PhD in Music – Maynooth University

Institution providing the doctoral degree

Maynooth University

Location

Maynooth | Ireland

Name of PHD

PhD in Music

Research Clusters

Musical and Vocal Performance
Theory, Analysis and Musical Composition
Musicology and Musical Heritage
Ethnomusicology – Etno; Jazz; Pop; Rock…
Music and Media

Duration

Full time: 4 years
Part time: 6 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
PhD Fully funded with a stipend by the University but you have both to work on the PHD and complete a number of teaching hours

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.maynoothuniversity.ie/student-fees-grants/postgraduate

Funding resources:
https://www.maynoothuniversity.ie/study-maynooth/postgraduate-studies/fees-funding-scholarships

Final output

PhD in Music (Composition):
Students in the PhD in Composition develop a varied portfolio of works totalling ninety minutes in duration. Variations on this format (e.g. single large-scale work submissions) are possible but need to be approved in writing by the supervisor and Head of Department. Portfolios should be accompanied by a written commentary on the works of at least 12,000 words (but not exceeding 30,000 words). Where possible, and, as appropriate, submissions should be supported by recorded performances. The final examination is via a viva voce examination with two examiners (one internal and one external) and an independent chair.

PhD in Music (Musicology)
Students in the PhD in Musicology submit an original research thesis on any topic in musicology for which supervision is available in the Department of Music. Applicants should consult the Department of Music webpages for details of staff expertise. The thesis takes the form of a written text of 80,000 100,000 words, subject to a viva voce examination with two examiners (one internal and one external) and an independent chair.

PhD in Music (Computer Music)
The Computer Music programme allows students to choose between two forms of thesis submission:
(1) by dissertation: a 40,000 – 50,000 word thesis together with the proof-of-concept of the technologies developed/discussed, which might include an original composition component together with the technical documentation (e.g. hardware designs, software sources); (2) by publication: 6 8 papers, published (or fully accepted for publication) in international peer-reviewed conference proceedings and recognised journals in the field, with at least two journal items, plus a 15,000 – 18,000 introductory essay binding the published work. One of the published items might be an original composition work. In both options, the final examination is via a viva voce examination with two examiners (one internal and one external) and an independent chair.

PhD in Music (Performance)
The PhD in/by Performance will appeal to performers interested in developing innovative projects in which performance forms an integral part of scholarly research. By developing an appropriate critical and theoretical framework, the project will contribute to the advancement of knowledge in the field. The format of the PhD includes a 40,000 – 50,000-word dissertation and a 90-minute final concert. The final examination is via a viva voce examination with an independent chair and two examiners (one internal and one external), and a public concert which will be attended by the examiners and the independent chair.

How to apply

Application procedures: https://www.maynoothuniversity.ie/study-maynooth/postgraduate-studies/courses/phd-music

Entry requirements

Normally a 2.1 or equivalent first degree in Music or in a related discipline, a 2.1 or equivalent Masters degree in Music or in a related discipline. Further to application via PAC, an interview will be conducted, where students are expected to present a research plan to the department. Prospective applicants are encouraged to contact members of staff in their projected area of research.

Language Requirements
In the case of musicological research, students are expected to have some knowledge of the language of the composer(s) or author(s) whose work they intend to research. It is strongly recommended that they build up such knowledge to proficiency level during their studies
Applicants must have a recognised primary degree which is considered equivalent to Irish university primary degree level.

Minimum English language requirements:
Applicants for whom English is not their first language are required to demonstrate their proficiency in English in order to benefit fully from their course of study. For information about English language tests accepted and required scores, please see here. The requirements specified are applicable for both EU and International applicants..
Maynooth University’s TOEFL code is 8850