Postgraduate research students may work towards the degrees of MPhil or PhD in a range of topics that match or are allied to the research areas of academic staff, including

• historical and contemporary studies of musical texts, contexts and performance;
• interdisciplinary themes in music research, including film and literature;
• the social and cultural study of music.

Each student is supported by at least two supervisors, as well as a programme of university-wide training in research skills. OU students benefit from the flexible approach to learning offered by the University, which also allows them to receive supervision from staff working in different faculties. In addition, they have opportunities to participate in a lively research culture and to contribute to regular seminar programmes, conferences and workshops.

Further information on PhD study can be found in the Research Degrees prospectus.

How to apply

Funded study

We accept applications for funded doctoral study each year; the deadline falls in early January. Applicants are initially assessed for a place on the Music PhD programme; successful applications are then forwarded to internal and external panels that consider them for AHRC studentships. Here is the guidance on how to apply.

Applicants for research degrees usually hold a good undergraduate degree in music as well as an MA in the subject (although a number of our students have come to doctoral study by other educational routes).

We encourage applicants to send us, at least a month before the January deadline, a draft research proposal following the guidelines in the studentship posting. The draft will enable us to assess your topic and approach, provide you with feedback, and let you know whether we have the specialist staff to form a supervisory team for your project. It often takes a significant amount of time and effort to put together a strong PhD proposal, so we encourage you to send your draft early.

Please send draft proposals and questions to FASS-Music-Enquiries@open.ac.uk.

Self-funded study

We also accept applications for self-funded study outside of the studentship process, with applications due in early January (for study starting the following October) and at the end of August (for study beginning the following February). 

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

Please send draft proposals and questions to FASS-Music-Enquiries@open.ac.uk.

Photo credit: By Chas, H. Prince, Alderley Edge - https://www.flickr.com/photos/27718315@N02/6257242061, CC BY-SA 2.0, Link