student representation a primary forum for feedback and discussion is provided via the
Student/Staff Committees, one for undergraduates (UGSSCC) and another for postgraduates (PGSSCC).
In the case of the UGSSCC we aim for two representatives from each year, with an additional
representative in each case from students studying Combined Honours; see page 9 above.

Meetings of these consultative committees are held once a term and the outcomes are considered by
the Board of Studies and also the relevant sub-committees (for example the Education Committee). The
student representatives are encouraged to bring forward items for discussion and this means of
obtaining feedback is especially useful for identifying issues of a more general concern.

The senior student representatives of both the UGSSCC and the PGSSCC are ex-officio members of the
Board of Studies, thus providing a further opportunity for student feedback and direct participation in
the discussion of issues raised in any context relating to the student learning experience. From
2014/2015, a representative from the UGSSCC will also be invited to be a member of the Department’s
Education Committee.

An important additional process for obtaining and responding to feedback is provided by the Academic
Adviser system (see below, page 38). The associated tutorials provide a further layer of support for
students in the context of the student learning experience and as part of this two-way process students
are encouraged to provide their Academic Advisers with feedback on any area or areas of concern.

25
Advisers report the outcomes of these meetings directly to the Director of Undergraduate Studies who
is then responsible for considering these issues further both in terms of instances of good practice and
also any areas of concern. The Education Committee has a particularly important role in monitoring all
aspects of feedback on the student learning experience, and the Director of Undergraduate Studies,
who also chairs this Committee, is expected to report on progress with any issues arising as part of his
report at each meeting.

Student feedback is also obtained via the NSS and module questionnaires. The Department considers it
important to receive feedback on all modules at the end of the year as part of the annual course review,
and these views form an integral and essential part of the review of all aspects of learning and teaching.
The senior student representatives participate in the annual course review and the student/staff
committees receive full details of the outcomes of the review, including a report on the issues identified
and the actions taken. The minutes of the student/staff committees and the outcomes of the annual
course review are published on Duo and the attention of all students is drawn to their publication.

From time to time, notably when discussions of a substantive nature are initiated by the Department,
student focus groups may be established to allow detailed consideration of student views, and the
Department may also undertake questionnaires or other polls.

Students may leave anonymous feedback at any time via the comments box provided near the
Department office in the social area. The Director of Undergraduate Studies will check regularly and
report to committees and the Head of Department on comments as appropriate.

Students are also welcome to contact the Director of Undergraduate Studies directly via the
[email protected] email address if they have any concerns.

Programme and Module Evaluation

Towards the end of the Epiphany Term (Michaelmas Term for certain modules), the Department requests
that all students complete a module evaluation questionnaire for each module they are registered for.
The data collected from this exercise is discussed at the Department’s Annual Course Review, a process
that involves the senior student representatives of the Undergraduate and Postgraduate Staff/Student
Consultative Committees. A report on this item is then forwarded to the relevant Committee at their first
meetings in the Michaelmas Term. Constructive feedback from students received through these
questionnaires is extremely helpful to the Department in our efforts to continually improve the
undergraduate programmes.

Withdrawing from Your Programme

We hope that you will enjoy your time in the Music Department, and that you complete your
programme with success. However, if you intend to withdraw from your programme, please contact Dr
Nick Collins ([email protected]), Director of Undergraduate Studies, as soon as possible.

If you withdraw from your programme, please note that under certain circumstances you will still need
to pay part of your fees.

There are policies with respect to tuition fees that cover voluntary withdrawals, suspensions,
concessions and student debt policy at:

http://www.dur.ac.uk/treasurer/students/student_debt_policy/

26
Appeals and Complaints

Appeals & Complaints Overview

While we try to ensure that our students all enjoy a happy and successful period of study in the Music
Department, we do recognise that things can go wrong, and the University has clear procedures in place
to try to resolve issues when necessary. There are two main processes for resolving issues: the academic
appeals process, and the student complaints process.

A summary of the initial stages of each process is available below. More detailed information on
complaints and appeals, and links to all of the relevant forms and regulations, are available online:

http://www.dur.ac.uk/gsu/appeals

Academic Appeals

An academic appeal is a request for a formal review of an academic decision of the University. In
practice most undergraduate appeals concern either a decision of a Board of Examiners or an Academic
Progress decision. Students should note that it is not possible to appeal academic judgement, that is, an
ordinary marking decision on submitted work. There are limited grounds for academic appeal explained
more fully at the link above (for example, circumstances affecting a student’s performance of which, for
good reason, the Board of Examiners or Committee or University Officer might not have been aware
when the original decision was made).

- Is there an informal appeals process that might resolve your concerns?

