Music

The Music programme at the University of Oxford offers a comprehensive and rigorous academic exploration of musicology, performance, and composition, providing students with a unique opportunity to deepen their understanding of music across different periods, genres, and cultures. This degree is designed for students who have a strong passion for music and aspire to develop their analytical, interpretative, and practical skills within a stimulating scholarly environment. Throughout the course, students engage with an extensive range of topics, including historical musicology, ethnomusicology, music theory, and performance practice, supported by access to world-class collections and archives. The programme combines theoretical knowledge with practical application, allowing students to participate in ensemble performances, solo projects, and workshops that enhance their musicianship. In addition, students benefit from the university's renowned faculty, whose expertise covers a broad spectrum of musical disciplines and periods, ranging from medieval to contemporary music. The degree often includes lectures, seminars, tutorials, and independent research, fostering critical thinking and independent scholarly inquiry. Students are encouraged to develop their own specializations and research interests, often culminating in a dissertation that reflects their academic pursuits. The programme also emphasizes interdisciplinary approaches, encouraging exploration of music’s relationship with history, literature, philosophy, and other arts. Graduates of the Music programme at Oxford go on to diverse careers, including academic research, performance, composition, music journalism, arts administration, and other music-related fields. The university’s vibrant cultural environment, combined with its extensive resources such as the Bodleian Library and dedicated music collections, provides an ideal setting for students to immerse themselves in musical study and practice, preparing them for future academic, professional, and creative endeavors.

The DPhil in Music is intended to provide you with a wide range of research skills as well as in-depth knowledge, understanding and expertise in your chosen field of research.

You are normally expected to have a master’s degree in music or equivalent before embarking on the DPhil, or you may first undertake one of the MSt programmes in music at Oxford.

Areas of research represented in the faculty include:

• historical musicological topics from the Middle Ages to the present
• music theory and analysis
• composition
• ethnomusicology
• psychology of music
• performance studies
• aesthetics of music
• popular music
• critical and empirical musicology

You will be supported by a supervisor or supervisors who will help you to develop a programme of research and writing. You will also benefit from the advice and support of other members of the faculty who will be involved in your progression through the stages of the degree, and you can draw on the expertise of scholars and colleagues throughout the faculty and University.

Part-time students are fully integrated into the research culture of the university and expected to attend the University on a regular basis for supervision, study, skills training and participation in some of the many research seminars. If you are in employment, you must provide a letter from your employer stating you may take time off if necessary to attend the University as required for the duration of the course. The faculty appreciates that part-time research students will have non-standard attendance and work patterns. Your supervisor and the Director of Graduate Studies will be available to advise you on access to research and training provision for part-time students.

Applicants are normally expected to be predicted or have achieved a first-class or strong upper second-class undergraduate degree with honours (or equivalent international qualifications), as a minimum, in music or related fields. For applicants with a degree from the USA, the minimum GPA sought is 3.6 out of 4.0. 

However, entrance is very competitive and most successful applicants have a first-class degree, GPA of 3.7 out of 4.0, or the equivalent.

Applicants are also normally expected to be predicted or to have achieved a good pass or distinction grade in a master's course in music or related fields. 

If you hold non-UK qualifications and wish to check how your qualifications match these requirements, you can contact the National Recognition Information Centre for the United Kingdom (UK NARIC).

Relevant professional experience may be considered as a substitute for academic attainment.

The minimum Graduate Record Examination (GRE) score sought is 163, or 650 (Verbal) in the previous scoring system. However, most successful applicants have a GRE score of 166 (700 in the previous scoring system) or above.

• Official transcript(s)
• CV/résumé
• Research proposal: Up to 2,000 words
• Portfolio: Three to five compositions in score format (composition applicants only)
• Written work:Two essays of 2,000 words each
• References/letters of recommendation:Three overall, generally academic

ENGLISH LANGUAGE REQUIREMENTS

Higher level

• Global Education
• Hill Foundation Scholarships
• Ertegun Scholarship Programme

The University of Oxford offers a comprehensive Music program designed to provide students with a deep understanding and appreciation of musical history, theory, and practice. The course combines rigorous academic study with practical musicianship, enabling students to develop both their analytical skills and performance abilities. Students engage with a wide range of musical genres, periods, and cultures, exploring topics such as musicology, composition, and performance practice. The program encourages critical thinking and provides ample opportunity for research, allowing students to undertake individual projects under the supervision of expert faculty.

At Oxford, Music students benefit from a vibrant academic environment that includes access to world-class libraries, archives, and concert venues. The department promotes an interdisciplinary approach, integrating perspectives from history, literature, and cultural studies to enrich students’ understanding of music's role in society. Practical components may include instrumental lessons, ensemble participation, and opportunities for public performances. The curriculum is designed to nurture both scholarly and creative talents, preparing graduates for careers across various fields such as performance, education, research, or the music industry.

The program typically spans three or four years, depending on the chosen course structure, and culminates in a final dissertation or project. Entrance requirements usually include a strong academic record and a genuine passion for music, often demonstrated through auditions or portfolio work. The University of Oxford also offers unique resources such as the Bodleian Libraries, the Ashmolean Museum, and specialized music collections, which provide valuable support for research and study. Overall, the Oxford Music program aims to cultivate well-rounded musicians and scholars who can contribute thoughtfully to the vibrant world of music.