I’ve always tried to contribute different ways of doing things. My PhD continues with that.
Surrey is a respected authority in sound technology and musical research. Thanks to our renowned expertise in musicology and composition, and the prestige of the Institute of Sound Recording, we can count many household names in entertainment, audio technology and the recording industry among our partners and collaborators.
Research in music and sound takes place within the School of Arts, which brings together a broad range of interconnected subject areas, including dance, digital arts, film, music, theatre and sound recording.
The School is highly collegiate, with a close-knit and supportive academic environment. It is home to the Institute of Sound Recording, one of the world’s leading centres for research in psychoacoustic engineering and sound perception.
Our musical research and composition achieves wide international circulation through established scholarly channels and broadcast media. We are principal organisers of the Guildford International Music Festival.
Facilities include industry-specification sound-recording studios, music-practice rooms and venues for concert performance and musical theatre.
Our research degrees prepare you for success at each stage of your PhD project development. The structure is designed to provide intensive graduate preparation for a future career and is suitable for either part-time or full-time candidates.
Completion of the programme entails submission of a thesis, the submission of practice if undertaking a practice-based PhD, and an oral viva with external examiners.
PhD students in all programmes in the School of Arts can expect three levels of research training:
Academic members of staff within the School of Arts are well known internationally for their exceptionally strong research profile. We have a strong record of graduate completions.
Key research areas include:
As a member of the TECHNE Doctoral Training Partnership, our highest quality students may be eligible to apply for Arts and Humanities Research Council (AHRC) studentships (stipend and fee waiver).
Faculty studentships are also available for top-quality students, covering tuition fees at the Home/EU rate and maintenance at current research-council rates for full-time or part-time study. Please see the Faculty studentships webpage for further information.
Before you submit your formal application form, please take a look at our list of School of Arts PhD supervisors.
Once you have found an appropriate supervisor, please make contact with them to discuss your proposal. You should then proceed to completing and submitting your formal application form.
Before completing your application, please get in touch with the relevant department to discuss your proposed area of research – see below for contact details.
PhD
October, January, April, July
Entry is on the basis of a good honours degree and usually an MA in a relevant arts subject or appropriate professional experience. Candidates submitting proposals that include practice-based research will be required to evidence appropriate experience and expertise.
View entry requirements by country
Non-native speakers of English will normally be required to have IELTS 6.5 or above (or equivalent) with 6.0 in each individual category.
We offer intensive English language pre-sessional courses, designed to take you to the level of English ability and skill required for your studies here.
| Study mode | UK/EU fees | Overseas fees |
|---|---|---|
| Full-time | £4195 | £16,000 |
| Part-time | £2100 | £8,000 |
Please note these fees are for the academic year 2017/18 only. All fees are subject to annual review.
Overseas students applying for 2017 entry should please note that annual fees will rise by four per cent (rounded up to the nearest £100) for each year of study.
Our Doctoral College supports researcher excellence and employability across the doctoral and early career stages of the researcher journey.
Surrey’s postgraduate research code of practice sets out the University's policy and procedural framework relating to research degrees.
The code defines a set of standard procedures and specific responsibilities covering the academic supervision, administration and assessment of research degrees for all faculties within the University.
Download the code of practice for research degrees (PDF).
Senior Lecturer in Audio (IoSR)
Professor of Theatre and Performance
Senior Lecturer, National Teaching Fellow, Director of Learning & Teaching for the School of Arts
Lecturer in Music, Director of Postgraduate Research
Reader in Music
Director of Research for Department of Music & Media
Deputy Head of School, Head of Department of Music & Media
The Department of Music and Media runs a variety of musical ensembles including an orchestra, choir and chamber choir. You could also join one of the Students' Union arts societies such as the musical theatre society, big band or gospel choir.
"I’ve always tried to contribute different ways of doing things. My PhD continues with that."
The University of Surrey is particularly well blessed for music and sound-recording facilities, including studios, rehearsal spaces and several venues for public performances.