If you are concerned about a mark, you should always discuss your feedback with a module leader in the
first instance, and should not expect in any ordinary circumstances that there is a basis for a formal
appeal. If you still wish to pursue the process, prior to initiating a formal appeal you might wish to
discuss your concerns informally with the Chairman of the Board of Examiners Mr John Snijders
([email protected]), for decisions taken by Boards of Examiners, or with the Head of
Department Professor Julian Horton regarding Academic Progress.

- How do I appeal formally?

If you want to lodge a formal appeal you must act quickly. Your appeal must be received at the relevant
office, currently within 21 days of the date of notification of the decision against which you are
appealing. You must appeal using a Faculty Appeals Proforma and you should obtain a copy of General
Regulation VII Academic Appeals, and the Code of Practice on Appeals and Complaints to help you
complete the proforma. The Department Administrator Karen Nichol ([email protected]) will
be able to advise you on the procedures that must be followed in this context

Student Complaints

- What is a complaint?
Basically a complaint is an expression of dissatisfaction that requires a response, that does not fall under
the category of an academic appeal.

- How do I make a complaint?

The University’s complaints procedures are based on the belief that the many problems are due to
misunderstandings and that the majority of complaints can be resolved informally. So, if you have a
problem, you should discuss the matter first with whoever is directly responsible for providing the
service or support.

27
 In the Music Department that means you should discuss it with the relevant member of staff, or with
Professor Julian Horton, Head of Department ([email protected]), or Dr Nick Collins, Director
of Undergraduate Studies ([email protected]).

If, on the other hand:

 your complaint is about a college, you should discuss the problem with your tutor or a College Officer
and if you remain dissatisfied, consult the Head of House;

 your complaint is about an academic or support service, you should discuss the problem with the Head
of the Service or his/her Deputy;

 your complaint is about general publicity information provided by the University, you should discuss the
problem with the Director of Communications;

 your complaint concerns the relevant Head of House, Department or Service or the Director of
Development and Communications, you should obtain a copy of the formal complaints procedure from
the webpage listed above.

If you are unhappy about approaching the relevant person yourself, you can ask a tutor, supervisor or
the DSU Advice Centre to approach that person on your behalf.

- What should I do if I am still dissatisfied?

If the person you approached did not sort out your problem you can pursue your complaint formally,
using the formal complaints procedure available from the webpage listed above.

28
SECTION 5: ASSESSMENT

Modes of Formative and Summative Assessment

The Department of Music uses a variety of modes of formative and summative assessments, including
essays and dissertations, performance, composition portfolios, oral presentations and other formats.
Written examinations are also used for summative assessments.

Policy on the Quality Assurance of Examinations and Assessment (Assessment Criteria)

The Departmental Policy on the Quality Assurance of Examinations and Assessment is informed by the
guidelines prepared by the University Education Committee. It also takes into account subject-specific
considerations arising from the QAA Benchmarking Criteria for Music and evidence of good practice
identified in discussions and workshops on assessment arranged by National Association of Music in
Higher Education (NAMHE).

The overall purposes of the Department’s quality assurance mechanisms within the examinations and
assessment process are:

 to guarantee that agreed marking criteria are applied appropriately across the full range
of modules taught by the Department;
 to maintain an overall consistency of standards across the various modules;
 to protect candidates against bias, conscious or otherwise, on the part of examiners.

As regards the setting of examination materials, drafts of all written timed examinations are considered
by the Board of Examiners as a whole before they are passed to the appropriate external examiner for
approval. In the case of all summative components, the module co-ordinator submits the proposed
assignment to the Chair of the Board of Examiners for consideration on behalf of the Board of
Examiners. If there are any queries other than of a relatively minor nature the proposed assignment is
passed to another member of the Board of Examiners for further comment. Should this process still
leave unresolved issues an External Examiner will be consulted.

Music involves a variety of modes of assessment, from the conventional written timed examination to
instrumental and vocal performance. Whereas complete anonymity is both desirable and achievable in
the former instance the same cannot be said for a Final Honours recital (Performance 3), where
individual skills of interpretation and communication have to be assessed in an audio-visual context.
The procedures adopted by the Department for the assessment of individual modules therefore seek to
minimise the possibility of bias, conscious or otherwise, while at the same time taking appropriate
account of factors that cannot properly assessed in a completely anonymous environment.

In pursuance of these objectives the following examination procedures are applied:

 all written-timed examination scripts are marked anonymously;

 the classification of all degree results is carried out anonymously;
 the marking of all dissertations is carried out anonymously.

The marking of summative coursework, however, is not carried out anonymously. Feedback cannot be
given on summative coursework before the end of the module if anonymity is to be preserved: the
administrative complexities of using a separate code to mark each assignment anonymously are such as
to make this an unviable option. It is University policy to ensure that feedback to students on assessed
coursework is a priority, and it judges the advantage to students in terms of their learning experience

29
through receiving feedback in this context to outweigh any disadvantage resulting from removing
anonymity.

