Music

The Department of Music has research strengths in composition (instrumental, vocal and electroacoustic), historical musicology and editing (medieval music, music and place, twentieth-century music, contemporary Scottish music and aesthetics), computational musicology (analysis), sonic arts and sound studies. Composers, musicologists and performers within the department have a track record in collaborating in the organisation of events that bring normally disparate research communities together.

Staff at Aberdeen are internationally renowned in their chosen fields and have books, editions and articles published in many of the major journals and publishing houses and are regular contributors to international conferences. Their compositions are performed throughout the world and are recorded and broadcast on many radio and TV stations and they have received commissions from such groups as the BBC and Carnegie Hall, New York City.

At Aberdeen postgraduate candidates can study at masters level (MMUS by research; MMUS – six pathways: composition, musicology, performance, sonic arts, community music, education; or the MPhil in composition or musicology), and at doctoral level (PhD) in composition or musicology.

Approaches from applicants who wish to undertake their studies as Distance Learners will be considered, subject to discussion with an appropriate supervisor.

Please note that part-time study is not available for resident international students. The PhD may be conducted, full-time or part-time, by distance learning, which carries no residency requirement.

The PhD at the University of Aberdeen is a research degree. Research degrees are defined by the student’s own research proposal, on which the student will write a thesis. Research students read on their own research topic and work closely with their supervisors to define their research and write a thesis. They also attend regular research seminars, are provided with opportunities to attend conferences and for some postgraduates, there are opportunities to gain undergraduate teaching experience.

There are many opportunities at the University of Aberdeen to develop your knowledge, gain experience and build a competitive set of skills to enhance your employability. This is essential for your future career success. The Careers and Employability Service can help you to plan your career and support your choices throughout your time with us, from first to final year – and beyond.