Musicology PhD

This scheme is suitable for graduates in music, especially in the fields of historical musicology, music aesthetics, theory and analysis.

It aims to offer knowledge and expertise for a career in higher education and writing about music.

We offer a wide range of expertise, with particular strength in the following areas:

• Critical Musicology: Aesthetics and Philosophy of Music, especially in modern times.
• Ethnomusicology: African (including African diaspora); Celtic and Islamic regions, especially from an anthropological perspective; other areas may be considered.
• Historical Musicology: Contemporary British Music, Music and Musical Life in Vienna 1750-1830, Music and Aesthetic Debate in the C18th, Opera in France in the C19th, Music and Society in C19th Britain, Performance Practice, Popular Music, Post-war French Music. Other areas may be considered.

These areas are cross-fertilised by other staff specialisms which include:

• Biographical studies
• Historiography of music
• Performance practice and organology
• Sketch and source studies
• Music and politics
• Popular culture and aesthetics
• Analytical and theoretical perspectives

Distinctive features

Research students are given an allowance to help support attending conferences, obtaining research materials, recording performances of their music, or conducting relevant research away from Cardiff.

Refurbished facilities for music postgraduates including a suite of dedicated computer and study rooms, hi-fi facilities and electronic piano, a kitchen and a common room.

Depending on individual suitability (e.g. language proficiency) and research interests, postgraduates may elect to take a period of study abroad at one of many affiliated European University Music Schools.