Musical Composition PhD / MA by Research

On this course, you can create musical and sonic artworks using electroacoustics and computer technology, traditional (or not so traditional) instrumental and vocal composition, or a combination of these. We're also excited by projects involving interactive systems, multimedia, and sound installations with a range of music facilities on campus for you to use. 

Course structure

It usually takes three years (full-time) or six years (part-time) to complete a PhD, while the normal length of an MA by Research is either one year (full-time) or two years (part-time).

Our outstanding facilities include:

• the Bramall Music Building which includes a 450-seat concert hall
• Electroacoustic studios
• University Music Hub
• Birmingham ElectroAcoustic Sound Theatre (BEAST), our world-recognised c. 100 loudspeaker immersive electronic music presentation system.

You'll also benefit from our research centres, including the Centre for Electronic Music.

Workshop and performance opportunities

Get involved in our 'Ensemble in Association' workshops with the Birmingham Contemporary Music Group and the New Music Ensemble where postgraduate researchers present their work.

Our series of workshops and research seminars will bring you into contact with internationally leading composers, performers and scholars. In previous years the Fidelio Trio, Bozzini Quartet, and Ligeti Quartet visited campus.

If you're interested in instrumental composition workshops you can expect to get a place at a workshop at least once during your studies.

Most of our postgraduate research-only programmes offer a PhD or Masters by Research option, but some programmes only offer the PhD route. The PhD is taken over three-six years and the Masters by Research over one-two years. We offer flexibility so you can choose the mode of study that works for you - full-time, part-time, or distance learning. 

• There are no formal lectures or seminars in a PhD or MA by Research (if available). Instead, you’ll undertake research under the expert guidance of a primary supervisor, co-supervisor and mentor, supported by complementary research training.
• Your supervisory team will meet with you at regular intervals throughout your programme to offer guidance on how best to approach, implement and report on your research.
• If you take the distance learning option you’ll receive the same level of support and supervision as on-campus students, but with supervisory sessions taking place online. You'll be funded to make one compulsory visit to the University, enabling you to meet your supervisory team, undertake intensive research skills training and make a start on your doctoral studies.
• You’re expected to take full responsibility for your work, developing your own timetable for your research project so you can successfully complete it on time.
• Our series of workshops and research seminars will bring you into contact with internationally leading composers, performers and scholars.

Explore our research themes:

For MRes and MA by Research programmes, we usually require a good (normally a 2:1 or above) Honours degree, or an equivalent qualification if you were educated outside the UK, usually in a relevant area.

If you’re applying for a PhD , you’ll also need to hold a Masters qualification at Merit level or above (or its international equivalent), usually in a relevant area.

Any academic and professional qualifications or relevant professional experience are normally taken into account, and in some cases, form an integral part of the entrance requirements.

If you’re applying for distance learning research programmes, you’ll also need to show that you have the time, commitment, facilities and experience to study by distance learning.

You'll normally need to submit a research proposal. The word count is typically 1,000-1,500 words for Arts programmes and around 2,500 words for Law programmes. See the Application Process section for more information.  

Applicants must submit sample compositional work in the form of scores and/or recordings (as appropriate to specialty). Preferably these would be submitted electronically, using WeTransfer, or similar, or a weblink. However, we can also accept submissions by mail.

English language requirements

If you are an international student, you will need to demonstrate you have a suitable level of English proficiency, usually through the form of an IELTS or equivalent qualification or a Presessional English course.

For this course we require IELTS 6.5 with no less than 6.0 in any band, which is equivalent to:

• TOEFL: 88 overall with no less than 21 in Reading, 20 Listening, 22 Speaking and 21 in Writing
• Pearson Test of English (PTE): Academic 67 with no less than 64 in all four skills
• Cambridge English: C1 Advanced - minimum overall score of 176, with no less than 169 in any component
• LanguageCert ESOL SELT (UKVI): B2 'Communicator' with no less than 33 in each skill

The same fees apply to both campus-based and distance learning study. The distance learning programme also includes one fully-funded visit to campus in the first year of study.

International students applying for part-time study may have to choose our distance learning option, depending on visa status.

* For UK postgraduate research students the University fee level is set at Research Council rates and as such is subject to change each year. The final fee will be announced by Research Councils UK in Spring 2026. 

We charge an annual tuition fee. Fees for 2026 entry are above.

The fees quoted are for one year only. For those studying courses that are longer than one year, tuition fees will also be payable in subsequent years of your programme.

Paying your tuition fees

Tuition fees can either be paid in full or by instalments. You can check whether you are eligible for UK or international fees with our admissions team.

Learn more about postgraduate tuition fees and funding.

Funding options

Apply for a PhD that already has funding attached

These are most common in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Medicine) subjects, but they can sometimes be available for pre-defined research projects in the arts, humanities or social sciences. These may be advertised as fully funded (with fees and a stipend) or competition funded, meaning the projects compete against other projects at each institution.

Self-fund, or search for funding or a studentship

You devise your own PhD topic, find and consult with a potential supervisor, explore funding opportunities, write a research proposal and apply to the relevant programme. Our Postgraduate Scholarships and Funding database lists all available funding.

