Course Summary

 

Qualification: Doctor of Philosophy

Course code: MUSPhD(Comp)

Credits : 60

How long does it take?

Part time – 4 years

Full time – 2 years

Time limit – 10 years

The Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Composition graduate degree programme is a senior research degree at 60 credits for those wishing to expand and develop both their technical and contextual skills in musical composition. A separate programme is available in solely Composition through the applied degree of Doctor of Music. A portfolio of upto three works totalling 90 minutes, one of which takes the form of a major work of at least half a concerts length and a written commentary of 10,000 words that places the compositions into a critically contextualised perspective, relevant to the genres explored.

Key features of the course

  • Study a wide range of musical works and skills to a high standard of expertise
  • Extend your skills in analysis, research and contextual study to expert standard
  • Develop your ability as a composer to the highest standard 
  • Relevant to a wide range of careers including music performance, teaching, composition, community music leadership, and musicologist as well as further study of Music.

As an American-validated research degree at postgraduate level, this award prepares you to either continue to post-doctoral research, higher education teaching or into professional work at a high standard.

Entry requirements

Students for this qualification must already hold either a Masters degree in an appropriate subject or an equivalent diploma of at least 12 credit hours equivalent.

Students at should have a knowledge of musical theory Students at should have a wide knowledge of musical theory, orchestration and compositional technique equivalent to professional level before commencing study alongside the required pre-requisite qualifications. Students would also usually be expected to be established composers of professional standard with a portfolio of works as well in order to demonstrate a practical understanding of the skills they will develop.

How much time do I need?

  • Most of our students study part time, completing 12 credits a year.
  • This will usually mean studying for 6-12 hours a week.