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Postgraduate Study

The MPhil in Music is a nine-month freestanding programme offering advanced training in key areas of musical studies, while at the same time providing preparation for doctoral research. Its main aims are to equip students with research skills and experience beyond the first-degree level:

  • critical awareness of issues and trends, informed by current research, across a broad spectrum of music studies;
  • the opportunity to acquire or develop research skills and expertise relevant to a specified area of musical scholarship;
  • experience in carrying out focused research under close supervision; and
  • the opportunity for composers to acquire or develop the technical skills required to bridge the gap between undergraduate work and composition at a professional level.

Learning Outcomes

By the end of the programme students will have acquired or further developed:

  • knowledge of, and the ability to critically evaluate, research techniques and methods relevant to the study of music;
  • familiarity with current debates across a broad range of musical scholarship;
  • a range of relevant research skills;
  • the ability to utilise established techniques of enquiry in the context of original research; and
  • for students specialising in composition, the ability to compose for a variety of vocal/instrumental media (whether acoustic or electroacoustic) with stylistic consistency and a genuine and individual artistic voice.

Continuing

Students wishing to continue to the PhD in Music degree must pass the MPhil in Music with an overall mark of at least 70 per cent, and a mark of distinction in the most extended, relevant piece of work.  All applications to the PhD are considered on their own merit.


Open Days

The Postgraduate Virtual Open Day usually takes place at the end of October. It’s a great opportunity to ask questions to admissions staff and academics, explore the Colleges virtually, and to find out more about courses, the application process and funding opportunities. Visit the Postgraduate Open Day page for more details.

The Faculty intends to hold a separate event in the second-half of November where prospective applicants will have the opportunity to engage with current students and attend the weekly Colloquia series. Details will be published in the Faculty's website in due course.

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Key Information


9 months full-time

Study Mode : Taught

Master of Philosophy

Faculty of Music

Course - related enquiries

Application - related enquiries

Course on Department Website

Dates and deadlines:

Michaelmas 2024

Applications open
Sept. 4, 2023
Application deadline
May 16, 2024
Course Starts
Oct. 1, 2024

Some courses can close early. See the Deadlines page for guidance on when to apply.

Course Funding Deadline
Jan. 4, 2024
Gates Cambridge US round only
Oct. 11, 2023

These deadlines apply to applications for courses starting in Michaelmas 2024, Lent 2025 and Easter 2025.


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