This course is assessed primarily on the basis of a portfolio of original compositions prepared in consultation with the course supervisor. The make-up and size of the portfolio will be agreed by discussions between the student and supervisor.

Students will complete two substantial works of about eight minutes’ duration each. Participation (attendance, questions, contribution to discussion) in tutorials will be worth 10% of the course mark.

Assignments are classed as either 'familiar' or innovative'. These terms refer to each student's individual prior experience and previous compositions. Students must undertake either two 'innovative' components, or one 'familiar' and one innovative'. For example, if you have written successful piano pieces in the past, then composing more piano music would be considered working with 'familiar' materials in this paper. Similarly, if you have produced successful fixed media electroacoustic pieces already, them composing another such work would be continuing to use 'familiar' elements. So at least one of the two compositions for this paper must involve extending yourself artistically and technically in new directions. The portfolio will be assessed by the course supervisor.

The first work to be completed requires the submission of a plan first, followed by the completed work. For the second work, a reflective commentary must be handed in a week after the completed creative work is handed in.

Assignments are to be submitted electronically, in an appropriate format, to the lecturer using Moodle. Note also that, as far as possible, good quality recordings are to be made of acoustic works and handed in on CD or uploaded to Soundcloud, You Tube or similar. Of course acoustic compositions must be submitted primarily as scores edited to a professional standard of finish.

Pedagogy of the assessment items: The assessments have been designed to enable you to demonstrate imaginative development, growing technical skill and increased analytical self-awareness as practising creative artists.