MPhil in Music (Performance) at University of Oxford

Programme overview

A two-year full-time MPhil for students seeking a thorough grounding in musical performance studies at an advanced level, either as preparation for doctoral research or as an autonomous qualification. The first year is identical to the MSt in Music (Performance) and the second year leads to a recital and a dissertation under individual supervision.

What you will study

Six core topics in Michaelmas term (historical musicology, current trends in music theory, aesthetics, the social and cultural study of music, performance and composition), elective seminars mostly in Hilary term (for example Distributed Creativity in Composition and Performance or Brazilian Music) and presentation seminars in Trinity term. First-year assessment includes a lecture-recital, musicology essays and a longer recital; the second year comprises a recital of at least two contrasted pieces and a dissertation in musicology or ethnomusicology, or a substantial edition.

Career pathways

Typical destinations include doctoral research in music, teaching, arts management, performance and other music-related or broadly cultural professions.

Official programme page

Application information

Entry requirements

An average mark of 67% or higher in a UK undergraduate degree with honours in music or related fields, or equivalent; entrance is very competitive and most successful applicants have a first-class degree or equivalent. Relevant professional experience may be considered as a substitute for academic attainment. US bachelor's applicants normally need a minimum GPA of 3.6/4.0 (most successful applicants 3.7). No GRE/GMAT. Application includes three referees (academic preferred; one professional allowed), transcripts, a statement of purpose (maximum 1,000 words), written work (two essays of a maximum of 5,000 words in total) and a recorded recital of up to 15 minutes showing contrasting styles of performance. Interviews are not normally held. Progression to the second year normally requires an average of 60% across the Hilary term lecture-recital and musicology essay. English (higher level, international applicants whose first language is not English): IELTS Academic 7.5 overall with at least 7.0 in each component; TOEFL iBT 110 overall (Listening 22, Reading 24, Speaking 25, Writing 24); C1 Advanced or C2 Proficiency 191 overall with 185 per component; Oxford Test of English Advanced 165 overall with 155 per component. Final application deadline for 2027-28 entry: 12:00 midday UK time on 5 January 2027.

Domestic applicants: GBP 18,980 a year (2027/28). Home fee Source

International applicants: GBP 46,350 a year (2027/28). Overseas fee Source

Intake: 10 October 2027

Duration: 21 months full-time

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