PhD in Music – University of Glasgow

Institution providing the doctoral degree

University of Glasgow

Location

University of Glasgow

Name of PHD

PhD in Music

Research Clusters

Multimedia Arts, Audio-visual Techniques and Media Production
Musical and Vocal Performance
Theory, Analysis and Musical Composition
Musicology and Musical Heritage
Ethnomusicology – Etno; Jazz; Pop; Rock…
Music and Media
Other fields

Duration

Full time: 3 years
Part time: 5 years

Public / Private institution

Public University

Financial terms of the PHD position

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.gla.ac.uk/postgraduate/research/music/#tab=fees

Funding resources:
https://www.gla.ac.uk/colleges/arts/graduateschool/fundingopportunities/

Final output

A Doctor of Philosophy may be awarded to a student whose thesis/portfolio is an original work making a significant contribution to knowledge in, or understanding of, a field of study and normally containing material worthy of publication.
Thesis Length:70,000-100,000 words, including references, bibliography and appendices (other than documentary appendices).
For examination by thesis, the candidate may include a range of practical components in support of their underlying argument, but this is not a requirement. The precise relationship between practical work and written commentary, and their relative weightings, will be agreed between the candidate, their supervisors, and the Music postgraduate convener, through Annual Progress Review as part of the development of the project.
For examination by portfolio, candidates may submit work in a range of disciplines, including composition, sonic art, performance or other forms of creative practice. Extended critical and methodologically informed documentation of the research project will accompany the creative inquiry. The written component is expected to complement and reflect in a rigorous manner upon the practical component. Normally the portfolio will comprise creative work of approximately two hours’ duration or work of equivalent depth or complexity and the written component will be 10,000 – 20,000 words. The precise relationship between practical work and written commentary, and their relative weightings, will be agreed between the candidate, their supervisors, and the Music postgraduate convener, through Annual Progress Review as part of the development of the project.

How to apply

Application procedure: https://www.gla.ac.uk/postgraduate/research/music/#tab=apply

Entry requirements

Our regular standard of admission is at least an Upper Second Class Honours degree (2:1), although candidates will usually also have completed or be undertaking a Masters qualification.

Research outline
Candidates are required to provide an outline of the proposed research subject in about 1000 words. This need not be your final thesis proposal but should include:

a straightforward, descriptive, and informative title
the question that your research will address
an account of why this question is important and worth investigating
an assessment of how your own research will engage with recent study in the subject
a brief account of the methodology and approach you will take
a discussion of the primary sources that your research will draw upon, including printed books, manuscripts, archives, libraries, or museums
an indicative bibliography of secondary sources that you have already consulted and/or are planning to consult

Your application, including your references and research proposal, will be passed to members of staff whose expertise and research interests most closely match the area of your proposed study.

English language requirements
For applicants from non-English speaking countries, as defined by the UK Government, the University sets a minimum English Language proficiency level.

International English Language Testing System (IELTS) Academic module (not General Training)

International English Language Testing System (IELTS) Academic module (not General Training)
7.0 with no subtests under 7.0
Tests must have been taken within 2 years 5 months of start date. Applicants must meet the overall and subtest requirements using a single test
IELTS One Skill Retake accepted.

Common equivalent English language qualifications
TOEFL (ibt, my best or athome)

94; with Reading 24; Listening 24; Speaking 23; Writing 27
Tests must have been taken within 2 years 5 months of start date. Applicants must meet the overall and subtest requirements , this includes TOEFL mybest.

Pearsons PTE Academic

66 with no subtest less than: Listening 66;Reading 68; Speaking 65; Writing 82
Tests must have been taken within 2 years 5 months of start date. Applicants must meet the overall and subtest requirements using a single test.

Cambridge Proficiency in English (CPE) and Cambridge Advanced English (CAE)

185 overall, no subtest less than 185
Tests must have been taken within 2 years 5 months of start date. Applicants must meet the overall and subtest requirements using a single test.

Oxford English Test

Oxford ELLT 8
R&L: OIDI level no less than 8 with Reading: 27-28 and Listening: 20
W&S: OIDI level no less than 8

Trinity College Tests
Integrated Skills in English II & III & IV: ISEII Pass with Pass in all sub-tests.

University of Glasgow Pre-sessional courses
Tests are accepted for 2 years following date of successful completion.

Alternatives to English Language qualification

Degree from majority-English speaking country (as defined by the UKVI including Canada if taught in English)
students must have studied for a minimum of 2 years at Undergraduate level, or 9 months at Master’s level, and must have complete their degree in that majority-English speaking country and within the last 6 years
Undergraduate 2+2 degree from majority-English speaking country (as defined by the UKVI including Canada if taught in English)
students must have completed their final two years study in that majority-English speaking country and within the last 6 years

For international students, the Home Office has confirmed that the University can choose to use these tests to make its own assessment of English language ability for visa applications to degree level programmes. The University is also able to accept UKVI approved Secure English Language Tests (SELT) but we do not require a specific UKVI SELT for degree level programmes. We therefore still accept any of the English tests listed for admission to this programme.