PhD Musical Composition

Program Overview

This program culminates in a diverse portfolio of original compositions, demonstrating your proficiency and potential for professional success in the music industry and beyond.

Program Outline

Degree Overview:

• Objectives: The PhD in Musical Composition aims to cultivate your skills as you explore a dynamic musical landscape that blends tradition and innovation, integrating instruments with cutting-edge technology.
• Description: This program allows you to create musical and sonic artworks using electroacoustics and computer technology, traditional (and non-traditional) instrumental and vocal composition, or a combination of these elements.
Projects involving interactive systems, multimedia, and sound installations are welcomed, and you are encouraged to discover your unique artistic path.

Assessment:

• PhD: The program culminates in the submission of a substantial portfolio of compositions (approximately 90 minutes in duration).
This portfolio should demonstrate a diverse range of genres and resources, be original, and meet the examiners' standards for professional performance and publication.
• MA by Research: The portfolio for this program should have a total duration of 30 to 60 minutes, depending on the nature and size of the forces used, and must be agreed upon with the supervisor.
It is possible to upgrade from an MA by Research to a PhD.

Teaching:

• Departmental Training Program: Both the PhD and MA by Research require participation in a Departmental training program.
• BEAST (Birmingham ElectroAcoustic Sound Theatre): Students have access to the internationally recognized BEAST system, arguably the best of its kind in the world.
BEAST presents student works in concerts with up to 100 loudspeakers in Birmingham and, when possible, abroad (e.g., Berlin, Copenhagen, Basel).
• Workshops and Visiting Performers: The Department of Music hosts a variety of ensembles and activities that offer workshop and performance opportunities for postgraduate students.
• College of Arts and Law Careers Team: This dedicated team offers tailored advice and a program of College-specific careers events.
• Postgraduate Employability in Music: Birmingham's Music postgraduates work in a wide range of careers within and beyond the music world.
A postgraduate degree in Music develops a broad base of skills, including general skills such as communication, problem-solving, and research, as well as specific skills developed through practice and performance, such as self-management, teamwork, and presentation.

Other:

• Facilities: The facilities at the Birmingham ElectroAcoustic Sound Theatre (BEAST) are some of the best in the UK.
• Supervisors: Supervisors provide students with the freedom to explore their research portfolios creatively.
• Department Events and Teaching: There are regular opportunities for students to get involved in department events and teaching.
• Scholarship Opportunities: The Department offers generous scholarship funding to cover fees and/or maintenance costs for students who meet the appropriate attainment criteria.

UK: £4,786 full-time; £2,393 part-time International: £21,840 full-time; £10,920 part-time (distance learning only) 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. The fees quoted are for one year only; for those studying over two or more years, tuition fees will also be payable in subsequent years of your programme.