In the case of Final Honours modules all Dissertations and Composition Folios are double marked, and
all Performance and the Recitals modules, are triple marked. All other modules are marked in
accordance with the University’s Policy on the Quality Assurance of Examinations and Assessment. The
minimum requirements for double marking are as follows:

A minimum of 10% of each piece of assessed work contributing to the final module mark should be sample
double marked (subject to a minimum sample size of 10). For major projects and dissertations the sample size
must be 100%.

Special attention is paid to component marks scoring 40% or less, 70% and above and at the boundary
points between degree classes (49%, 59% and 69%).

In order to pass Preliminary Honours at the end of the first year students must obtain a mark of 40% or
above in each module: those who fail modules in May/June may be re-examined on one occasion in
August/September. In these cases the mark will then be capped at 40%.

Proformas are used to record the marks of all examination components. These proformas and
supplementary mark sheets are scrutinised by the Chair of the Board of Examiners and made available
along with the associated examination materials to the external examiners or internal moderators, as
appropriate, for the resolution of the issues identified and the monitoring of benchmarking standards.

In the case of all the major components at Final Honours (Dissertation, Composition and Recital) special
proformas are used, requiring each examiner to write an individual report before marks are agreed.

Assessment Criteria

The University wide Generic Assessment Criteria provide the template for the subject-specific criteria
that have been developed for modules in music, serving as the reference point for ensuring that the
appropriate standards are met in assessing all the components of the degree programme. The varied
nature of music modules, from those that are predominantly text-based, for example summative essays
and dissertations, to those involving performance or composition, make particular demands in this
context and it is important for you to be aware of the criteria that will be applied in the assessment of
each of the modules you study, and in some cases specific sub-components within a module. Each
module in music has a module handbook in which the assessment criteria for assignments in that
module are made clear.

Assessment Deadlines and Word Counts

A document containing the deadlines for submission of all summative assessed work is published during
October of each year and is made available to students via email and DUO. In addition a copy is posted
on the Department notice board in the common room. This document is updated during the academic
year to include timed-written examination dates/times and also performance related examination
dates/times, as they become available.

30
Penalty for Over-length Work

The Department operates a strict policy over the marking of over-length work.

For all written summative work a maximum word length is identified, and this is clearly articulated in
the corresponding module descriptors. This word length excludes bibliographies, footnotes and
appendices.

Students will be allowed a margin of 10% over and above this figure. However, should this upper word
limit be exceeded a penalty of 10% reduction in the mark will automatically be incurred, subject to the
confirmation of the Board of Examiners. Students must include a word count on all essay-based work
that is submitted for examination.

Late Submission of Work

Students are always encouraged to submit their work in timely fashion, working to submit well
before any deadline to avoid any danger of last minute issues.

Students who do not submit summative assessed work by the agreed published deadline but submit
within five working days following the published deadline will receive their feedback with an indicative
mark, but their final mark will be capped at 40% for the component concerned. After this further
period students will be awarded a mark of zero, and no feedback will be provided for submitted work.
The only exception is where a case for an extension has been submitted to the Board of Examiners in
advance of the deadline and the request for a revised date granted (lateness penalties will then follow
the new agreed deadline). The grounds for securing such an extension have to be based on significant
adverse circumstances, and these do not include failure to plan ahead or last-minute problems such as
the computer crashing or queues for printing in the Library. Work should also always be backed up
regularly.

No harassment of any administrative staff member dealing with work submissions is acceptable. The
time cutoff is determined by the officiating staff member and is absolute. Do not work too close to
deadlines!

Procedure for Seeking an Extension

If a student is unable to submit summative assessed work by the published deadline due to illness or
other personal problems, they should contact Mrs Karen Nichol, Secretary of the Board of Examiners
([email protected]) outlining the nature of the problem and to request an extension.
Extension requests will be forwarded to the Chairman of the Board of Examiners and students will be
informed by email as to the outcome of the request. Please note that requests for extensions for
reasons other than illness or serious personal circumstances will not be granted.

Procedures for the Submission of Summative Work

You will be informed on a per assignment basis of the submission requirements; normally, for essay-like
assignments this will consist of one printed and one electronic (online via Duo) copy. For some
assignments, such as third year dissertations and composition portfolios, or score-based exercises, two
printed copies are supplied. One physical printed copy must have a coloured cover sheet attached.
Physical copies of summative assessed work must be submitted in the submission boxes located outside
Mrs Nichol’s office no later than 1.00 pm on the deadline day, following the procedures posted on the

31
submission boxes. An electronic copy of all written work must also be submitted by the deadline, using
DUO. It is not acceptable to ask a third party to submit work on your behalf.

