Music Composition PhD

University of Nottingham

United Kingdom, Nottingham

University RankQS Ranking

109

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University of Nottingham

United Kingdom , Nottingham

Key Facts

Program Level

PhD (Philosophy Doctorate)

Study Type

Full Time

Delivery

On Campus

Campuses

Main Site

Program Language

English

Start & Deadlines

Next Intake DeadlinesOctober-2026

Apply to this program

Go to the official application for the university

Duration 4 year(s)

Tuition Fee

GBP 25,750 / year(s)

Next Intake October-2026

Music Composition PhD

About

Research overview

A superb opportunity to develop your own portfolio of compositions in a professional and supportive environment. We welcome a broad range of styles and approaches.

There are many opportunities to perform your own work, or have them played and recorded by others, both within the University and the wider city.

Research areas

We have particular strengths in four core areas.

Music, space and place

Music and musical culture in a specific time and place
Transnational and transcultural exchange
Urban geographies and mobility

Music-text-image

How music interacts with other art forms
Applying and developing methodologies from other disciplines

Musical creativity and community

Musical creativity
Development of communities and networks

Music, politics and identity

How music has contributed to local, national and international political change
How music shapes individual identities

Explore all our research themes and projects in detail

Facilities

Housed in a purpose-built building our facilities provide an ideal environment for you to compose and have your compositions recorded and performed.

Your department

Department of Music website
The department was ranked 7th among the Russell Group universities for research outputs in the Research Excellence Framework 2021.
The department offers exceptional research-led teaching, with inspiring facilities for performance, composition, music technology, and musicology. The department benefits currently from a partnership with the BBC Concert Orchestra, through which world-class performance, composition, and production experiences are offered. The Music Department enjoys a close relationship with Lakeside Arts, the University of Nottingham’s public arts programme.

Requirements

Entry Requirements

Entry requirements

All candidates are considered on an individual basis and we accept a broad range of qualifications. The entrance requirements below apply to 2026 entry.

Qualification

PhD

Degree

Masters degree in a relevant subject or equivalent research experience.

If your Masters is in a subject other than music you must demonstrate a suitable level of aptitude.

Portfolio

Provide three scores, with recordings if available. At least one work must be for a large ensemble.

Qualification	PhD
Degree	Masters degree in a relevant subject or equivalent research experience. If your Masters is in a subject other than music you must demonstrate a suitable level of aptitude.
International and EU equivalents	We accept a wide range of qualifications from all over the world. For information on entry requirements from your country, see our country pages.
Portfolio	Provide three scores, with recordings if available. At least one work must be for a large ensemble.
IELTS	7.0 (no less than 6.0 in any element)
English language requirements	As well as IELTS (listed above), we also accept other English language qualifications. This includes TOEFL iBT, Pearson PTE, GCSE, IB and O level English.

Meeting our English language requirements

If you need support to meet the required level, you may be able to attend a presessional English course. Presessional courses teach you academic skills in addition to English language. Our Centre for English Language Education is accredited by the British Council for the teaching of English in the UK.

If you successfully complete your presessional course to the required level, you can then progress to your degree course. This means that you won't need to retake IELTS or equivalent.

For on-campus presessional English courses, you must take IELTS for UKVI to meet visa regulations. For online presessional courses, see our CELE webpages for guidance.

Visa restrictions

International students must have valid UK immigration permissions for any courses or study period where teaching takes place in the UK. Student route visas can be issued for eligible students studying full-time courses. The University of Nottingham does not sponsor a student visa for students studying part-time courses. The Standard Visitor visa route is not appropriate in all cases. Please contact the university’s Visa and Immigration team if you need advice about your visa options.

We recognise that applicants have a variety of experiences and follow different pathways to postgraduate study.

We treat all applicants with alternative qualifications on an individual basis. We may also consider relevant work experience.

If you are unsure whether your qualifications or work experience are relevant, contact us.

English Program Requirements

IELTS: 7.0 (no less than 6.0 in any element) IELTS:

As well as IELTS (listed above), we also accept other English language qualifications.

This includes TOEFL iBT, Pearson PTE, GCSE, IB and O level English.

English language requirements:

As well as IELTS (listed above), we also accept other English language qualifications.

This includes TOEFL iBT, Pearson PTE, GCSE, IB and O level English.

Career

Careers

Whether you are considering a career in academia, industry or haven't yet decided, we’re here to support you every step of the way.

Expert staff will work with you to explore PhD career options and apply for vacancies, develop your interview skills and meet employers. You can book a one-to-one appointment, take an online course or attend a workshop.

International students who complete an eligible degree programme in the UK on a student visa can apply to stay and work in the UK after their course under the Graduate immigration route. Eligible courses at the University of Nottingham include bachelors, masters and research degrees, and PGCE courses.

Our graduates go on to many different careers. Examples include:

Music management
Programme controller
Composer
Civil Service Fast Stream
Marketing
Law
Accountancy
Airline pilot

Our recent PhD students have gone on to academic positions at the following universities:

Cambridge
Edinburgh
Manchester
Nottingham
Pavia (Italy)
Sheffield
Open University
Maastricht

50% of postgraduates from SCHOOL/COURSE NAME secured graduate level employment or further study within 15 months of graduation. The average annual salary for these graduates was £25,000.*

*HESA Graduate Outcomes 2019/20 data published in 2022. The Graduate Outcomes % is derived using The Guardian University Guide methodology. The average annual salary is based on data from graduates who completed a full-time postgraduate degree with home fee status and are working full-time within the UK.

The department enjoys a close relationship with a number of performance venues in the local area, providing opportunities for public engagement and real world experience.