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Programme of study

Introduction​

The purpose of the Advanced Artist Diploma is to enable singers and instrumentalists to make a significant and original contribution to their chosen artistic sphere, demonstrating outstanding public performance skills commensurate with those of a professional artist.

There are two strands to the programme. Instrumentalists and concert singers follow the performance route: an opera strand available to students who wish to pursue that specialism. Both strands offer the opportunity to present two significant public performances. In the case of the opera strand, one of these performances will take place in the context of a placement with a professional company.

The performance strand affords students the time and space to develop their artistry through a largely autonomous programme of study, supported by supervision in the principal study. In recognition of the wide range of skills required, the opera strand additionally offers vocal coaching and group work on acting, physical movement and languagues.

Structure​

The AdvArtDip is a one-year 180 credit award at SCQF level 12. The degree is awarded by the University of St Andrews, in collaboration with the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland.

There are three components to the degree. Each component is credit rated in order to give a sense of the relative proportion of student effort that is anticipated in each:

  • Preparatory project – 60 credits
  • Final project – 90 credits
  • Commentary – 30 credits

All credits must be passed in order to successfully complete the degree. The student’s work is ultimately assessed holistically by the external examiners.

This handbook is divided into three sections:

  • This section outlines the three main elements of the programme of study: the preparatory project, final project, and commentary.
  • The Learning environment section offers information on learning, teaching and support services available at the respective institutions
  • The Policies and guidance section comprises the formal policies that underpin the programme, that are in turn based on the relevant doctoral polices of the University of St Andrews.