PhD Music

at University of Surrey

Assessment

Your final assessment will be based on the presentation of your research in a written thesis, which will be discussed in a viva examination with at least two examiners. You have the option of preparing your thesis as a monograph (one large volume in chapter form) or in publication format (including chapters written for publication), subject to the approval of your supervisors.

Research support

The professional development of postgraduate researchers is supported by the Doctoral College, which provides training in essential skills through its Researcher Development Programme of workshops, mentoring and coaching. A dedicated postgraduate Careers and Employability team will help you prepare for a successful career after the completion of your PhD.

Research themes
 

• Analysis 

• 20th-century concert music, especially  Mahler and 20th-century English composers 

• Popular musics, particularly rock, jazz, electronic dance music 

• Aesthetics of sound and music 

• Contemporary music and its composition and performance 

• Critical musicology 

• Music for screen 

• Composition 

• Biography 

• Music and philosophy 

• Music and literature 

• Performance studies and techniques 

• Improvisation. 

Applicants are expected to hold a good honours degree and usually an MA in a relevant arts subject or appropriate professional experience.

To apply for one of our postgraduate courses that require a UK 2:1, you must achieve at least 60% or 65% in the final two years of your undergraduate study depending on the institution you have completed your degree.

To apply for one of our postgraduate courses that require a UK 2:2, you must achieve at least 55% or 60% in the final two years of your undergraduate study depending on the institution you have completed your degree.

For courses that require a UK first-class degree to be eligible for a scholarship, you must achieve at least 65% or 70% in the final two years of your undergraduate study depending on the institution you have completed your degree.

English language requirements
 

• IELTS Academic: 6.5 or above (or equivalent) with 6.0 in each individual category and at least 7.0 in the writing component.

​​​​​​​If you do not currently meet the level required for your programme, we offer intensive pre-sessional English language courses, designed to take you to the level of English ability and skill required for your studies here.
 

Annual Tuition Fees:
 

• UK: £4,596

• Overseas: £18,100