In the exceptional circumstance of an extension deadline being granted (see above), work should NOT
be deposited in the submission boxes. Instead it must be submitted direct to Mrs Karen Nichol.

Please note that in accordance with the approved procedures for examinations in this Department, your
anonymous examination code must be used in the case of all dissertations and timed-written
examinations, with no reference to your actual name. In the case of ALL other submissions, including
projects, essays and compositions you should always use your name as your identifier, not your
anonymous code.

Attendance at Composition Workshops and Requirements Specific to the Submission of Materials for
Rehearsal

All submissions must be made to the department's submission boxes by 1.00 pm on the day of the
deadline. Submissions by post or late submissions without an extension will NOT be included in the
workshop. Similarly, submissions that are not made in the right format and correct number of copies
(outlined below) will NOT be included.

All workshops are compulsory for Undergraduate students enrolled on the relevant module(s). It is of
great benefit to hear other students’ works being workshopped, and students on a composition module
are expected to attend throughout workshop days and never just for their own piece.

For soloists, duos and a cappella vocal groups, please submit:

- 1 copy of the score for the department (unbound, not stapled, single sided)

AND

- 1 copy of the score for EACH of the musicians (2 copies for duos, 4 copies for vocal quartets).

Scores for soloists/duos must be either bound with convenient page turns or single sided - scores for a
cappella vocal groups must be double sided and bound.

For trios and larger ensembles (excluding a cappella vocal groups) , please submit:

- 1 copy of the score and 1 copy of the parts for the department (unbound, not stapled, single sided)

AND

- 2 copies of the score (one bound, double-sided and one loose leaf, single-sided) and 1 copy of the
parts (bound with convenient page turns or single sided) for the ensemble.

The copies for the department and the copies for the performers must be submitted in separate plastic
sleeves/pockets/envelopes clearly marked with the name of the composer and MUSICIANS or
DEPARTMENT.

Remember that transposing instruments require transposed parts - scores should always be submitted
at pitch.

32
Statement on Departmental Presentation Practice

The Department expects students to present all work in a format that meets its requirements both in
terms of suitability for examination but also the expectations of professional practice in the wider
academic community. Guidelines are available via the following links:

Essay based work:

Referencing
Your dissertation or essay should be fully referenced. Referencing may be formatted EITHER according
to the short-title system OR following the author-date system: details can be found in the Department's
Citing References and Writing Your Bibliography guide
(https://www.dur.ac.uk/resources/music/MusicReferencingGuide.pdf)
https://www.dur.ac.uk/resources/music/TextBasedSubmissions.pdf
Compositions:
https://www.dur.ac.uk/resources/music/PRESENTATIONOFCOMPOSITIONSUBMISSIONS.pdf

Statement on Dissertation/Major Project Supervision

The process of registering for a dissertation (Single and Double) at Level 3 involves a two-stage approval
process, starting in the Easter term at the end of Level 2. Following a briefing meeting all students are
required to submit a provisional details for consideration by the Board of Studies towards the end of
term using Dissertation Form
(http://www.dur.ac.uk/resources/music/DissertationInformationForm.docx). Feedback will be
provided at the end of term either indicating that approval has been given to proceed to the second
stage or that revisions are required, to be submitted for approval by the end of July. The second stage
of the approval process involves submitting a more detailed proposal circa 300 to 500 words, to be
submitted by the end of September. Subject to approval, this more detailed proposal then provides the
agenda for your first meeting with your supervisor at the start of term. Supporting documentation for
these approval processes will be made available at the start of the Easter term, including guidelines on
how to prepare for this important component of independent study.

Although every effort will be made to align proposed topics with the specialist interests of potential
supervisors it is not always possible for purely practical reasons (including staff research leave) to
accede to specific requests in this regard. It is important to recognise that supervisors are highly
experienced researchers who as a matter of course will have directly engaged with research areas
beyond those that have become central to their own work and will thus be well placed to provide you
with expert advice and support. The arrangements for supervision in terms of contact hours and the
scope and nature of this support is described in the Department's Policy and Procedures for the
Supervision of Dissertations (Undergraduate) which can be found at:

https://www.dur.ac.uk/resources/music/Dissertation_in_Music_2015.pdf

Departmental Statement on Disclosure of marks and feedback to students

Aims and Objectives

Feedback is an integral component in the learning process, and the department takes very seriously its
centrality in your educational experience. Students receive feedback on all formative and summative
work in their modules. We offer constructive criticism which will assist students to achieve the best
possible result in their subsequent submissions. Note that feedback on summative assessed work
submitted during the Easter Term will be distributed during the summer vacation.

