The Department of Music is a centre of research excellence in both composition and musicology. In composition, there is no particular house style, but we are well known for a number of areas, including:
- acoustic music, ranging from solo to symphonic scale;
- electro-acoustic, including acousmatic composition, live electronics, and mixed forms with instrument/voice;
- composition exploring the interface of Western and non-Western traditions.
- The department also provides access to a wide network of opportunities for professional and amateur performance.
Programme structure
PhD (Composition, Musicology): a research project undertaken across three to four years, culminating in a portfolio of either 75-120 minutes of music and an analytical/contextual commentary (c. 15,000 words), an 80,000-word thesis, or a combination of musicological and compositional components as part of one coherent project (in flexible proportions, details to be discussed with the Department of Music). As well as having the option to audit taught units, there may be the potential for PhD students to assist on or teach units relevant to their research.
Apply for Bristol Postgraduate Research Scholarships
Entry requirements
PhD (Musicology): A master’s qualification, or be working towards a master’s qualification, or international equivalent. Applicants without a master’s qualification may be considered on an exceptional basis provided they hold a first-class undergraduate degree (or international equivalent). Applicants with a non-traditional background may be considered provided they can demonstrate substantial equivalent and relevant experience that has prepared them to undertake their proposed course of study.
PhD (Composition or Musicology): A master’s qualification, or be working towards a master’s qualification, or international equivalent. Applicants without a master’s qualification may be considered on an exceptional basis provided they hold a first-class undergraduate degree (or international equivalent) and/or can demonstrate evidence of a sustained and high level of professional accomplishment. Applicants with a non-traditional background may be considered provided they can demonstrate substantial equivalent and relevant experience that has prepared them to undertake their proposed course of study.
Application deadline
- January 2024 start: 1 December 2024
- September 2024 start: 1 August 2024
- January 2025 start: 1 December 2024
