Music

• In the 2014 Research Excellence Framework (REF) 78 per cent of our music research is categorised as world leading or internationally excellent, and 100 per cent as world leading or internationally excellent regarding public impact.
• The Department of Music is a major international centre for the study of contemporary music, contemporary musical thinking and music theatre, offering a unique range of inter-related research disciplines.
• We offer expertise in opera and music theatre, analysis and general musicology, composition, computer music and composition for film and media, allowing you to develop an integrated portfolio of work corresponding to your strengths and interests.
• Our electronic music and recording studios and student digital audio workstations are equipped with superb facilities, and we maintain a substantial library of scores, CDs, and DVDs with private listening facilities. These are in addition to the collections in the main University Library.

Our PhD courses provide you with the support and resources necessary to complete an original and substantial piece of research. The main fields in which research supervision is available are composition, musicology and music theatre. It is also possible to study for an MPhil.

Contact us in good time to discuss your research proposal so we can put you in touch with the best supervisors for your work and help you develop your application. Entry in September is normally recommended to enable you to get the benefit of the many research events that take place throughout the autumn and spring, and also to benefit from induction and research training opportunities.

We offer a PhD in Music, assessed by a written thesis of 80,000 words, and an MPhil in Music, assessed by a written thesis of 40,000 words. For the PhD in Musical Composition, your final portfolio of compositions contains at least one, typically large-scale, work with the overall portfolio comprising at least 30 minutes’ duration. Equivalent-scale musical works, involving sonic and audiovisual work for digital media, are welcomed. A discursive and written critical component of between 20,000 and 40,000 words is also required. For the MPhil in Musical Composition, your final portfolio of compositions contains at least one, typically large-scale, work with the overall portfolio comprising at least 15 minutes’ duration. A discursive and written critical component of between 8,000 and 10,000 words is also required.

For the PhD in Music Theatre, your thesis consists of either a substantial performance work or a performance work with a portfolio of compositions. A discursive and critical written component of between 20,000 and 40,000 words (or between 10,000 and 20,000 words for the MPhil) is also required.

Supervision

You normally have two supervisors; they offer complementary perspectives on your work, perhaps reflecting a theory and practice balance, crucial for your development as a researcher. They help you devise a detailed programme of study tailored to the individual research project and offer regular guidance and feedback until completion.

Research training and coursework

All new research students are required to participate in a programme of research training and to take other postgraduate modules that may be recommended by their supervisors. The first term (or first two terms for part-time students) is devoted to developing the research plan. By the end of the first year (or second year for part-time students), you have completed and presented a draft chapter or report. Composition students would typically aim to produce a substantial composition work and related critical or theoretical writing within the same timescale. In the second year, a further sample of work is read by a thesis panel in order to assess progress and give you a small-scale mock viva experience. You are then ready to bring your project to fruition by the end of your final year.

The University’s Doctoral School runs a wide range of training courses covering the needs of students throughout all phases of their studies.

Requirements

• Magistr or Specialist Diploma with a minimum average mark of at least 4
• Normally a Masters degree or equivalent professional experience in a subject related to your chosen area of research.
• IELTS 6.5, with not less than 6.0 in each section.
• If you are a non-EEA or Swiss national you must obtain clearance by the UK Government Academic Technology Approval Scheme (ATAS) for this degree. Please ensure you allow sufficient time for your University application to be processed in time for you to apply for ATAS clearance (and a Tier 4 Student Visa if appropriate).
• Reference
• Transcript
• A personal statement
• The application fee is £13 if you’re applying to just one course

Scholarships

• Dr John Birch Music Scholarship (2016)