PhD Postgraduate research in Performing Arts

Why choose this course?

Thank you for your interest in pursuing a research degree with the Faculty of Arts. We will be delighted to discuss your area of interest with you but, before doing so, it is important to determine whether or not we can offer research supervision in your chosen area.

The aim of our research programmes is to give each student the best possible foundation from which to launch further research and career development. We help our students to develop the relevant research skills and methods and also support the development of related skills such as IT, presentation and career planning.

This approach, together with the relevant research expertise and resources support the completion of high-quality research degree programmes.

What happens on the course?

Full-time students will meet with their Director of Study (DoS) at least once a month, and with their supervisory team at least 3 times a year (every two months with the DoS plus 2 meetings a year with the team for part-timers).

Approximately halfway through the study (12-18 months full-time, or 3 years part-time) the student is required to complete a ‘Progression’ stage. Here the student will summarise their research achievements and outline their future research plans (including research methods) up to completion. They will also give a presentation of their work to an independent assessor and members of the research community. Finally, at the end of their study, they will produce a thesis for a viva examination by an internal and an external academic with the appropriate expertise.

Career Paths

Successful completion of your PhD opens up a range of career opportunities and demonstrates your proven skills as a researcher. In all areas of music, having a PhD is now an essential element for those looking to develop a career in lecturing or research within higher education. As well as demonstration of your research skills, a PhD shows your extensive knowledge of a particular field in an applied and rigorous manner that is attractive to employers.

In addition to developing competence in a range of intellectual skills that can be advantageous to the majority of occupations, a PhD in Music is academically relevant to careers in the arts and media, leading to employment in arts administration, research, arts journalism, arts management, and teaching.