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Negotiated Study

The following are offered as illustrative examples of assessed projects for the Negotiated Study module. However, any practicable project may be proposed that can be shown to meet at least two of the learning outcomes, and is equivalent to 600 hours of work at level 11.

Example 1 – Performance (LO 1,2)​

A solo, collaborative or ensemble performance in your Principal Study. The nature of this performance will be negotiated with your supervisor and recorded on the online student record, and should be of approximately the same length and scope as for PS1 Performance A. The performance will be public, and assessed internally in the same manner as PS1 Performance B.

LO1 – Demonstrate technical and expressive mastery in your principal study

  • (assessment criteria as for Principal Study 1)

LO2 – Project a mature musical personality in-and-through your practice

  • (assessment criteria as for Principal Study 1)

Example 2 – Documentation of a creative collaboration (LO 2,3,5)​

A collaborative work to which you make a significant creative contribution through your Principal Study. Both the process of creation and the final outcome can and should be documented if possible: this documentation may take any practicable form, including texts, scores, audio, video and artefacts. The submission should be accompanied by a reflective statement contextualising the work in relation to your own practice. The submission will be assessed by two internal assessors, who may also, by negotiation, conduct an oral examination.

LO2 – Project a mature musical personality in-and-through your practice

  • (assessment criteria as for Principal Study 1)

LO3 – Show creativity, curiosity and autonomy within self-determined areas of specialism

  • rationale for choice of project
  • creativity
  • originality and individuality
  • collaboration
  • understanding of context

LO5 – Demonstrate a range of skills associated with deepening your musical knowledge, including communication, research, reflection and scholarship

  • depth of reflection
  • effective communication
  • a scholarly approach to documentation
  • robust and well-documented working processes

Example 3 – Research project (LO 4,5)​

A research project in an area related to the Principal Study, presented in the form of a dissertation, to a maximum of 15,000 words. The project should delineate a research question, outline a methodology, and incorporate an appropriate level of scholarly review of work within the field. The project may also incorporate documentation of and reflection upon your own practice in relation to the questions posed. The submission will be assessed by two internal assessors, who may also, by negotiation, conduct an oral examination.

LO4 – Critically evaluate current ideas, debates and issues within your chosen field

  • fresh insight
  • understanding of history and context
  • knowledge of repertoire
  • contemporary relevance
  • awareness of panoply and trend

LO5 – Demonstrate a range of skills associated with deepening your musical knowledge, including communication, research, reflection and scholarship

  • depth of reflection
  • effective communication
  • a scholarly approach to documentation
  • robust and well-documented working processes