Musicology PhD / MPhil

We welcome proposals for postgraduate research.

We offer expert supervision, superb facilities and a lively and the sort of engaging research culture you would expect in a Russell Group university.

There are also many opportunities to perform both:

• individually and in ensembles
• within the University and as part of Nottingham's music scene.

More information

For more information about what it's like to study and research with us see the Department of Music website.

Research areas

We have particular strengths organised into four core areas.

Music, Space and Place

Example areas of research include:

• Medieval and renaissance cities
• 18th-century Italy
• 19th-century London, Paris and Weimar
• 20th-century Amsterdam
• Vietnam
• East and Southeast Asia
• Digital media in revealing and preserving musical heritage

Music-Text-Image

Example areas of research include:

• Opera
• Film and TV
• Music and visual cultures
• Pervasive media
• Manuscripts
• Music and alabasters
• Technologies

Musical creativity and community

Example areas of research include:

• Jazz
• Popular music in the Far East
• 18th-century pedagogy
• Musical networks
• Contemporary performance practice
• Performance with new technologies
• Music and health

Music, politics and identity

Example areas of research include:

• Music and conflict
• Revolution
• Music and minorities
• Composer identity
• Music and social mobility
• Music and democracy
• Music and socialism 
• Ethnicity and nationality 

Find out more about our research themes and projects.

 

All research students have access to:

• dedicated study space
• excellent IT network
• photocopying and printing allowance
• inter-library loan service
• funding for conference and research trips. 

We are housed in modern, purpose-built accommodation adjacent to the Nottingham Lakeside Arts. The excellent practical and technical facilities include:

• a well-stocked, on-site library with listening area, multimedia facilities and an audio-visual archive
• a studio with first-rate equipment for electronic composition and sound recording
• a PC lab giving access to word-processing and music-notation software
• practice rooms with new pianos
• a varied collection of orchestral and early instruments
• large purpose-built rehearsal hall.

Djanogly Recital Hall 

This has recently been acclaimed as one of the country's top 10 venues for chamber music, where performances of all kinds take place, including a regular series of professional concerts, public recitals by students, and concerts including student compositions.

Find out more about our facilities.

Performance opportunities

There are numerous opportunities to get involved in performing for both players and singers.

• University-wide orchestra and choir
• Over 20 dedicated ensembles covering all types of music
• A lively and wide-ranging musical culture in the city of Nottingham.

Find out more about performance opportunities

Nottingham Forum for Artistic Research (NottFAR)

NottFAR features performances and composers from our staff and high profile guests from around the UK and abroad. Performances take part both on-campus and at major venues in Nottingham such as the  Royal Concert Hall and St Peter’s church. Research students are encouraged to be involved both in performance and support roles.

Centre for Music on Stage and Screen (MOSS)

Promotes the interaction of history, theory and practice in the study of opera, ballet, melodrama, film, video and other multi-media performance genres. It encourages multi-disciplinary and inter-institutional collaboration through a developing programme of academic and practical research activities. 

Graduate School

The Graduate School supports all postgraduates and early career researchers at the University, with dedicated study spaces, training courses and placement opportunities.

The department's lively research culture includes regular research seminars, colloquia and conferences which offer the chance to hear visiting scholars from elsewhere in the UK and from overseas.

Research in progress sessions offer opportunities for staff and postgraduates to present their developing work in a friendly and constructive environment. These occasions also allow you to broaden your knowledge of the subject and gain a better sense of how research develops as part of an interactive process.

AHRC Doctoral Award-holders will complete a portfolio of research training provision, to be devised in consultation with their supervisor and the Head of Postgraduate Studies.

You can also access the faculty-wide Mastering the Arts: Interdisciplinary Approaches to Research module. This gives you a strong foundation in the skills and techniques necessary for effective research. 

Find out more about our postgraduate support and community.

Student services

The University provides a range of support and information to enhance your student experience.

You will have access to:

• academic and disability support
• childcare services
• counselling service
• financial support
• visa and immigration advice
• welfare support

English language courses

Our Centre for English Language Education offers presessional English courses to help develop your English and study skills.

The centre is accredited by the British Council for the teaching of English in the UK, so you can be sure that the teaching and facilities are high-quality. You can also access free English language support alongside your academic course.

Students’ Union

University of Nottingham Students’ Union represents all students. You can join the Postgraduate Students’ Network or speak to the dedicated Postgraduate Officer.

There are also a range of support networks, including groups for:

• international students
• black and minority ethnic students
• women
• students with disabilities
• LGBT+ students

SU Advice provides free, independent and confidential advice on issues such as accommodation, financial and academic difficulties.

Researcher training and development

The Graduate School training and development programme empowers postgraduate students and early career research staff to develop the skills required in their research and future careers.

You will have two supervisors who will offer expert guidance, support and feedback throughout your research.

We encourage you to get in touch with a member of academic staff about your research proposal before submitting an application. They may be able to help you with your proposal and offer support to find funding opportunities in your area. 

The primary research specialisms of our academics can be found on the Department of Music website.

Careers

Average starting salary and career progression

For postgraduates from the School of Humanities, six months after graduation:

• 97.9% were in employment or further study
• the highest salary was £36,000
• the average salary was £20,500.

Source: known destinations and salary data for full-time, home, postgraduates extracted from the Destination of Leavers from Higher Education Survey 2016/17.

Careers support and advice

Whether you are considering a career within or outside academia, we’re here to support you every step of the way.

You can access our Careers and Employability Service during your studies and after you graduate.

Expert staff will work with you to explore PhD career options and apply for vacancies, develop your interview skills and meet employers. You can book a one-to-one appointment, take an online course or attend a workshop.