PhD in Music

Postgraduate research in the Faculty of Music is centred on individual scholarly activity in fields such as historical musicology, analysis, ethnomusicology, performance studies, music and science, and composition. Doctoral students work in close contact with one or more leading researchers in their field as well as participate in programmes of skills training and research colloquia; there are also opportunities to gain experience in teaching. The overwhelming majority of postgraduate students in the Faculty undertake research that is directly connected with the special research interests of members of the Faculty. Intending applicants are strongly advised to make contact with a prospective Supervisor prior to making a formal application in order to discuss the feasibility of their proposed research.

The principal educational aim of the PhD programme is to assist each student in acquiring the research techniques, skills and knowledge that will enable them to make an original and significant contribution to scholarship, research or artistic practice in the discipline that is the focus of each individual's thesis. Given the focus of the programme on individual research excellence, it is necessarily tailored to the research interests of the student and the expertise of their Supervisor.

Learning Outcomes

By the end of the programme, students should have acquired:

• knowledge of and expertise in the techniques and methods appropriate to their chosen subject of study
• the ability to engage with both teaching and research at the highest level in the contemporary academic environment
• a clear understanding of the scope and applicability of their research in broader contexts

Continuing

Students wishing to continue from the MPhil in Music to the PhD in Music must have achieved Master's merit or equivalent, with distinction or equivalent, in the dissertation or most extended submission. 

Open Days

The University hosts and attends fairs and events throughout the year, in the UK and across the world. We also offer online events to help you explore your options:

• Discover Cambridge: Master’s and PhD study webinars - these Spring events provide practical information about applying for postgraduate study.

• Postgraduate Virtual Open Days - taking place in November each year, the Open Days focus on subject and course information.

For more information about upcoming events visit our events pages.