Music (Composition)

University of Manchester
Undergraduate PhD Full-time 36 Months Music

About this course

Our PhD Music (Composition) programme will see you produce a portfolio of compositions and a written commentary, allowing you to develop your original creative voice under the supervision of our specialist academic staff.

Our research across the department involves particular focus on seven core research areas , built around research questions, themes and approaches that are shared by a number of members of staff. Explored thematically during our Thursday research afternoons, the core research areas allow us to interrogate key issues in music research from multiple angles, fostering imaginative and multi-layered responses that are both intellectual and creative. They comprise:

  • Creative and performing practices

  • Sound, space and interactive art

  • Politics, protest and power

  • Nationalism, mobility and identity

  • Historically and culturally informed analysis

  • Critical reception studies

  • Intercultural musicking

    Workshops and performances of postgraduate compositions are arranged through the department and may involve the Quatuor Danel, our quartet-in-residence, among other professional and student performers.

    As a research student in the department, you will be assigned a research panel, consisting of your supervisor, a co-supervisor and an independent reviewer who will meet with you on a regular basis to discuss your progress and offer expert advice on the development of your project.

    Postgraduate students are an important part of the academic community of the department and the University, and we encourage all our PhD students to participate in research seminars and to present their research at regular intervals to help them develop their research experience and profile.

  • Study Options

    This course is available in 2 study options:

    Part-time

    Duration: 72 Months

    Qualification: PhD

    Location: Manchester

    Full-time Shown above

    Duration: 36 Months

    Qualification: PhD

    Location: Manchester

    Career Prospects

    Graduates from this course typically go into the following occupations:

    2317 Teachers of English as a foreign language
    3416 Arts officers, producers and directors
    3417 Photographers, audio-visual and broadcasting equipment operators
    2319 Teaching professionals
    3415 Musicians
    2324 Early education and childcare services managers

    Course Details

    Qualification
    Doctor of Philosophy - PhD
    Study Mode
    Full-time
    Duration
    36 Months
    Start Date
    2025
    Academic Year
    2025
    Campus / Location
    Manchester
    Scheme
    Undergraduate
    Subjects
    Music