Course Summary
Qualification: Doctor of Philosophy
Course code: MUSPhD
Credits : 60
How long does it take?
Part time – 5 years
Full time – 2 years
Time limit – 10 years
The Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) graduate degree programme is a senior research degree at 60 credits for those interested in, amongst other areas historical musicology, analysis, ethnomusicology, sound studies, music cognition and practice-based research in performance. A formal thesis of 70-75,000 words is required. A separate programme is available in Composition alongside the applied degree of Doctor of Music. Recorded performances and approved multimedia and digital materials may now be included within a doctoral submission, along with an academic thesis of the standard length as appropriate.
Key features of the course
- Study a wide range of musical sources, areas and ideas
 - Extend your skills in analysis, contextual study and academic writing to a high professional standard
 - Explore key concepts within research as appropriate to the chosen subject
 - Relevant to a wide range of careers including music performance, teaching, composition, community music leadership, and musicologist as well as the further study of Music.
 
As an American-validated research degree at postgraduate level, this award prepares you to either continue to post-doctoral research or into consultancy and senior management within your field.
Entry requirements
Students for this qualification must already hold either a Bachelors degree in an appropriate subject or an equivalent diploma of at least 120 credit hours equivalent
Students at should have a knowledge of musical theory equivalent to graduate level before commencing study alongside the required pre-requisite qualifications. Students would also usually be expected to be either performers, teachers or composers of professional standard as well in order to demonstrate a practical application of the skills they will develop.
How much time do I need?
- Most of our students study part time, completing 60 credits a year.
 - This will usually mean studying for 6-12 hours a week.