PhD Music Composition

A superb opportunity to develop your own portfolio of compositions in a professional and supportive environment. We welcome a broad range of styles and approaches.

There are many opportunities to perform your own work, or have them played and recorded by others, both within the University and the wider city.

We have particular strengths in four core areas.

Explore all our research themes and projects in detail

Housed in a purpose-built building our facilities provide an ideal environment for you to compose and have your compositions recorded and performed.

Normally taken full-time over three years or part-time over six years (with an additional year often taken for final writing up, submission and viva).

Assessed by a portfolio of compositions lasting around 60 minutes and an accompanying commentary of 20,000 words.

A critical and reflective commentary on a portfolio of compositions (audio) - Angela Slater

Their Dreams and Ours: Britten, Film, and 'The Turn of the Screw' - Peter Auker

Intermezzo under Hapsburg rule (1707-1734): new theories of composition and musical meaning - Eric Boaro

Changing the record: reassessing effectiveness and value in prison music projects - Sarah Doxat-Pratt

A range of optional modules are available in consultation with your supervisory team. These include music modules as well as ones to build your research skills. Examples include:

Develops core skills in digital composition.

Using Logic Pro software you'll gain professional technical skills in:

As well as technical skills you'll also:

This module is worth 20 credits.

Music is often integral to the success of a film. It can set the mood, heighten drama, enhance emotions and provide a sense of continuity. Together we'll look at the various styles of film music developed during the history of cinema, and consider aesthetic and technical issues around them. You'll also develop an awareness of historical, commercial and social factors in the entertainment industry, including music for television and videogames.

Topics will include:

In your coursework, you'll be encouraged to apply the general lessons learnt from seminars and lectures to specific areas of film you are particularly interested in.

This module is worth 20 credits.

See our BA Music year two and three modules for more examples of modules available.

The department's lively research culture offers the chance to hear visiting scholars from elsewhere in the UK and from overseas. Events include:

These sessions for staff and postgraduates give you the space to present your developing work in a friendly and constructive environment. They also allow you to broaden your knowledge of the subject and gain a better sense of how research develops as part of an interactive process.

There are numerous opportunities to get involved in performing for both players and singers including:

Find out more about performance opportunities

The department hosts two research centres that you are encouraged to get involved in. They offer opportunities for research, performance and event support.

NottFAR features performances and composers from our staff and high profile guests from around the UK and abroad. Performances take part both on-campus and at major venues in Nottingham such as the Royal Concert Hall and Rough Trade.

Promotes the interaction of history, theory and practice in the study of opera, ballet, melodrama, film, video and other multi-media performance genres. It encourages multi-disciplinary and inter-institutional collaboration.

If you are funded through the Midlands4Cities Doctoral Training Partnership you will complete a portfolio of research training, devised in consultation with your supervisors and Head of Postgraduate Studies.

You can make full use of the Language Centre facilities for both research-specific learning and personal interest.

Find out more about our postgraduate support and community.