Music Research MPhil/PhD

Key information

Award: MPhil, PhD Study mode: Full time, Part time Campus: Strand Campus Duration: Expected to be three years FT, four-six years PT. October to October, February to February or June to June

Study

The department has an international reputation for music research in history, theory, anthropology/ethnography, composition, and creative practice. We are particularly strong in film music, jazz, opera, performance studies, Western music from the 12th century to the present, and the music of Latin America, the Middle East, South and South East Asia, and West Africa.

Research areas

• Film music
• Jazz
• Opera
• Performance studies
• Western music from the 12th century to the present
• Music of Latin America, the Middle East, South and South East Asia, and West Africa

How to apply

1. Find a supervisor

You are encouraged to contact the academic member of staff you would like to supervise your research before applying, to discuss your proposed research project.

2. Personal statement and supporting information

Applicants are encouraged to approach potential supervisors prior to application. To identify a supervisor, please see the department's website.

• Personal Statement: A personal statement is required, which can be entered directly into the online application form (maximum 4,000 characters) or uploaded as an attachment to the online application form (maximum 2 pages).
• Research Proposal: The proposal (1,000 words) should explain in some detail precisely the field of study that you want to contribute to and current research gaps, what you want to do and how you propose to do it.
• Previous Academic Study: A copy (or copies) of your official academic transcript(s), showing the subjects studied and marks obtained.
• Reference: One academic reference is required. A professional reference will be accepted if you have completed your qualifications over five years ago.
• Portfolio: Applicants in Composition should scan and upload a portfolio of recent scores electronically, including an A4 page of links to recordings if available.
• Writing Sample: Applicants for Music Research and Creative Practice should upload a Master's dissertation (if available) or a substantial recent essay to the Admissions Portal.

Application closing date

We encourage you to apply as early as possible so that there is sufficient time for your application to be assessed. The final application deadlines are detailed below:

• February 2025 entry – 20 October 2024 for Overseas fee status and 20 November 2024 for Home fee status
• June 2025 entry – 20 March 2025 for Overseas fee status and 11 April 2025 for Home fee status
• October 2025 entry – 25 July 2025 for Overseas fee status and 25 August 2025 for Home fee status
• February 2026 entry – 20 October 2025 for Overseas fee status and 20 November 2025 for Home fee status
• June 2026 entry – 20 March 2026 for Overseas fee status and 11 April 2026 for Home fee status

Fees or Funding

UK Tuition Fees 2024/25

• Full time tuition fees: £6,168 per year (MPhil/PhD, Music Research)
• Part time tuition fees: £3,084 per year (MPhil/PhD, Music Research)

International Tuition Fees 2024/25

• Full time tuition fees: £24,786 per year (MPhil/PhD, Music Research)
• Part time tuition fees: £12,393 per year (MPhil/PhD, Music Research)

UK Tuition Fees 2025/26

• Full time tuition fees: £6,600 per year (MPhil/PhD, Music Research)
• Part time tuition fees: £3,300 per year (MPhil/PhD, Music Research)

International Tuition Fees 2025/26

• Full time tuition fees: £27,100 per year (MPhil/PhD, Music Research)
• Part time tuition fees: £13,550 per year (MPhil/PhD, Music Research)

Study environment

Base campus

• Strand Campus: Located on the north bank of the River Thames, the Strand Campus houses King's College London's arts and sciences faculties.

Entry requirements

UK requirements

• A Bachelor's degree with 1st class or 2:1 honours in Music or a related humanities or social science discipline.
• A Master’s degree in Music or a related humanities or social science discipline; if the Bachelor's degree is not in Music, the Master’s degree should be.

Equivalent International qualifications

• Select a country to view equivalent qualifications.

English language requirements

• English language band: C
• To study at King's, it is essential that you can communicate in English effectively in an academic environment.
• Nationals of majority English speaking countries (as defined by the UKVI) who have permanently resided in this country are not usually required to complete an additional English language test.

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Degree Overview:

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MPhil/PhD Music Research

This program focuses on developing students' expertise in the field of musicology, encompassing historical, theoretical, ethnographic, and performance-based research. The program boasts a strong reputation for research in various areas, including film music, jazz, opera, performance studies, Western music from the 12th century to the present, and non-Western music traditions.

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Objectives:

• Equip students with the necessary skills and knowledge to conduct advanced research in music.
• Foster critical thinking and analytical skills in music research.
• Provide opportunities for students to contribute to the field of music research through original scholarship.
• Develop students' professional skills and prepare them for careers in academia, research, or other related fields.

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Program Description:

The MPhil/PhD program in Music Research is offered on a full-time or part-time basis. Full-time students are expected to complete the program within three years, while part-time students can take up to four to six years. The program structure is designed to provide students with a strong foundation in musicology, while also allowing them to specialize in their chosen area of research.

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Thesis:

MPhil students will write a thesis of approximately 50,000 words, while PhD students will write a thesis of up to 100,000 words. The thesis should be a significant contribution to the field of music research.

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Outline:

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Coursework:

The program consists of a combination of coursework and research. Coursework typically includes modules in:

• Music History
• Music Theory
• Ethnomusicology
• Performance Studies
• Music Analysis
• Research Methods

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Research:

Students will be expected to conduct their own original research under the supervision of a faculty member. This research will culminate in the completion of a thesis.

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Schedule:

The program is offered on a semester system, with the academic year typically running from October to October.

• Music Theory: This module will cover the fundamentals of music theory, including harmony, counterpoint, and form.
• Ethnomusicology: This module will introduce students to the study of music in its cultural context.
• Performance Studies: This module will explore the history and theory of musical performance.
• Music Analysis: This module will provide students with the tools necessary to analyze musical works.
• Research Methods: This module will provide students with the skills necessary to conduct their own research.

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Assessment:

The program utilizes a variety of assessment methods, including:

• Essays: Students will be required to write essays on a variety of topics related to their research.
• Presentations: Students will be expected to present their research findings at conferences and other academic events.
• Thesis: The thesis will be the culmination of the student's research and will be assessed by a committee of faculty members.

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Teaching:

The program is taught by a team of experienced and internationally renowned researchers. The faculty are committed to providing students with a high-quality education and personalized support.

• Teaching Methods: The program utilizes a variety of teaching methods, including lectures, seminars, and workshops.
• Faculty: The faculty consists of experts in a wide range of musicological fields.
• Focus on interdisciplinarity:
The program encourages students to draw on insights from other disciplines, such as history, literature, and anthropology.
• Emphasis on research: The program provides students with ample opportunities to conduct their own research.

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Careers:

Graduates of the MPhil/PhD Music Research program are well-prepared for careers in academia, research, and other related fields. Some graduates may pursue careers as:

• Musicologists: Musicologists study the history, theory, and practice of music.
• Ethnomusicologists: Ethnomusicologists study the music of different cultures.
• Music theorists: Music theorists study the structure and organization of music.
• Music librarians: Music librarians are responsible for the management and organization of music collections.
• Music critics: Music critics write reviews and articles about music.

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Other:

• The program is part of the London Arts and Humanities Partnership (LAHP), which offers a variety of benefits to students, including access to scholarships and research funding.
• The department has a strong commitment to equality and diversity.
• The program is located in the heart of London, providing students with access to a wealth of cultural resources.