PhD Music

PhD Music at SOAS, University of London is a research degree in Music. Students pursue research on a wide range of subjects, mainly focused on the music of Asia and Africa. Research approaches include fieldwork, interview, archive research, recording and filming, performance, transcription and analysis, and composition. Music is studied as a cultural phenomenon, and also from analytical and historical perspectives, with equal interest across instrumental and vocal, sacred and secular, art and popular, traditional and modern forms.

The programme is available on campus in full-time or part-time attendance, with a duration of 4 years. The structure includes research training and an upgrade to PhD candidacy, followed by fieldwork or data collection and the completion of a full draft. Students also submit a thesis for examination. A Supervisory Committee oversees written submission and an oral presentation, and the Department may provide teaching experience depending on research progress and Department needs.

Postgraduate students of the Department come from a wide variety of backgrounds in the UK and from overseas. Most are performers of music as well as researchers; applicants are evaluated individually on the basis of their background and academic achievements. Applicants should normally possess a Master’s degree, or equivalent, in Music, Ethnomusicology or other relevant discipline plus one reference. Applicants who are accomplished performers or teachers, or who work in the music industry, may have alternative qualifications, and are encouraged to apply.

In considering your application, the Registry will advise the department as to whether your academic qualifications meet the normal requirements for MPhil/PhD at SOAS, and whether you meet English language requirements. The Department will consider your background and experience more generally, your research proposal, and your references.