PhD in Conservatoire Research Degrees – Birmingham City University
Birmingham City University
Birmingham | England, United Kingdom
PhD in Conservatoire Research Degrees
- Musical and Vocal Performance
- Theory, Analysis and Musical Composition
- Musicology and Musical Heritage
- Pedagogy of Music, Music Education and Music Therapy
- Ethnomusicology – Etno; Jazz; Pop; Rock…
- Music and Media
- Other fields
Full Time: 3-4 years
Part Time: 4-7 years
Distance Learning: 4-7 years
Public University
- PhD fully funded and with a stipend by the university
- Self-funded PhD – you must provide both tuition and your own maintenance
- PhD Fully or partially externally funded, with a stipend, through private or public foundations, scholarships, grants, one or more companies, or public institutions that you have to find on your own
It is important to know that many universities offer different funding options and public and private grants available to students who match the application criteria. Before applying, it is a good idea to check the institutions’ websites and inquire about the options available to you.
Many universities require applicants to pay fees such as matriculation or dissertation fees, even if they offer a fully funded programme with or without a stipend.
Fees:
https://www.bcu.ac.uk/courses/conservatoire-research-phd-2025-26#fees_how_to_apply
Funding resources:
https://www.bcu.ac.uk/student-info/finance
https://www.bcu.ac.uk/student-info/types-of-study/postgraduate/fees-and-funding
The doctoral programme at Royal Birmingham Conservatoire allows for a mixed mode of submission including recordings and live performance alongside a written thesis, the balance and relative weighting of these elements to be determined by the nature of the project.
As each doctoral project is unique, so is each student’s day-to-day experience. A typical day might include reading, analysis, composition, performance, or critical editing, or any combination of the above. Whatever the nature of your project, all doctorates require independent study and require you to manage an extended, self-directed research project.
We support a range of thesis submissions, including composition portfolio supported by a short written commentary, or a combination of written and performance elements, as well as a traditional written thesis of 80,000 words.
Application procedures:
https://www.bcu.ac.uk/courses/conservatoire-research-phd-2025-26#fees_how_to_apply
To apply for our Conservatoire PhD research degree we usually expect you to have, or to be working towards, a Masters in a relevant subject area. Exceptional candidates without a Masters but with a strong undergraduate degree in a relevant subject area may be considered.
We also welcome enquiries from potential PhD researchers without formal academic qualifications but with appropriate levels of professional experience.
Please send us an initial PhD enquiry containing your brief PhD research proposal (max. 500 words), and/or any questions or queries you may have.
We will review your initial enquiry to ensure your research proposal complements one of our PhD research interests and if so we will ask you to make a full application.
English Language Requirements
Please refer to our English Language Requirements.
Info for international students: https://www.bcu.ac.uk/international
Languages used within the program and for thesis writing and discussion: English.
Part of Midlands 4 Cities:
The AHRC-funded Midlands4Cities Doctoral Training Partnership (M4C) brings together eight leading universities across the Midlands, to support research students to become experts in their field and to employ their knowledge and skills in their career destinations.
Midlands4Cities:
- Is open to diverse and challenging approaches to arts and humanities research projects
- Facilitates access to expert supervision across the breadth of arts and humanities research available in the eight M4C universities
- Provides opportunities for training to underpin every student’s research and professional development
- Enables regional, national and international networking with the creative and cultural industries to provide opportunities for placements, fieldwork and collaboration
- Ensures integrity, equality, diversity, and inclusion across the DTP programme