Research Degrees (MPhil/PhD) Music

Russell Square Campus, London, United Kingdom

Shortlist

# 51-100QS Subject Rankings

48 monthsProgram duration

22,490 GBPTuition Fee/year

YesScholarships

Program overview

Main Subject

Performing Arts

Degree

PhD

Study Level

PHD

Study Mode

On Campus

Staff and students of the Department of Music pursue research on a wide range of subjects, mainly but not exclusively focused on the music of Asia and Africa. Staff have regional interests in the music of East and Central Asia (Harris), India and Pakistan (Williams), the Islamic Middle East (Saeid Kordmafi) and Jewish world (Webster-Kogen), and South and East Africa (Impey). However research is not limited to these areas: projects have been undertaken on American jazz, and on Caribbean, Mediterranean and Eastern European music, for example. Staff often have research interests in issues that cross regional boundaries; see the Department Staff page for a summary of their interests, and select the name of a lecturer for further details of their individual research specialisms and activities.
Whatever its regional origin, music is studied as a cultural phenomenon, and also from analytical and historical perspectives. Instrumental and vocal, sacred and secular, art and popular, traditional and modern musical forms are all of equal interest. Research methods employed include fieldwork, interview, archive research, recording and filming, performance, transcription and analysis, and composition.
The Department of Music at SOAS has been ranked best in the UK for research impact and 5th overall in the Research Excellence Framework (REF) 2021.

Program overview

Main Subject

Performing Arts

Degree

PhD

Study Level

PHD

Study Mode

On Campus

Undergraduate

TOEFL

105+

PTE Academic

70+

IELTS

Postgraduate students of the Department come from a wide variety of backgrounds in the UK and from overseas. Most are performers of music as well as researchers; applicants are evaluated individually on the basis of their background and academic achievements. Applicants should normally possess a Master’s degree, or equivalent, in Music, Ethnomusicology or other relevant discipline plus one reference. Applicants who are accomplished performers or teachers, or who work in the music industry, may have alternative qualifications, and are encouraged to apply.

Program Duration

4 Years

Starting Month(s)

Sep

Tuition fee and scholarships

Tuition Fee
Scholarships

Domestic Students

Tuition Fee/year

4,860 GBP

Tuition Fee (Out of State)

International Students

Tuition Fee/year

22,490 GBP

Other Expenses

One of the important factors when considering a master's degree is the cost of study. Luckily, there are many options available to help students fund their master's programme. Download your copy of the Scholarship Guide to find out which scholarships from around the world could be available to you, and how to apply for them.

In this guide you will find:

Where to look for scholarship opportunities

How to apply to scholarships relevant to you

A list of available scholarships around the world

A scholarship application checklist

Download Scholarship Guide

More programs from the university

SOAS gives students the unique chance to study in a lively cosmopolitan environment with like-minded individuals who feel passionately about their subject and global affairs.

SOAS runs a number of undergraduate degrees in the social sciences, including the following subjects:

Anthropology and sociology
Law
Religions and philosophies

Find all undergraduate programmes listed here.

Many programs at SOAS feature the opportunity to spend a year studying in another country.

A diverse campus
Undergraduates benefit from a vast community of students, all centered around a central London campus and a shared interest in global issues. SOAS is a place for people who wish to gain a more profound understanding of the world and examine their own assumptions and beliefs.

Accommodation

SOAS students can choose from a wide variety of 1200+ centrally located halls and private accommodation.

Our accommodation offers SOAS only and Intercollegiate properties.

Our accommodation includes twin, single and double rooms, catered and self catered, ensuite and with shared facilities.

We can offer female only accommodation, studios, shared flats and houses and private sector accommodation as well as our halls.

Our accommodation office offers a full information, advice and support service.

Catered weekly - £156.73 to £305.83

Self Catered - £152.00 - £290.43

Read more about student accommodation at SOAS.

Application

To apply for an undergraduate degree at SOAS (including students wishing to transfer from another university), you must do so through the UK’s centralised applications portal, UCAS.

Find more specific country information on visas, bursaries, entry requirements and English language proficiency here.

Social Media
Facebook
Twitter
Instagram
Weibo
LinkedIn
Youtube
Soundcloud

Department of Anthropology and Sociology (11)

BA Social Anthropology

Department of Development Studies (11)

BA Global Development

Department of East Asian Languages & Cultures (11)

BA Chinese

BA East Asian Studies

BA Japanese

BA Korean

Department of Economics (11)

BA Economics

BSc Development Economics

BSc Economics

Department of Politics and International Studies (11)

BA International Relations

BA Politics

BA Politics and International Relations

Department of Politics and International Studies / Department of Economics / School of History, Religions and Philosophies (11)

BSc Politics, Philosophy and Economics

School of Arts (11)

BA Creative Arts and Cultural Industries

BA History of Art

School of Finance and Management (11)

BSc Accounting and Finance

BSc Management

School of History, Religions and Philosophies (11)

BA Global Liberal Arts

BA History

BA World Philosophies

School of Languages, Cultures and Linguistics (11)

BA Africa and Black Diaspora (3 years)

BA Arabic

BA Languages and Cultures (Middle East, Africa, South and Southeast Asia) (3 years)

School of Law (11)

BA Law

LLB Single Honours

LLB with Year Abroad

Looking to the future

SOAS is a research-intensive institution, particularly in the areas of diplomacy, resources, governance and heritage. Consequently, SOAS students often end up working in careers that make a real difference to the world, shaping policy and public discourse on economic, political, cultural, security and religious matters.

Postgraduate programmes at SOAS are recognisable for their specialist focus, flexible learning, and international perspective. Some of these courses include:

Anthropology and sociology
Media studies
History of art and archaeology
Gender studies
Economics
Cultural, literary and postcolonial studies

Browse all postgraduate courses here.

Scholarships and funding

Scholarships at SOAS are awarded through a competitive application process, with the majority of deadlines in the January or February preceding the year of entry. Check here for any deadlines to watch out for.

Online and distance learning

As well as taught degrees on campus, SOAS runs a number of online and distance learning courses for more than 3,000 students based in 150 countries who wish to fit their studies around their professional and personal commitments.

Social Media
Facebook
Twitter
Instagram
Weibo
LinkedIn
Youtube
Soundcloud