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Research Degrees

Students studying for a research degree concentrate on pursuing an independent research project devised in consultation with their supervisors. Musicologists and ethnomusicologists write a large-scale dissertation, composers produce a portfolio of original compositions accompanied by a critical commentary, and performers give a recital accompanied by a critical commentary.  You will work under the guidance of an expert supervisory team and your progress will be reviewed periodically to support you in bringing the project to a successful conclusion.  Details of our research degree programmes can be found in the table below.

Details of our research programmes can be found in the table below.  Please note the correct code for your application.  Please make sure you read our guidance on "Applying for a research degree" before applying.

Programme Duration Thesis length

MA by thesis (W3A007)

1 year full-time or two years part-time 50,000 words (maximum)
MMus by thesis (W3A004) 2 years full-time or four years part-time 70,000 words (maximum)
MMus by composition (W3A004) 2 years full-time or four years part-time Commentary length: 12,000 words;
Composition length: 60 minutes
MMus by performance (W3A104) 2 years full-time or four years part-time Commentary length: 30,000 words;
Performance length: 60 minutes of music
PhD by thesis (W3A001) 3 years full-time or six years part-time 100,000 words (maximum)
PhD by composition (W3A001) 3 years full-time or six years part-time Commentary length: 20,000 words;
Composition length: 90 minutes
PhD by performance (W3A101) 3 years full-time or six years part-time

Commentary length: 50,000 words;
Performance length: 70 minutes of music

Postgraduate funding opportunities

Ready to begin your PhD in 2026/27? Apply for our studentships, including the new Transformative Humanities awards. Learn more and apply.

Apply £5K scholarship