PhD Music at University of West London

Our PhD in Music gives you the perfect platform for a successful career in the music industry, supported by staff who are engaged in a range of specialisms that combine practice-led research and advanced professional practice with theoretical and technical analysis. The London College of Music has 140 years of history but has also engaged with the latest developments in music technology and popular music research. We have expert supervisory capability across a wide variety of topics and issues.

Duration: 4 years full-time; 4 years full-time distance learning; 6 years part-time; 6 years part-time distance learning  |  Study mode: full-time (part-time available; online/distance option)  |  Intake: September 2027, February 2027  |  Location: London, England, United Kingdom

What you will study

During your PhD in Music, you will have a supervisory team made up of a Director of Studies with expertise in your chosen field, a further supervisor and, where appropriate, an additional adviser. Your research will be judged through the presentation of a thesis or artefact and a viva voce for academic assessment. We provide a stimulating and supportive environment where you will benefit from: support by a supervisor and second supervisor suited to your project.

Career pathways

A PhD in Music – the highest academic degree qualification, based on the advanced study and independent research, opens up an array of career opportunities both in academia and within the music industries. Many students go on to pursue an academic career, following their PhD with postdoctoral study, then a fellowship or lectureship. Job roles include: university lecturer; postdoctoral researcher; other higher and further education lecturer; freelance soloist; session musician; touring musician; orchestral musician; conductor.

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