Program Overview

Music Research MPhil/PhD

Key information

Award: MPhil, PhD Study mode: Full time, Part time Campus: Strand Campus Duration: Expected to be three years FT, four-six years PT. October to October, February to February or June to June

Study

The department has an international reputation for music research in history, theory, anthropology/ethnography, composition, and creative practice. We are particularly strong in film music, jazz, opera, performance studies, Western music from the 12th century to the present, and the music of Latin America, the Middle East, South and South East Asia, and West Africa.

Research areas

• Film music
• Jazz
• Opera
• Performance studies
• Western music from the 12th century to the present
• Music of Latin America, the Middle East, South and South East Asia, and West Africa

How to apply

1. Find a supervisor

You are encouraged to contact the academic member of staff you would like to supervise your research before applying, to discuss your proposed research project.

2. Personal statement and supporting information

Applicants are encouraged to approach potential supervisors prior to application. To identify a supervisor, please see the department's website.

• Personal Statement: A personal statement is required, which can be entered directly into the online application form (maximum 4,000 characters) or uploaded as an attachment to the online application form (maximum 2 pages).
• Research Proposal: The proposal (1,000 words) should explain in some detail precisely the field of study that you want to contribute to and current research gaps, what you want to do and how you propose to do it.
• Previous Academic Study: A copy (or copies) of your official academic transcript(s), showing the subjects studied and marks obtained.
• Reference: One academic reference is required. A professional reference will be accepted if you have completed your qualifications over five years ago.
• Portfolio: Applicants in Composition should scan and upload a portfolio of recent scores electronically, including an A4 page of links to recordings if available.
• Writing Sample: Applicants for Music Research and Creative Practice should upload a Master's dissertation (if available) or a substantial recent essay to the Admissions Portal.

Application closing date

We encourage you to apply as early as possible so that there is sufficient time for your application to be assessed. The final application deadlines are detailed below:

• February 2025 entry – 20 October 2024 for Overseas fee status and 20 November 2024 for Home fee status
• June 2025 entry – 20 March 2025 for Overseas fee status and 11 April 2025 for Home fee status
• October 2025 entry – 25 July 2025 for Overseas fee status and 25 August 2025 for Home fee status
• February 2026 entry – 20 October 2025 for Overseas fee status and 20 November 2025 for Home fee status
• June 2026 entry – 20 March 2026 for Overseas fee status and 11 April 2026 for Home fee status

Fees or Funding

UK Tuition Fees 2024/25

• Full time tuition fees: £6,168 per year (MPhil/PhD, Music Research)
• Part time tuition fees: £3,084 per year (MPhil/PhD, Music Research)

International Tuition Fees 2024/25

• Full time tuition fees: £24,786 per year (MPhil/PhD, Music Research)
• Part time tuition fees: £12,393 per year (MPhil/PhD, Music Research)

UK Tuition Fees 2025/26

• Full time tuition fees: £6,600 per year (MPhil/PhD, Music Research)
• Part time tuition fees: £3,300 per year (MPhil/PhD, Music Research)

International Tuition Fees 2025/26

• Full time tuition fees: £27,100 per year (MPhil/PhD, Music Research)
• Part time tuition fees: £13,550 per year (MPhil/PhD, Music Research)

Study environment

Base campus

• Strand Campus: Located on the north bank of the River Thames, the Strand Campus houses King's College London's arts and sciences faculties.

Entry requirements

UK requirements

• A Bachelor's degree with 1st class or 2:1 honours in Music or a related humanities or social science discipline.
• A Master’s degree in Music or a related humanities or social science discipline; if the Bachelor's degree is not in Music, the Master’s degree should be.

Equivalent International qualifications

• Select a country to view equivalent qualifications.

English language requirements

• English language band: C
• To study at King's, it is essential that you can communicate in English effectively in an academic environment.
• Nationals of majority English speaking countries (as defined by the UKVI) who have permanently resided in this country are not usually required to complete an additional English language test.