PhD Music at Queen's University Belfast

Programme overview

The PhD in Music is based in SARC, the Centre for Interdisciplinary Research in Sound and Music, and ranges from thesis-focused work to creative practice portfolios, including hybrid models combining practice and theory. Research areas include historical and critical musicology, sound studies, composition, socially engaged arts, performance studies, improvisation, interaction design, instrument design, audio signal processing, immersive sound and psychoacoustics.

Department: School of Arts, English and Languages (SARC: Sonic Arts Research Centre) | Duration: 3 years full-time (or part-time equivalent) | Intake: 2027/28 | Study mode: full-time / part-time | Location: Belfast, Northern Ireland, United Kingdom

What you will study

Students undertake supervised research and submit a thesis after three years of full-time registration (two years for MPhil), or a practice-based submission. Research students can access courses and training organised by the Thomas J. Moran Graduate School and take part in SARC concerts, seminars and the biennial Sonorities Festival.

Official programme page

Application information

Entry requirements

A 2.1 Honours degree or equivalent qualification acceptable to the University. A Master's degree is desirable but not essential, and applicants without one are considered case by case. International applicants need an IELTS score of 6.5 with no component below 5.5 (taken within the last 2 years), or an equivalent qualification.

International applicants: GBP 23,600 a year (2027/28). International and EU Other fee; bench fees may apply on some research programmes and no specific additional course costs are listed for this programme Source

Intake: October 2027

Duration: 3 years full-time (or part-time equivalent)

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