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Musical Composition at University of Sussex - UCAS

Course options

2024 - 20252025 - 2026
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There are other course options available which may have a different vacancy status or entry requirements – view the full list of options

Course summary

For our Musical Composition PhD, you’ll research and develop new musical languages. You achieve this through building a portfolio of works accompanied by a reflective critical commentary. Our specialist facilities provide the latest tools in software and hardware in the Jonathan Harvey Electronic Music Studio. Other specialist facilities include rare 20th-century music scores and unique collections of jazz and music television documentaries. Our supervisors in the field of Musical Composition have particular expertise in:

  • opera
  • orchestral and chamber music
  • electronic and computer music
  • film and media music
  • improvisation.
We understand that deciding where and what to study is a very important decision. We’ll make all reasonable efforts to provide you with the courses, services and facilities described in this prospectus. However, if we need to make material changes, for example due to government or regulatory requirements, or unanticipated staff changes, we’ll let you know as soon as possible.

Modules

All new research students are required to participate in a programme of research training and to take other postgraduate modules that may be recommended by their supervisors. Recent and current PhD projects include: musical alterity and embodied practice (theory/ practice); sonification of the body (theory/practice); sound scores for early avant-garde film (composition); temporality in post-tonal music (composition); the representation of animals in music theatre (theory/practice); the impact of Stravinsky’s ballets on conducting techniques in the 20th century (historical musicology).

Assessment method

We offer a PhD in Music, assessed by a written thesis of 80000 words, and an MPhil in Music, assessed by a written thesis of 40000 words.

Entry requirements

You’re normally expected to have a Merit (an average of 60% overall) in a Masters degree and an upper second-class (2.1) undergraduate honours degree. Your qualification should be in a subject related to your chosen area of research. You will also be considered for this degree if you don’t have the academic qualifications required, but can show evidence of equivalent professional experience.

Fees and funding

Tuition fees

No fee information has been provided for this course

Tuition fee status depends on a number of criteria and varies according to where in the UK you will study. For further guidance on the criteria for home or overseas tuition fees, please refer to the UKCISA website .

Additional fee information

Please click on the course URL to see up-to-date fee information.

Sponsorship information

Limited funds to offset research expenses are available directly from the University of Sussex; there are financial opportunities for research students to contribute towards undergraduate teaching. Our goal is to ensure that every student who wants to study with us is able to regardless of financial barriers, so that we continue to attract talented and unique people.

Musical Composition at University of Sussex - UCAS