The individually-focused nature of the MA in Music (by Research) is particularly well suited to the study of Musical Analysis. Here at York, analytical work has always centred around the practical applications of this approach: using analysis to uncover and evidence the workings of a given repertoire. Analysis of any kind is a quest for understanding. Rather than studying the theory of analytical techniques in isolation, it is the more musically intuitive process of rationalisation that is the focus here. Discovering the compositional grounds that have engendered an emotional response to music, considering how and why a composer has created particular effects, ensure that analysis is kept relevant. You should have a research proposal that sets out to apply analytical investigations within a wider context. Some indication of how analytical evidence may be used to support a larger thesis should also be outlined. Examples may include the study of a particular composer, period, style or genre.