Music Performance Practice PhD/MA by Research

Uniquely, we offer degrees in performance practice at MA by Research and PhD levels, which allows performers of a proven ability to develop their work on historically-informed performances of western art music. The programmes are assessed by performance supported by written work which demonstrates a high level of ability in presenting, and reasoning from, historical evidence relating to performance practice.

Course fact file

Type of Course: Doctoral research

Study Options: Full time

Duration: PhD - 3 years full-time; MA by Research - 1 year full-time

Start date: September 2013

Contact

Admissions Tutor: Dr Matthew Riley

If you complete our contact form we will respond to your enquiry within two business days.

Alternatively, you can contact us on +44 (0)121 414 5767 or by email: music-phd@contacts.bham.ac.uk

Details

The MA by Research in Performance Practice is examined by:

  • a thesis of c.20,000 words
  • a performance not exceeding 45 minutes actual performance time (30-35 minutes for wind and brass players) which illustrates, at least in part, ideas raised in the thesis
  • a written programme note for, and detailed critical commentary on, the performance.

The PhD in Performance Practice is examined in two stages. At the end of Year 2, you will give a live ‘Minor Performance’ of 30 minutes, together with a written programme note for, and critical commentary on, the performance.  This performance is examined by two internal examiners and is followed immediately by a short viva focusing on issues of performance. You may be advised by the examiners not to proceed to the PhD in Performance Practice, but rather to transfer to a Musicology PhD.

At the end of Year 3, you will be examined by:

  • a thesis of c.60,000 words
  •  a ‘Major’ performance of one hour’s actual performance time (40-50 minutes for wind and brass players),
  •  a written programme note for, and detailed critical commentary on, the performance.

Note, the performance will be given as a standard live recital, of which a recording will be made and a copy on CD submitted with the library copy of the thesis. The recital element will be examined by three examiners (one external and two internal).

Fees and funding

We charge an annual fee. Fees for 2013/14 are currently as follows:

  • Home / EU: full-time - £3,900; part-time - £1,950
  • Overseas: full-time - £12,140

Learn more about fees and funding.

Scholarships and studentships

Scholarships to cover fees and/or maintenance costs may be available.
For further information, visit the College of Arts and Law scholarships page or email financialsupport@bham.ac.uk

International students can often gain funding through overseas research scholarships, Commonwealth scholarships or their home government.

 

Entry requirements

Learn more about entry requirements

International students

Academic requirements

We accept a range of qualifications, our country pages show you what qualifications we accept from your country.

English language requirements

You can satisfy our English language requirements in two ways:

How to apply

Learn more about applying

When clicking on the Apply Now button you will be directed to an application specifically designed for the programme you wish to apply for where you will create an account with the University application system and submit your application and supporting documents online. Further information regarding how to apply online can be found on the How to apply pages

Apply now

Contact

Admissions Tutor: Dr Matthew Riley

If you complete our contact form we will respond to your enquiry within two business days.

Alternatively, you can contact us on +44 (0)121 414 5767 or by email: music-phd@contacts.bham.ac.uk

Research interests of staff

  • Singers and singing; gender and sexuality; performance; early modern period.
    Contact: Dr Amy Brosius
    Email: a.brosius@bham.ac.uk
  • Fifteenth and sixteenth centuries; violin performance; conducting.
    Contact: Dr Andrew Kirkman
    Email: a.kirkman@bham.ac.uk
  • Early music performance practice.
    Contact: Dr Mary O'Neill
    Tel: +44 (0)121 414 5792
    Email: m.j.i.oneill@bham.ac.uk

Contact

Admissions Tutor: Dr Matthew Riley

If you complete our contact form we will respond to your enquiry within two business days.

Alternatively, you can contact us on +44 (0)121 414 5767 or by email: music-phd@contacts.bham.ac.uk

Employability

The University of Birmingham has been ranked 9th in the UK and 55th in the world, for post-qualification employability in a global survey of universities commissioned by the International Herald Tribune.

Your degree will provide excellent preparation for employment and this will be further enhanced by the employability skills training offered through the College of Arts and Law Graduate School.

Music postgraduates develop a broad base of skills including general skills such as communication, problem solving and research, and also specific skills developed by practice and performance such as self-management, team work and presentation. A snapshot of graduate destinations over a five-year period has identified a variety of career paths from being a music tutor or a singing teacher to becoming a business analyst or advertising executive. Over the last five years, we are proud that 100 per cent of our Music students have been in employment or further study within six months of graduating.

Contact

Admissions Tutor: Dr Matthew Riley

If you complete our contact form we will respond to your enquiry within two business days.

Alternatively, you can contact us on +44 (0)121 414 5767 or by email: music-phd@contacts.bham.ac.uk