Create a free account to unlock full content!
By registering, you agree to our Privacy Statement and Terms and Conditions.
Program Overview
Overview
SARC: Centre for Interdisciplinary Research in Sound and Music is established as a broad research environment
supporting work in all areas of sound and music. The PhD programme ranges from thesis focused to creative practice portfolio, with options for hybrid models combining practice and theory. Areas of research include: historical and critical musicology, sound studies, composition, socially engaged arts, performance studies, improvisation, interaction design, instrument design, audio signal processing, immersive sound and psychoacoustics.
SARC membership includes over forty academics from across various Schools in the University including the School of Arts English and Languages, School of Psychology, School of Social Sciences, Education and Social Work, School of History, Anthropology, Philosophy and Politics and the School of Natural and Built Environment. As a dynamic and international community of researchers, SARC hosts regular events with invited scholars, researchers and artists. The PhD cohort is core to the research culture and includes over thirty students from various backgrounds and nationalities.
Mode of study/duration
Registration is on a full-time or part-time basis, under the direction of a supervisory team appointed by the University. You will be expected to submit your thesis at the end of three years of full-time registration for PhD, or two years for MPhil (or part-time equivalent).
Subject Summary
The PhD programme allows for tailored supervision and research processes based on a candidate’s interests and skills while aligning with academic staff research interests and SARC’s broader research strategy. If you pursue research in Musicology, you will focus on scholastic study of significant figures such as Bach, Handel and Mozart as well as contemporary performance, critical studies in sound and music, improvisation and folksong. If you are a practitioner, you will work across a broad range of creative practice from performance, composition, installation, sound design and audiovisual work. Interdisciplinary PhD proposals are encouraged to approach sound and music topics from a variety of disciplines.
Music Highlights
Career Development
SARC has a dedicated PhD lead who sits on the SARC Steering Committee and ensures effective communication across the PhD cohort.
Regular workshop events allow students to gain skills and develop contacts with organisations such as the Ulster Orchestra and the Hard Rain Ensemble as well as local art galleries and community organisations.
World Class Facilities
The PhD programme supports research across scholarly work and practice-based research, including hybrid formats allowing tailored submissions combining a range of media and textual outputs.
Curated seminar and concert series taking place weekly throughout the semester offer students opportunities to engage in research in an international context and expand their networks.
Students are encouraged to collaborate with their peers and participate in ongoing research projects led by academic staff.
Key Facts
Research students are encouraged to play a full and active part in the activities of SARC and there are many resources available including:
Undertaking a PhD at Queen’s has encouraged me to be a more reflective, rigorous, and articulate composer and researcher. I’ve worked with well-respected composers and ensembles, including Michael Finnissy and The Royal String Quartet. I’ve participated in a residency in Sibiu, and a summer school at its ‘Northern Bridge’ partner Doncaster.
Student Apply now
Register your interest