Research Degrees (MPhil/PhD) Music 48 months PHD Program By SOAS University of London |Top Universities
Subject Ranking

# 51-100QS Subject Rankings

Program Duration

48 monthsProgram duration

Tuitionfee

22,490 GBPTuition Fee/year

Scholarship

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

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. 

Admission requirements

105+
70+
7+
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.
4 Years
Sep

Tuition fee and scholarships

Domestic Students

4,860 GBP
-

International Students

22,490 GBP
-

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:
opportunities

Where to look for scholarship opportunities

how_to

How to apply to scholarships relevant to you

list

A list of available scholarships around the world

checklist

A scholarship application checklist

banner
download_icon 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


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

LLM Islamic Law

::type_cta_button:: View Details

MA Gender Studies

::type_cta_button:: View Details

MA Islamic Law

::type_cta_button:: View Details

MA Taiwan Studies

::type_cta_button:: View Details

MRes Law

::type_cta_button:: View Details

MSc Economics

::type_cta_button:: View Details
PHD programs 364