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PhD/MA by Research Music Performance Practice

The postgraduate research programmes in Music Performance Practice at University of Birmingham are a unique opportunity for performers of proven ability to develop their work on historically-informed performances of western art music.

Quick Facts

  
Duration: 1 year (MA by Research)
3 years (PhD)
Starting in: January, September
Tuition Fee: £20,820 full-time
£10,410 per year part-time (distance learning only)
Location: Birmingham, United Kingdom / Online

By taking the Music Performance Practice programme at University of Birmingham, you will be assessed by performance supported by written work, which demonstrates a high level of ability in presenting, and reasoning from, historical evidence relating to performance practice.

The Department of Music offers two options for postgraduate research, whether you are looking to complete your academic studies with a PhD or to pursue Masters-level research following an undergraduate degree a related field.

The MA by Research in Performance Practice is examined by:

  • A thesis of c.20,000 words
  • A performance not exceeding 45 minutes actual performance time (30-35 minutes for wind and brass players) which illustrates, at least in part, ideas raised in the thesis
  • A written programme note for, and detailed critical commentary on, the performance

The PhD in Performance Practice is examined in two stages. At the end of Year 2, you will give a live ‘Minor Performance’ of 30 minutes, together with a written programme note for, and critical commentary on, the performance. This performance is examined by two internal examiners and is followed immediately by a short viva focusing on issues of performance. You may be advised by the examiners not to proceed to the PhD in Performance Practice, but rather to transfer to a Musicology PhD.

A summary of our key research areas, and staff working within those, can be found below:

  • Musical Composition
  • Musical Performance Practice
  • Musicology

“The transition from undergrad to postgrad can be a big step up in terms of workload and what is expected of you, but there is so much support available to you as a postgrad student, from academic writing support (if you’ve been out of education for a few years or just want a bit of extra help) to mental health and wellbeing services. The careers support is fantastic – the uni puts on employer fairs throughout the year and you have access to one on one support from the Careers Network team, who can help you develop your skills ready for your next step!”

Emma Sutton // PhD Psychology

Careers

Birmingham’s Music postgraduates work in a wide range of careers within and beyond the music world. A postgraduate degree in Music develops a broad base of skills including general skills such as communication, problem solving and research, and also specific skills developed by practice and performance such as self-management, team work and presentation.

Over the past 5 years, 75% of Music postgraduates were in work and/or further study 6 months after graduation (DLHE 2012 – 2017). While some graduates pursue music-related careers, or go on to teaching and lecturing roles, others choose to use their transferable skills to follow career paths in fields including teaching, social care and publishing.

Requirements

Applications for the PhD programme need to be supported by a piece of academic writing of c3,000 words, as well as a recital comprising a diverse programme, relevant to your intended course, of c.30 mins. in duration. This can be provided via YouTube, Youku or DropBox.

In contrast, for the Masters by Research, applicants need to supply a writing sample of at least 1,500 words, in addition to a bibliography and notes, as well as a 20-min. recital.

Our requirements for postgraduate research are dependent on the type of programme you are applying for:

  • For the MA by Research programme, entry usually requires a good (normally a 2:1 or above) Honours degree in Music or a related subject, or an equivalent qualification if you were educated outside the UK.
  • If you are applying for a PhD then you will usually also need to hold a good Masters qualification in Music or a related subject.

Learn more