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 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.
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
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.
Provider information
University of Sussex
Sussex House
Brighton
BN1 9RH
Course contact details
Visit our course pageEnquiries
01273 873525