33
To achieve this, the department provides feedback in a variety of forms varying from module to
module, from detailed yet concise on-script criticism of formative assignments to more extensively
written-out commentary. A wide range of opportunities for dispensing this feedback is provided, also
varying module to module, including, importantly, individual tutorials, tutorial groups/seminars
designed to follow up weekly lectures, and larger group feedback sessions. In the case of formative
feedback on summative work an indicative mark will be given that will remain provisional until
confirmed by the Board of Examiners in June. Students will receive some feedback on every piece of
work, whether in written form or verbal feedback in the context of tutorials, seminars and/or
workshops as appropriate.

Surgery Hour

Each member of academic staff holds a weekly surgery hour, open both to students for whom they are
the appointed academic adviser and all other students taking the lecturer’s modules. The schedule of
meetings is published on DUO and may be directly accessed at:

http://www.dur.ac.uk/resources/music/StaffConsultationhour1516.pdf

Timely return of work

The turn-around on formative assignments varies from module to module. In some modules, where
short concise formative assignments are done on a more or less week to week basis, work is returned
by the next week. Where assignments are more spread out and often more involved, work is generally
marked and returned to students normally within a three-week period. Summative and formative
assignments submitted at or towards the end of terms 1 and 2 are marked and returned usually no later
than the end of the first week of the following term.

Serious Adverse Circumstances (SAC)

The University defines SAC as “exceptional personal circumstances, outside your control, that have
prevented you from either acquiring or demonstrating the skills, knowledge or competencies required
to meet the learning outcomes associated with an assessment that contributes to the qualification for
which you are studying, notwithstanding your best efforts, in consultation with your department/school
and College, to mitigate those circumstances”. SAC procedures relate to the exam period from the
beginning of the Easter vacation until your last exam.

Where serious adverse circumstances relate to summative work prior to the examination period it is
expected that you will have informed and discussed these with your department as and when they
occurred and normally within five days. Consequently, where appropriate, it is expected that you will
have already received mitigation such as course work extensions (see
https://www.dur.ac.uk/learningandteaching.handbook/6/2/6/

Where, for reasons beyond your control or that of your department, assessments could not be
mitigated at the time or occur during the examination period they will be considered by the department
board of examiners by carefully considering the details you provide using the form and procedure
available in the Learning and Teaching Handbook:

https://www.dur.ac.uk/resources/learningandteaching.handbook/Section6/A6.11.docx.doc

If you experience serious adverse circumstances during the examination period you must inform the
University as soon as possible and normally within five days of your last examination. If you are unable
to do so, and wish to submit a late application, you will need to provide an explanation for the delay.

34
Do not wait to see how you perform in examinations or assessed work before letting us know about
your SAC, because there is no University rule requiring the Board of Examiners to take SAC into account
retrospectively to decide upon a degree classification, or a progression decision, or for an appeal to be
upheld on this basis.

In reality there are very few cases in which SAC can reasonably be taken into account retrospectively,
quite simply because it is not fair or safe for anyone to guess how you might have performed if
unaffected by SAC.

Your College Senior Tutor will be able to offer you support and guidance on SAC, and help you to
complete a SAC form if necessary.

Assessment Irregularities, including Plagiarism

Any form of malpractice associated with assessment of any kind is a very serious matter which can
result in expulsion from the University without the award of a qualification.

Such malpractice may take the form of:

 plagiarism: unacknowledged quotation or close paraphrasing of other people's writing,

amounting to the presentation of another person's thoughts or writings as one's own. This
includes material which is available on the world-wide web and in any other electronic form;

 multiple submission: the inappropriate submission of the same or substantially the same work
of one's own for a further summative assessment, in connection with an academic award.

 collusion: working with one or more other students to produce work which is then presented as
one's own in a situation in which this is inappropriate or not permitted and/or without
acknowledging the collaboration;

 impersonation: presenting work on behalf of someone else as if it were the work of the other
individual;

 cheating: using any inappropriate or unauthorised means to achieve credit for a piece of
coursework or an examination answer;

 use of inadmissible material: using material which is not permitted to achieve credit for a piece
of coursework or an examination answer.

It is the Music Department’s policy to check student written work using the Turnitin Plagiarism
Detection Service software and provision for this is made in our Data Protection Policy to which all
students agree at registration.

It is also a disciplinary offence to use your academic work produced at Durham for an unethical purpose
or in a way which would bring the University into disrepute. For example, it would be an offence to
supply a copy of your own essay to a web-site which would allow other students to plagiarise your work.
'Buying' an essay from a web-site or any other source, or any similar practice, is, of course, cheating and
is a very serious offence.

