Master of Philosophy (MPhil)

~2 to 3 Years. This is a research degree course during which you will study in a specialised area under individual supervision. Topics are arranged by negotiation with academic staff, in their areas of expertise. MPhil study involves a well-structured programme of research culminating in a thesis, although this is not expected to reach the level of originality required for a PhD degree. Most PhD students initially register for MPhil and progress to PhD status if their research shows sufficient promise after the first year.

Most research students will be registered in the first instance for the MPhil degree. Your research may then take two possible routes: either (a) completion of the MPhil degree, or (b) transfer to PhD registration (normally between the first and second anniversaries of full time study).

You may register either with the intention of submitting an MPhil thesis, or with the intention of progressing to PhD status. An MPhil thesis is expected to embody the results of a well-designed research programme or consist of an ordered and critical exposition of existing knowledge in a well-defined field. A typical length for such a thesis would be around 45,000 words, but this is only an approximate guideline.

Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)

~3 to 5 Years. PhD courses involve original research work or composition conducted under individual supervision, as for MPhil. Areas of research specialisation in the Department are illustrated in the linked material. The research culminates in a substantial thesis which is expected to make a distinct contribution to knowledge in the field concerned, or in a composition folio which includes accompanying written work.

A PhD thesis (typical length of around 80,000 to 100,000 words, depending on the nature of the work concerned) is expected to form a distinct contribution to the current knowledge of the subject. It should also show evidence of a systematic study of the subject, originality shown by the exercise of independent critical power and should be worthy of publication in complete and abridged form.

Those undertaking a PhD by Composition will be expected to submit a composition folio in place of a thesis, consisting of a folio of original compositions, a recording of part of this folio, concise programme notes for each item, an analysis of each item, and either an extended analysis of an established work by another composer or a dissertation on an aspect of contemporary theory.

Those undertaking a PhD by Performance will be expected to undertake a planned programme of performances in place of a thesis, some of which will be recorded, and to produce extensive programme notes for each item, in addition to either an extended dissertation addressing relevant issues of performance, or (if relevant) a performing edition of the repertoire used, together with a dissertation addressing performance and/or aesthetic issues.