Research opportunities in Music

Music at York is internationally recognised for creative, practical and scholarly approaches to music, and allows you the time and space to develop your own distinctive approach to the discipline. We support a wide range of research and offer extensive opportunities for doctoral study.

Our key research areas include:

• composition
• musicology and analysis
• performance
• psychology
• music, science and technology
• improvised music and jazz

PhD programmes are available through three methods of assessment.

PhD by Composition

• Weekly composition seminars from both visiting composers and current staff and students
• Seven specialist supervisors who are all renowned composers in their own right
• Support for both acoustic and electroacoustic composers
• Opportunities for workshopping and performance by University and professional ensembles, including our internationally acclaimed ensemble-in-association Quatuor Diotima
• You should have an MA in composition as well as at least a 2:1 or equivalent in your undergraduate degree, however first and foremost we look for evidence of a high level of ability and originality in composition

PhD by Performance

• A unique programme allowing professional performers and performer-composers to conduct practice-led research
• Opportunities for frequent masterclasses with industry professionals
• Submission is by portfolio, which could take various forms depending on the nature of the agreed research programme. This could be a number of performances or performance projects, accompanied by supporting commentaries and materials, and in some cases a thesis
• You should have a relevant degree or approved equivalent qualification, or be able to demonstrate sustained professional experience as a performer and an appropriate level of academic competence

PhD by Thesis

• Weekly research seminars from both visiting academics and current staff and students
• Extensive library collections, including the University of York Sound Archives
• Several specialist research clusters: Contemporary Music Research Centre, Musical Cultures and Communities Research Cluster and Music, Science and Technology Research Cluster (mstrc)
• You should have a relevant degree or approved equivalent qualification

Why us?

• State-of-the-art facilities including concert halls, fully equipped recording studios and practice facilities
• A wide range of early and non-western instruments, including a full Javanese gamelan ensemble
• A musical environment where research and practice go hand-in-hand
• Access to printing/photocopying services and a dedicated postgraduate area

What next?

Check that your research interests align with the expertise of one of our staff. Once you've identified a potential supervisor, please contact them before applying to discuss your application and potential research areas.

Complete an application.

Contact us

Composition: thomas.simaku@york.ac.uk

Performance: john.stringer@york.ac.uk

Thesis: gilly.howe@york.ac.uk

+44 (0)1904 322446

Research degrees in the Department of Music

Research in the Department of Music

Department of Music

Funding

Funding for research degrees

Scholarships, awards and bursaries in the Department of Music