The Music Department has zero tolerance towards any form of malpractice associated with assessment
of any kind, including plagiarism or cheating in examinations. We consider these and the other offences
35
listed above to be a very serious matter and students found guilty of such offences risk being expelled
from the University.

If you are struggling with your academic work, please go to see your Departmental Academic Adviser or
the Senior Tutor of your College straight away. Do not struggle on regardless until it is too late. It may be
possible for your College or the Department to negotiate an extension for you, or arrange for you to
take time away from University to recover if you are too ill to carry out your studies effectively at
present – see above for further information.

Above all, it is imperative not to resort to cheating or plagiarism if you run out of time or cannot
understand your work. If you cheat or plagiarise you will be found out and punished severely. It is
recognised that students, particularly in the early stages of study for a degree may be unsure of the
boundaries that exist between acceptable academic practice and unacceptable academic practice, and
you will be given advice and support in this regard as a matter of course. If you are unsure of any aspect
of this important consideration please do not hesitate to seek advice from your tutors.

Progression Regulations

The University requirements for progressing in your degree are available online. These regulations
provide information on how many modules you must pass to proceed from one year to another, what
happens if you fail a module, and how many credits worth of modules you will need to complete
successfully to qualify for an honours degree (or ordinary degree, or diploma, or certificate).

The Core Regulations for Undergraduate Degrees which include Progression Regulations may be viewed
at: https://www.dur.ac.uk/resources/university.calendar/volumeii/2014.2015/coreregsug.pdf

The associated flowchart provides a consolidated overview of the regulations for progression, and these
may be viewed at:

http://www.dur.ac.uk/resources/faculty.handbook/studentsurvivalguide/2009/Progression_Flowchart_
1-3_2009.pdf

DEPARTMENTAL PRIZES

Sir Thomas Beecham Scholarships: The Sir Thomas Beecham Scholarships are made possible by the
generous support of the Sir Thomas Beecham Trust. An award, made on the basis of competitive
selection, is made for three years to a resident first-year student in the Department of Music who, on
satisfactory completion of his/her studies, intends to become a performing musician, and the choice is
made by audition in October of each year. In the event that no candidate meets the threshold
standards of proficiency that are deemed appropriate to an award of this high standing, the
Department reserves the right to withhold the award. The value of the Scholarship is £250 per year, so
that the full three-year scholarship has the total value of £750. This scholarship is awarded at the start
of the academic year.

The following prizes are available for current Music students. Prizes are usually awarded after the
examination period in May/June.

The Rosalind Dickinson Prize, of books to the value of £50, is awarded on the recommendation of the
Board of Examiners in Music to the outstanding candidate in the Final Honours Examination in Music.

36
The Eve Myra Kisch Prize, of the value of £100, may be awarded in June each year for proficiency in
Music to a student in the School of Music.

The Michael James Scholarship: This Scholarship was established in 1984 in memory of Michael James
(1951-1981), a student in the Department of Music. The Scholarship, will be tenable for one year. It may
be awarded annually on the results of the Preliminary Honours Examination in Music on the
recommendation of the Board of Examiners in Music. The Scholarship is to be used for the purchase of
books or equipment, for further tuition in Music, for travel in pursuit of musical studies, or for some
other purpose approved by the Chairman or Chairwoman of the Board of Studies. Where two
candidates are considered to be of equal merit, the Scholarship may be divided.

37
SECTION 6: STUDENT SUPPORT

Durham is a collegiate University and all undergraduates are members of a college. As well as providing
residential and social facilities, the colleges play an important pastoral role and college tutors take a
personal interest in their students' personal development, progress and welfare.

Students who 'live out' remain members of their college or society and are encouraged to enjoy the
privileges of membership no less than those who 'live in'.

The colleges also provide academic support facilities, including libraries and computer facilities. Further
details of services will be provided by the college themselves. Your college is an important point of
contact for any advice, information or help that you may require.

It is important to keep your college Senior Tutor informed of any illness or problem affecting your
academic work – if necessary, they will be the one to help you apply for a grace period or suspension.

Departmental Academic Advisers

Academic Advisers have an important role to play as a key component of the Department’s provision of
academic support for students. Every student registered for a single honours music degree is assigned
to a member of staff who takes responsibility on a one to one basis for providing advice and guidance
throughout the period of study, from the point of admission to graduation. Students will normally be
assigned to the same adviser for all three years. However it will be necessary for alternative
arrangements to be made during periods of research leave.

The adviser system is a two way process, facilitating the provision of advice and guidance from a
perspective that embraces all aspects of academic study above and beyond that provided on a module
by module basis by the teacher concerned. Equally important is the opportunity to obtain feedback
from students in terms of the quality of the student experience. Whereas the Undergraduate Student-
Staff Committee provides a forum for considering issues of a more generic nature the Academic Adviser
has a special role to play in the context of resolving issues specific to individual students in a
confidential environment. Support in this context extends beyond purely academic considerations to
embrace, where appropriate, matters of a personal nature that have a direct bearing on the student’s
studies.

