Postgraduate Research
All three areas of postgraduate research - Musicology (including Ethnomusicology), Performance and Composition - lead towards the degree of PhD, although each has a different mode of delivery (see below). PhD programmes may be pursued full-time or part-time.
Students are encouraged to register their topics as soon as practicable on the web site of the Royal Musical Association. It is a useful way of booking the topic and becoming aware of students in other universities working on similar or cognate subjects.
For details of recently completed doctorates at the School of Music in Cardiff, please follow the link to Publications in this section.
Further details on each PhD programme are given in the School of Music's Postgraduate Handbook for current students. If you would like us to send you a copy, please contact the office. You may also contact the Postgraduate Admissions Tutor, Professor Rachel Cowgill, or the relevant Programme Director named below.
You can also find out more about our academic staff and their research interests on our Academic Supervisors pages.
Current funding opportunities
Home/EU students
International students
PhD in Composition
Programme Director: Dr Arlene Sierra
Candidates for this scheme are required to submit a substantial portfolio of original compositions written specifically for the degree, including at least one large-scale work, together with a written commentary of approximately 10,000 words.
They are encouraged to avail themselves of regular workshop opportunities with professional performers including the resident Carducci Quartet, as well as performance opportunities with the Cardiff Contemporary Music Group.
The weekly Composition Seminar allows for in-depth exploration of new and recent repertoire, including classes with guest composers and Distinguished Visiting Professor Judith Weir.
PhD in Musicology
Programme Director: Dr Ken Gloag
The text of a PhD thesis should not normally exceed 80,000 words (excluding bibliographies and appendices).
PhD in Performance
Programme Director: Prof. Robin Stowell
Requirements for the Performance programme include the presentation of a public recital of a varied programme of approximately 90 minutes' duration and the submission of either (a) a dissertation (of 40,000 to 50,000 words) on an approved performance or voice/instrument-related subject or (b) an appropriate scholarly edition with commentary.
Current research topics include:
- Dolce and Traverso in the Solo Flute Sonatas of Handel
- Xavier Lefevre's Douze Sonates and their Significance in the Early History of Clarinet Playing