FAQs

We've curated the most frequently asked questions about applying and studying for a PhD in Music. If your question isn’t answered here, feel free to contact us at [email protected] with your questions

What are the entry requirements for the PhD Programme?

Most successful applicants to the PhD programme have a Masters degree in Music or a related discipline, and/or a first class Music degree with a substantial original-source dissertation. However, applicants can still be considered provided they demonstrate sufficient aptitude to the level required.

Is there a residency requirement?

We welcome applications from students all over the world. The Music Department offers PhD study by distance learning; residency in the UK and within a certain distance of Milton Keynes is not required on the distance learning programme.

Distance learning is not available to students in the following locations: Belarus, Crimea region/Sevastopol, Cuba, Iran, North Korea, Russia, and Syria.

Overseas applicants should check whether distance learning degrees are recognised in their location, as some countries do not recognise the validity of a PhD by distance learning.

If applying for a funded PhD opportunity, it is important to check the residency requirements of the funding scheme. Some funding bodies, such as the ESRC or AHRC, may require students to reside in the UK.

Find out more information on support for overseas students.

How much does it cost?

Current tuition fees for the PhD programme can be found from OU Research Degrees website.

Full-time PhD students are entitled to an annual research budget of £1000 (£500 for part-time students), which can be used to travel to conferences or to archives, for example.

What funding options do you have?

For funded PhD opportunities, see the Fees and Studentships page in our Research Prospectus.

How long does it take to do a PhD? And can I study part time?

You have the option of studying full time or part time. Full-time students generally complete their PhD in three to four years, while part-time students typically complete within six years.

Which areas of Music does the OU supervise?

The department has a broad range of expertise, and we are able to support many diverse research projects. We do have specific expertise in a number of areas, however, as reflected on our Research page.

We have finite capacity for taking on new PhD students, which means that even if a member of the department has suitable expertise in a given area, they may not necessarily be able to take on a new PhD student in a given year.

What is the first year of the PhD programme like?

When you first enrol for your PhD, you will technically be an MPhil student. During your first year, you will have the opportunity to attend induction and training sessions organised by the Graduate School Network and by the Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences.

During your first year, much of your research will focus on producing a literature review, which will allow you to master the secondary literature related to your chosen topic.

Towards the end of your first year of full-time study, or your second year of part-time study, you will submit your literature review along with some other work for your upgrade to the full PhD programme. For your upgrade, a panel of two OU academics will look at the work you’ve completed so far and your plans for the years ahead.

In the first year of the PhD programme, you can also be offered a mentor; a more advanced PhD student in a different discipline within the Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences. Your mentor is there to help you with the transition to life as a PhD student.

Would I be able to join a research group as a PhD student?

Yes. Members of the department currently operate several research groups, in collaboration with members of other disciplines. PhD students are encouraged to participate in the activities of the research groups, where they can present their research, listen to invited speakers, and meet other leading academics in their field.

The Music School hosts the Music and Sound Research Hub, and hosts or collaborates with the following research groups:
Health and the Arts Research Group
Creative Interactions Research Group
Film and Media Research Group
Digital Humanities Group
Acoustics Research Group
Literature and Music Research Group
Medieval and Early Modern Research Group
The Music Computing Lab

Can I be co-supervised by members of two different Disciplines?

Yes. The OU fosters interdisciplinary research, and we often organise a supervisory team with academics from two different disciplines.

What careers do graduates go on to pursue?

Graduates of our PhD programme thrive in a wide range of different sectors. Many of our graduates teach in universities across the UK and overseas, while others have pursued careers in the media, the heritage sector, the civil service, or in private and voluntary organisations.

Are there different application deadlines for funded and self-funded students?

For funded PhD opportunities, see the Fees and Studentships page in our Research Prospectus.

The deadline for self-funded applicants is noon on 31 March 2026 (for study starting the following October).

We encourage potential applicants to send us a draft research proposal at least two months before the deadline, following the guidelines here.

Do you offer an MPhil in Music?

Yes. Students do have the option of pursuing an MPhil rather than a PhD. An MPhil requires research students to produce a thesis of 60,000 words (rather than 100,000 for the PhD) and it is typically completed in 15 months (full-time). The application procedure is the same for the MPhil and for the PhD.

Unfortunately, there is no funding available to study for an MPhil.

Who should I ask to be my referees for my PhD application?

You are required to provide the names and contact details of two referees in support of your application. Both referees should be individuals who can confirm that you have the skills required to successfully complete a PhD. At least one of the referees should be an academic - for example, the person who supervised your Masters dissertation. The other referee can also be an academic, or an employer who can confirm that you possess the necessary skills to undertake postgraduate research.

Do I need to submit a research proposal as part of my application?

Yes, a research proposal is a vital part of any application. Any application submitted without a research proposal will be rejected as incomplete. You should work on your research proposal with your proposed supervisor. Typically, the research proposal will include the background and rationale for your proposed study and a brief overview of the current literature on your topic, the research aims and objectives, your proposed methods, and the potential impact/contribution of your study.

Who can apply for a PhD in Music?

We welcome and encourage applications from applicants from all backgrounds, regardless of race, sex, gender, sexual orientation, religion, or ability. We have a strong record of supporting students with a range of disabilities to successful completion of PhDs. If you have any questions at all about how we can accommodate your study, please get in touch with us.