PhD Music and Sound at University of Gloucestershire

Programme overview

A research degree in Music and Sound offers you the opportunity to engage in an extended piece of academic research, either through creative practice in the production of an original body of work, or through the production of a written thesis. During this process, you’ll draw on and extend existing knowledge and practices, and you’ll show that your research makes an original contribution to knowledge.

Faculty: School of Arts, Culture & Environment | Department: Film, Media and TV | Duration: PhD: 4 years full-time; PhD: 6 years part-time; MA by Research: 2 years full-time; MA by Research: 3 years part-time | Study mode: full-time, part-time, distance learning | Intake: October 2026; February 2027; October 2027; February 2028; October 2028 | Location: Cheltenham, England, United Kingdom

What you will study

As a Music and Sound research student, you can take a practice-based approach to research, and develop a creative project which will be accompanied by a short thesis, or develop a musicological or theoretical project in the form of an 80,000 word, written thesis.

Career pathways

Our postgraduate research students cultivate a diverse set of skills that are highly valued in the UK and internationally, preparing them for successful careers within academia and beyond.

Official programme page

Application information

Entry requirements

MA or MSc by Research/MRes At least a 2.1 honours degree or equivalent qualification in a relevant subject area PhD A master’s degree or equivalent in a subject area relevant to the proposed research topic. PhD by portfolio or publication We’re happy to receive applications for students wanting to do their PhD by portfolio or publication. You’ll need to submit materials from your practice (film, composition, exhibition etc) and books or chapters in anthologies, between 6-12 months after registering. You’ll also need to write a supporting commentary of 6,000-10,000 words, which clarifies your work’s coherence, significance and contribution to knowledge. Applications from a range of diverse ba

Domestic applicants: GBP 5,350 a year (2026/27). Annual tuition fee for the full-time option. Source

International applicants: GBP 13,425 a year (2026/27). Annual tuition fee for the full-time option. Source

Intake: October 2026; February 2027; October 2027; February 2028; October 2028

Duration: PhD: 4 years full-time; PhD: 6 years part-time; MA by Research: 2 years full-time; MA by Research: 3

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