Music (PhD, MMus, MPhil) at University of Bristol

The Department of Music is a centre of research excellence in both composition and musicology. In composition, there is no particular house style, but we are well known for a number of areas, including: acoustic music, ranging from solo to symphonic scale electro-acoustic, including acousmatic composition, live electronics, and mixed forms with instrument/voice composition exploring the interface of Western and non-Western traditions. The department also provides access to a wide network of opportunities for professional and amateur performance.

Faculty: Faculty of Health and Life Sciences  |  Department: School of Arts  |  Duration: MPhil: one year full-time, two years part-time. MMus: up to three years full-time, up to six years part-time. PhD: up to four years full-time, up to eight years part-time  |  Study mode: full-time, part-time  |  Intake: January 2027, September 2027, January 2028.  |  Location: Bristol, England, United Kingdom

What you will study

MPhil (Composition, Musicology): a standalone, one-year (full-time) research degree. Students will undertake their own research project, concluding in the submission of a portfolio of 25-35 minutes of music and analytical/contextual commentary (c.4,000-5,000 words), or a 25,000-word dissertation. Students may have the option to audit units from our taught master's programmes if relevant to their research.

Career pathways

A significant number of graduates from this programme develop careers in higher education or work on high-level research projects in the field of music. Others take up careers as composers and musicians.

Official programme page