At least a 2.1 honours degree or equivalent qualification in a relevant subject area
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.
As a research degree candidate, you’ll be supported by a supervisory team with expertise in your subject and/or research approach. A research degree can offer career progression opportunities in academic research and teaching, in addition to enhancing students’ understanding of professional practice, facilitating other routes for career progression.
We support research practice in the following areas:
Current postgraduate research includes:
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.
Researchers have opportunities to study, discuss or showcase their work, engaging with colleagues from a range of areas via seminars, symposia, conferences and training events.
All research students have access to the Music and Sound production facilities at Park Campus, and are encouraged to make use of them as part of their research. Our facilities include, 22.2 immersive audio lab, Dolby Atmos dubbing theatre, recording studios and production labs.
You’re also encouraged to attend national and international academic conferences in the latter stages of your research to present your ideas, and receive feedback at such events.
At least a 2.1 honours degree or equivalent qualification in a relevant subject area
A master’s degree or equivalent in a subject area relevant to the proposed research topic.
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.
We actively encourage applications from students from a range of diverse backgrounds who demonstrate appropriate research experience and achievement.
EU and international students need IELTS 6.5 overall (with a minimum of 6.0 in writing and 5.5 in any other component) or equivalent.
Please provide a copy of your research proposal. This should be 1,000 words (excluding references and appendices) following the structure outlined in this research proposal guide.
Please note; we’re unable to process applications without a proposal for the School’s consideration. Not supplying one will delay the processing of applications.
Start date | Course code |
Fee (UK) per year |
Fee (international) per year |
---|---|---|---|
October 2023 | — | £5,100 | £11,730 |
February 2024 | — | £5,100 | £11,730 |
October 2024 | — | TBC | TBC |
February 2025 | — | TBC | TBC |
International students can benefit from a range of scholarships and bursaries across many undergraduate and postgraduate programmes. |
Find out more |
Music and Sound at University of Gloucestershire is part of UK Music’s Music Academic Partnership and the Music Managers Forum, giving students exclusive and extensive access to a range of music industry events and professional development opportunities.
Our School of Creative Industries runs annual research events such as the Equal Platforms symposium and the Women, Ageing and Media summer school. Plus there are regular seminars and lectures throughout the academic year, which are open to postgraduate students from across the university.