Students first meet with their Academic Adviser as part of the induction process. Thereafter students
meet with their Advisers regularly once a term with provision for further interim meetings via weekly
‘drop in’ tutorial hours. These are provided by all Advisers in accordance with a published timetable.
Advisers also have a role to play in providing further advice and guidance on the formative feedback
received from individual tutors, with a particular emphasis on those aspects that will assist students in
their personal development.

It is also expected that the agenda for these meetings will cover such important considerations as the
choice of modules for subsequent years and opportunities for work experience during course. These
provisions will embrace the development of subject-specific and transferrable skills and also
preparation for a career or further study after graduation. Crucially Academic Advisers will provide
advice and support specifically tailored to the needs and aspirations of the individual student from
admission to graduation.

Whilst combined honours students have an Academic Adviser via their combined honours degree staff,
the department provides a Combined Honours Adviser as a liaison to combined honours students taking
music modules. In the first instance, this will be the Director of Undergraduate Studies, and combined

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students can approach Dr Nick Collins ([email protected]) to discuss academic matters in
music.

The Director of Undergraduate Studies, Dr Nick Collins ([email protected]) is responsible to the

Head of Department and the Board of Studies for the smooth running of the undergraduate degree
programme and any issues arising, and if you find at any time that the available channels of student
support via your tutors and your Academic Adviser cannot resolve particular difficulties and/or concerns
you should not hesitate to contact him direct.

Disability Support

Disability Support aims to provide advice and practical support so that a student in the Music
Department can minimise the effects of their disability and make the most of their time here.

Disability Support can provide information, advice and assistance to any students whose studies are
affected by a disability. This includes specific learning difficulties, and medical or mental health
conditions.

Disability Support is located in The Palatine Centre, adjacent to the main Library. More information is
available from the Disability Support web pages: https://www.dur.ac.uk/disability.support/

University Counselling Service:

Free and confidential time-limited counselling is provided by a team of professional counsellors to help
students of all years with personal, emotional and mental health difficulties, particularly when the
problems affect studies.

This service is located:

 in Durham: in The Palatine Centre

 at Queen's Campus: in the Student Services Centre in the Holliday Building

For further information, or to make an appointment, please visit the Counselling Service webpages:

http://www.durham.ac.uk/counselling.service/

Careers Advisory Service

The Careers Advisory Service provides careers education, information and guidance related to
employment, postgraduate study and professional training. Careers Advisers work with academic
departments to provide all Durham students and graduates with tailored career and employability
support.

Online resources including website, blog and Facebook page, have been established to enable you to
collaborate with CAS and improve your access to relevant information.

Information is also available from alumni and current students so that you can benefit from their
experiences. Employer-led workshops offer you the chance to develop your skills and improve your
understanding of the graduate workplace. The Durham Award, developed in partnership with students
and employers, formally recognises extra-curricular activities and gives you the opportunity to think
about the skills you have gained and how to market these to an employer, helping you stand out from
the crowd.

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The service is located in the Palatine Centre.

For further information, or to make an appointment, please visit: http://www.dur.ac.uk/careers/

DSU Advice Centre

Located in Dunelm House, the main Union building in Durham, DSU's Student Advice and Information
Bureau is open every working day to help with any problems you might have.

Whether you're having problems with money, your landlord, your course, College or companies you've
bought things from, DSU can help.

Affiliated with Advice UK (http://www.adviceuk.org.uk/) and the National Association of Student Money
Advisers (http://www.nasma.org.uk/), and completely independent of the Music Department, your
College and the University, you can rely on their professional staff to provide you with confidential
advice.

They will take time to explain all your options and help you make the best decision for you. No problem
is too big and no problem is too small.

To make an appointment, pop into the DSU office, call on 0191 334 1775 or email at
[email protected] .

English Language Centre

Durham University provides English language and literacy support as part of the university's overall
tuition package which is provided free of charge to Durham University students. All students wishing to
receive this support are required to take the University's English language assessment so we can provide
you with the tuition you need and help you join the most appropriate classes.

The University also provides a range of interactive English language activities via the English for
Academic Purposes (EAP) toolkit which you can access from your personal computer in your University
College room or any other computer in the University. The EAP toolkit is located on the in-sessional
webpage in DUO. Once you have taken the English language assessment and are registered for in-
sessional support, you will have automatic access to the toolkit.

