Grading matrix

For the postgraduate programmes in music the descriptors used in the Common Assessment Scale are supported by an Assessment Matrix (or 'rubric') that outlines what is meant at this level by 'excellent', 'very good' and so on.

	Performance	Creativity	Collaboration	Research
Excellent: A1-5	Technically assured, highly expressive, fully focused, highly detailed, articulate, effective, imaginative, original	Boldly original, creative and intelligent work drawing on a well-founded practical and theoretical perspective	Generous, imaginative, decisive and original contribution to the ensemble, project or class; sensitive collaboration with other disciplines	A thorough command of the research area providing insights into complex issues. Original in its synthesis and an identifiable contribution to scholarship in the field
Very Good: B1-3	Technically skilful, very expressive, well focused, detailed, articulate, effective and imaginative	Creative, original, and intelligent work, securely rooted in practice and theory	Active, co-operative, sustained contribution to the ensemble, project or class; openness in collaboration with other disciplines	A deep understanding of the research area with evidence of originality in a clearly focussed argument, supported by detailed reference to appropriate scholarship
Good: C1-3	Technically sound, consistently expressively focused, coherent, some imagination	Imaginative work with some originality, supported by a practical and theoretical understanding	Clear contribution maintained, co-operative relationship with other disciplines	A clear understanding of the research area with evidence of independent thinking rooted in appropriate scholarship
Satisfactory: D1-3	Technically sound, expressive, mainly consistent focus	Evidence of originality, drawing on practical experience and basic principles	An identifiable contribution, minimal interaction with other disciplines	An understanding of the research area, with insights mostly drawn from existing scholarship
Unsatisfactory, Fail: E1-2	Technically insecure, limited expression, inconsistent focus	Limited evidence of originality and lack of insight into basic principles	Unsatisfactory interaction with little contribution	Limited insight into research area and lack of awareness of existing scholarship
Serious Fail: F	Technically inadequate, inexpressive, unfocussed	Unoriginal, lacking in basic understanding	No useful contribution	No understanding of research area and existing scholarship