A limited number of scholarships and studentships may be available to outstanding applicants. For further information, please explore our scholarships and funding database.

Postgraduate Research Funding in the College of Arts and Law

For 2026 entry the College of Arts and Law are offering a range of scholarships for postgraduate research. Available awards include: 

• Arts and Humanities Research Council (AHRC) Landscape Awards - For Home students from a minoritised ethnic background.

• College of Arts and Law Doctoral Scholarships - Fully-funded and partially-funded scholarships for Home and International doctoral research students.

• Wolfson Postgraduate Scholarships in the Humanities - Fully-funded scholarships for doctoral research projects with a focus on History, Literature or Languages.

• Stanley Ray Scholarship - £10,000 scholarship per year for a Home or International postgraduate research student (preference is given to applicants studying English Literature, French, Music or Shakespeare Studies).

• Music Doctoral Scholarships - Open to both Home and International students, these scholarships are of various values for students studying a Music PhD.

• Sir Henry Thomas Scholarship for postgraduate Hispanic Studies - Open to Home and International students covering tuition fees at the Home fee level plus a £15,000 stipend for three years.

The deadline for all research funding is 12:00 GMT on 27 February 2026.

Midlands Graduate School ESRC Doctoral Training Partnership 

For October 2026 entry Midlands Graduate School ESRC Doctoral Training Partnership offers pathways at the University of Birmingham in:

• Applied Linguistics
• Area Studies
• Cross-disciplinary Methodologies and Advanced Data Analysis
• Economic and Social History
• Living in a Digital Society
• Socio-Legal Studies
• Sustainable Development, Net Zero and Climate Resilience 

The deadline for ESRC funding applications is 12:00 GMT on 13 January 2026.

Music Doctoral Scholarships

The College of Arts and Law offers Music scholarships of varying amounts to students on one of the three PhD Music programmes.  

Applications should be submitted through the Arts and Humanities Research Council funding website.

The deadline for AHRC funding applications is 12:00 GMT on 13 January 2025. 

When proposing your own research topic you’ll need to make sure the department offers the necessary expertise. We ask that you identify an appropriate supervisor and contact them before you submit your application.

If there is a good fit between your proposed research and our research strengths, we’ll be able to give you advice on a draft of your research proposal before you make a formal application.

When contacting a member of our staff, it would be helpful to include the following:

• A draft research proposal or a summary of your research ideas
• Details of university-level qualifications and any relevant professional experience
• Details on how you propose to fund your research

Please contact only one member of staff in the first instance. 

Applicants must submit sample compositional work in the form of scores and/or recordings (as appropriate to specialty). Preferably these would be submitted electronically, using WeTransfer, or similar, or a weblink. However, we can also accept submissions by mail.

Find a supervisor

View our list of staff working in the musical composition research area below.

• Musical Composition

Research proposal

The research proposal is a key part of your application, so take your time. Your potential supervisors will use it to decide if your research is something they can support.

Your proposal should be a clear and concise summary of your research. It generally consists of an outline of your proposed research project, including your main research questions and the methods you intend to use.

You should also comment on the potential impact and importance of your intended research and on how your work would interact with current trends in your academic field. It should illustrate the relevance of your topic to the research interests and expertise of the staff within your chosen department. 

The word count is typically 1,000-1,500 words for Arts programmes and around 2,500 words for Law programmes. 

Submitting your application 

If you are submitting your own research proposal, applications are accepted all year round. However, if you wish to start in September, we would encourage you to apply by 1 June. Whilst you are still welcome to apply after this date, it is important to allow time for us to review your application.

If you are seeking funding, please be aware that the majority of funding opportunities have deadlines in early spring so we would encourage you to apply as early as possible.

We have put together some helpful information on the research programme application process and supporting documents on our how to apply page. Please read this information carefully before completing your application.

If the programme has a Distance learning option then students will usually attend a residential visit in September or January, and those students wishing to attend the September residential are also encouraged to apply by 1 June 2026. The visit will take place at the end of September/beginning of October and you will receive further details once you have accepted your offer.

If you experience any difficulties with the application process and contacting potential supervisors, please contact us via the "Ask us a question" form.

When you're ready, return to this page and begin your application by clicking APPLY NOW

Careers Network

At Birmingham, we prepare our researchers to make an impact across every sector of society. Our PhD graduates are global change-makers: advancing knowledge, shaping policy, leading industries, and educating future generations.

You'll benefit from dedicated careers support tailored to your unique paths. Our expert team of Careers Advisers, including a dedicated postgraduate research adviser, offer one-to-one guidance to help researchers navigate career decisions both within and beyond academia.

Whatever you plan to do after your degree, the Careers Network offers a range of events and support services including networking opportunities, career coaching, one to one guidance, careers fairs and links with leading graduate recruiters.

We also offer subject specific careers consultants and a dedicated careers website for international students.

Our bustling campus with its beautiful grounds, friendly community and excellent facilities will quickly make you feel at home. We offer you a huge variety of accommodation options in the UK’s second city, exciting activities to get involved in outside your studies, as well as all the support and advice you need.