48 monthsProgramme duration
21,900 GBPTuition Fee/year
25 Jul, 2026Application Deadline
Sep, JanStarting Month
Programme overview
Main Subject
Performing Arts
Degree
PhD
Study Level
PHD
Study Mode
On Campus
In composition, there is no particular house style, but we are well known for a number of areas, including:
- acoustic music, ranging from solo to symphonic scale;
- electro-acoustic, including acousmatic composition, live electronics, and mixed forms with instrument/voice;
- composition exploring the interface of Western and non-Western traditions.
The department also provides access to a wide network of opportunities for professional and amateur performance.
In musicology, research strengths include not only the Western art music tradition, but also screen media, non-Western (Turkey, East Asia) and popular music. We have particular depth of expertise in the early Middle Ages (especially Spain), and in the 19th and 20th centuries (including the music of France, Britain, Germany, and Soviet Russia). We also have strengths in Anglophone vernacular traditions, including jazz and hip hop; opera, film music and the history and philosophy of technology; music and migration; and cultural and reception history more generally.
Programme overview
Main Subject
Performing Arts
Degree
PhD
Study Level
PHD
Study Mode
On Campus
In composition, there is no particular house style, but we are well known for a number of areas, including:
- acoustic music, ranging from solo to symphonic scale;
- electro-acoustic, including acousmatic composition, live electronics, and mixed forms with instrument/voice;
- composition exploring the interface of Western and non-Western traditions.
The department also provides access to a wide network of opportunities for professional and amateur performance.
In musicology, research strengths include not only the Western art music tradition, but also screen media, non-Western (Turkey, East Asia) and popular music. We have particular depth of expertise in the early Middle Ages (especially Spain), and in the 19th and 20th centuries (including the music of France, Britain, Germany, and Soviet Russia). We also have strengths in Anglophone vernacular traditions, including jazz and hip hop; opera, film music and the history and philosophy of technology; music and migration; and cultural and reception history more generally.
Admission Requirements
The deadlines for funding applications fall well in advance of these dates. Preliminary contact with staff from the department is welcome at any time of the year. We strongly encourage prospective applicants to make contact with potential supervisors with relevant expertise before submitting an application.
MPhil (Musicology): An upper second-class degree or international equivalent. Please note, acceptance will also depend on evidence of your readiness to pursue a research degree.
MPhil (Composition): An upper second-class degree or international equivalent, plus a portfolio of representative compositions. Please note acceptance also depends on evidence of readiness to pursue a research degree: students will normally not be admitted without having experience equivalent to a taught MA in composition.
MMus (Composition): An upper second-class degree or international equivalent, plus a portfolio of representative compositions. Additionally, acceptance will also depend on evidence of a suitable level of professional accomplishment: students will normally not be admitted without having experience equivalent to a taught MA in composition.
PhD (Musicology): A master's qualification, or be working towards a master's qualification, or international equivalent. Applicants without a master's qualification may be considered on an exceptional basis provided they hold a first-class undergraduate degree (or international equivalent). Applicants with a non-traditional background may be considered provided they can demonstrate substantial equivalent and relevant experience that has prepared them to undertake their proposed course of study.
PhD (Composition or Musicology): A master's qualification, or be working towards a master's qualification, or international equivalent. Applicants without a master's qualification may be considered on an exceptional basis provided they hold a first-class undergraduate degree (or international equivalent) and/or can demonstrate evidence of a sustained and high level of professional accomplishment. Applicants with a non-traditional background may be considered provided they can demonstrate substantial equivalent and relevant experience that has prepared them to undertake their proposed course of study.
In all cases, applications must be supported by a portfolio of representative compositions. Please note: applicants may be registered on the MPhil or the MMus degree in the first instance.
English language requirements
If English is not your first language, you will need to reach the requirements outlined in our profile level C.
- Candidates are required to submit references or letter(s) of recommendation for acceptance
- Candidates are required to submit an essay(s) for acceptance
Tuition fees
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