For further information please contact the English Language Centre, located in Dunelm House. The
Centre’s webpage can be viewed at:

http://www.dur.ac.uk/englishlanguage.centre/

and contacted by emailing: [email protected]

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SECTION 7: UNIVERSITY CODES OF PRACTICE

Diversity & Equality

You have a right to be able to live and study in Durham and Stockton free from prejudice and
harassment. The University seeks to promote and maintain an inclusive and supportive work and study
environment that respects the dignity of staff and students and assists all members of the University
community to achieve their full potential, regardless of age, race, colour, nationality, ethnic or national
origin, disability, sexual orientation, gender, marital or parental status, religion, political belief or socio-
economic background.

Further information is available from the Diversity and Equality webpages:

http://www.dur.ac.uk/diversity.equality/

Respect at Work and Study

Students and staff have jointly drawn up a policy and code of practice on respect at work and study to
discourage harassment of all kinds. The University is fully committed to providing a working and learning
environment that is completely free of personal harassment. The University regards harassment of one
member of the University community by another as wholly unacceptable behaviour. If you feel that you
are being subjected to harassment in any form, do not feel that it is your fault or that you have to
tolerate it.

Further information is available on the Code of Practice, including the procedures to be followed by staff
and students in making a complaint about harassment are accessible at:

https://www.dur.ac.uk/university.calendar/volumei/codes_of_practice/respect_at_study/

Two members of staff in the Department have special responsibilities to give advice on issues of
personal harassment and you should feel free to contact either of them, if you so wish: Professor Julian
Horton ([email protected]) and Dr Laura Leante ([email protected]).

Freedom of Speech

It is a fundamental policy of the University as an academic institution that there should be freedom of
expression within the law on its property and in its activities. Pursuit of knowledge and the exchange of
ideas should be conducted within the University in a tolerant manner and without interference. The
University, however, must also take into account other legal obligations: a speaker, for example, who
incites an audience to violence or to a breach of the peace or to racial hatred, transgresses the bounds
of lawful speech.

If you are involved in organising a meeting or activity and have reason to believe that this may be
disrupted because of the nature of the speaker, the views of any person attending or the nature of the
subject being discussed or contained in written material, that the personal safety of anyone attending
might be at risk because of the nature of the activity or the coincidence of an activity with another
activity, you must tell the Registrar as soon as possible. The Registrar will then inform you whether the
activity may go ahead.

Further information is available in the Code of Practice on Freedom of Expression:

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http://www.dur.ac.uk/university.calendar/volumei/codes_of_practice/freedom_of_expression_relating_t
o_meetings_or_other_activities_on_university_premises/

Infringement of this code will result in disciplinary action.

Other Code of Practice, Policies and General Regulations

A full list of the University’s General Regulations, Code of Practice, Statues and other core governance
information can be found in Volume I of the University Calendar Online:

http://www.dur.ac.uk/university.calendar/volumei/

A full list of the University’s Core and Programme Regulations can be found in Volume II of the
University Calendar Online:

http://www.dur.ac.uk/university.calendar/volumeii/

A full list of the University’s supporting policies on matters of Learning, Teaching and Assessment can be
found in the Learning and Teaching Handbook online:

http://www.dur.ac.uk/learningandteaching.handbook/

USEFUL LINKS AND RESOURCES

University Links:

CIS Service: http://www.dur.ac.uk/cis/students/

Library: http://www.dur.ac.uk/library/
Durham Student Union (DSU): http://www.dsu.org.uk/
Sport at Durham: http://www.teamdurham.com/
Online Timetable: http://timetable.dur.ac.uk/
Faculty Handbook: http://www.dur.ac.uk/faculty.handbook/

EMERGENCY CONTACTS

Departmental Contacts in case of emergency

[email protected] – 0191 334 3140

[email protected] – 0191 334 3156
[email protected] – 0191 334 2973
[email protected] – 0191 334 3151
[email protected] – 0191 334 2875

1. University contacts in case of emergency

Durham

 Fire, Police, Ambulance, emergency: 999

 University emergency (24 hours): 0191 334 3333
 University Security Office (24 hours): 0191 334 2222
 Durham Police: 0845 6060365

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Queen's Campus

 Fire, Police, Ambulance, emergency: 999

 Queen's Campus Security (24 hours, Holliday Building): 0191 334 0080
 Queen's Campus Security (Ebsworth Building): 0191 334 0081
 Durham Campus Security (Emergency, 24 hours) Internal: 0191 334 3333
 Stockton Police: 01642 607114

Nightline

Nightline is a confidential, non-advisory, non-judgemental, non-directive listening service, run by

students, for students.

Nightline’s number is on the back of your Campus Card and its Skype name is ‘durham.nightline’.

Nightline is open, every night of term between 9pm and 7am.

Website: http://www.dur.ac.uk/nightline/

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