PhD in Creative Practice: Dance / Music / Collaborative Arts – Trinity Laban Conservatoire of Music and Dance

Institution providing the doctoral degree

Trinity Laban Conservatoire of Music and Dance

Location

Greenwich, London | England, United Kingdom

Name of PHD

PhD in Creative Practice: Dance / Music / Collaborative Arts

Research Clusters

Performing Arts – Drama and Theatre Studies, Dance and Ballet, Performative Practices (Theory and/or Practice)
Pedagogy of Art, Art Education and Art Therapy
Musical and Vocal Performance
Music and Media
Other fields

Duration

Full time: 2 to 4 years

Part time: 3 to 7 years

Public / Private institution

Public University

Financial terms of the PHD position

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.trinitylaban.ac.uk/courses/research-degree-programme

Funding resources:
https://www.trinitylaban.ac.uk/student-life/student-services-and-support/financial-support/

Final output

All RDP candidates present a written dissertation for examination: this may take the form of a combination of practice and/or practical documentation, in addition to a written document. Wholly written submissions, for example in music/dance science or historical projects, are also appropriate, and in these cases the word-count is approximately 50,000 words for an MPhil, and 100,000 words for a PhD (maxima). Candidates whose submission includes a substantial practical component (scores, performances, recordings etc.) are required at PhD level to also submit either a ‘standard’ project commentary of ca. 20,000-25,000 words (15,000 for practice-based MPhil) or they can choose to submit an ‘exceptional’ thesis (this is not an option for MPhil students) of 50,000 words, with a pro-rata reduction in the creative practice components.

Creative Practice MPhil/PhD submissions are practicable in the following areas of study: musical composition (by portfolio submission); choreography (by portfolio submission); movement-based somatic practice; music and dance performance; other projects in artforms such as film, installation and photography that interface substantially with either music or dance.

More details at the following link: https://www.trinitylaban.ac.uk/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/TL_RDP_Handbook_Oct_2023.pdf

How to apply

HOW TO APPLY: your application will consist of both an application via UCAS Conservatoires and also additional information to be submitted via Embark: (1) an outline research proposal, (2) a summary CV, (3) certified copies of all degree certificates, (4) a copy of English Language certification (if required), (5) for proposals engaging in practical elements, a portfolio of your creative practice. You will find advice and guidance on both these application processes in the Guidance Notes for RDP Applicants.

Entry requirements

All research degree candidates normally register initially for Master of Philosophy (MPhil), giving time for students to develop methodology and refine their topic. This leads to an assessment of the project 1-2 years into the course of study when registration may be considered for transfer to PhD. This transfer is assessed by written and verbal presentation.

Application Requirements

You can find a brief outline of prerequisites for an application and its necessary components below. Please note that this list is not exhaustive and that you should read the Guidance Notes for RDP Applicants carefully before you consider submitting an application.

Applicants for the programme should have a good Honours degree in a relevant subject and, preferably, a Master’s qualification.
Applicants whose first language is not English must also have sufficient command of English to study at doctoral level: an IELTS (Academic) score of 6.5 or above in each element. Please note that applications which should include an IELTS certificate cannot be assessed if they are submitted without it.
All applicants are required to submit a detailed research proposal, which outlines the area(s) of study and a description of how these correlate with existing areas of scholarship, both theoretical and practical. You will also be asked to state how the proposed research project is represented in terms of the research interests of Trinity Laban, and, if necessary, how the resources of the institution will be utilised.
There are two deadlines for submission of applications. They are 1 June for the September intake; and 1 October for the January intake.