Course summary
Guildhall School’s research programme is distinctive in that it is dedicated to the performing arts. Researchers pursue self-directed projects that connect creative practice with scholarly enquiry in an outstanding conservatoire with world-class facilities. Research degrees are awarded for an independent research project that contributes to existing knowledge. Guildhall School’s Postgraduate Research Programme has a distinctive focus on research in, through and for the performing arts. As a world-leading conservatoire, we are well equipped to support research projects that integrate creative practice with scholarly enquiry. A unique aspect of the researcher experience at Guildhall is our year-long training programme during your first year of study which gives you the tools to vision and realize your project, as well as helping you negotiate the various stages and milestones of a research degree. Offering up to 120 hours a year, this provides some of the most comprehensive training in the sector. This is in addition to your supervisory team, a bespoke set of advisors who have the appropriate combination of academic and artistic expertise to supervise your work as it develops. Our postgraduate researchers investigate a wide range of topics in music, theatre and related artistic and pedagogic practices, including composition, instrumental performance, historical performance, opera and theatre-making, live art, socially engaged arts practice, music therapy, performing arts pedagogies, institutions and cultures. Their research tends to fall within these three broad themes: 21st century creative processes in new music composition across a broad range of genres; theatre, opera and interdisciplinary, participatory and socially engaged arts practice; production arts, including audio-visual and stage design. The performers or practitioner’s perspective in the context of: concert and chamber music, jazz and other music of the black Atlantic; electronic and produced musical genres; acting, theatre and live art; digital arts practice; design for stage, screen and virtual environments Training and professional development of performing arts practitioners - including pedagogic approaches; music-led therapeutic practices; conservatoire cultures. Researchers across these disciplines and subject areas study together on our specialist research training programme which creates opportunities for fruitful exchange and mutual support. What also unites our postgraduate researchers at the Guildhall School is a commitment to exploring the role of the performing arts practitioner in society, and the personal, social, ethical and political impact and implications of performing arts practices. Types of research award A research degree can offer a substantial period of reflection and renewal for artists and pedagogues exploring their own practice. It is also a preparation for a research career. It is a significant and lengthy undertaking, demanding a high level of self-motivation, intellectual curiosity, resilience and commitment. A PhD or DMus is usually undertaken over 3-4 years (full time) or 6-7 years (part time) and an MPhil is 2 years (full time) or 4 years (part time). We recognize MPhil as a distinctive qualification in its own right, suited to those looking for a shorter, more focused period of research.
Assessment method
Practice-based research is demanding and requires a creative approach on every level. Students may submit a variety of research outputs for their final viva examinations which are appropriate to the individual nature of their research project and the high standard expected for doctoral submissions: Projects may be assessed by thesis only, in which case candidates will submit a thesis of approximately 80,000 words; Projects combining performance/installation and written work will be assessed by a combination of final recital(s)/installation(s) and a supporting analytic commentary (20,000-50,000); Composers submit a folio of work (75 minutes minimum) and supporting commentaries (13,000-23,000 words).
Entry requirements
Applicants for a Music doctorate should normally have obtained an MMus or equivalent Master’s degree in addition to a BA (Hons) degree in Music (upper 2nd or 1st class). Applicants without these qualifications will be assessed on the basis of their prior academic and professional experience. Composers and performers are expected to be at an advanced stage of creative practice at the point of application, and be able to formulate their own creative research questions and work with autonomy and independence. Candidates must possess a strong sense of reflexivity coupled with the ability to devise and refine a distinctive research strategy, and have demonstrable experience in research. Applicants for the Drama PhD are expected to have a Master’s degree relating to theatre or a Master’s degree in any subject and evidence of relevant professional theatre activity before commencing the Drama MPhil/PhD programme. Applicants for the Music Therapy PhD are expected to have significant previous engagement with music at master’s-level or equivalent professional experience. In addition, if the research proposal includes the candidate delivering music therapy clinical work themselves as part of the PhD, the candidate should be fully qualified and registered by the HCPC. If the research proposal relates to music therapy practices but does not involve delivering clinical work, then the candidate must have a master’s-level Music Therapy qualification.
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
Fees are variable depending on the mode of study. Please consult the School website for more information: https://www.gsmd.ac.uk/study-with-guildhall/fees-and-funding
Sponsorship information
The School does its best to ensure that no student who is offered a place on merit is prevented from taking up that place on grounds of financial hardship and so a range of financial support is offered. The School offers a wide range of scholarships to students regardless of domicile. A scholarship award may be made to cover either the full cost of tuition fees or a fraction of them, and may include an element for maintenance. Awards are made by academic staff to individuals on the basis of their talent, their potential and their personal financial need. Applicants may be considered for a scholarship at audition and a scholarship may be given along with an offer of a place at the School. All students who accept a place at the School can also apply for scholarship support.
Provider information
Guildhall School of Music & Drama
Silk Street
City of London
EC2Y 8DT