Program Overview

---

Music

Introduction

Flourishing research environment with strengths in composition (vocal, instrumental, and electroacoustic), historical musicology, ethnomusicology, music policy, sonic arts and sound studies.

Study Information

At a Glance

• Degree Qualification: PhD

Our Research

Music at the University of Aberdeen combines expertise in composition, creative practice, community music, ethnomusicology, musicology, music education, music theory and sonic arts.

Our staff produce internationally recognised academic and creative outputs with a strong interdisciplinary approach, as well as engaging in public facing activities and impact projects. Research at the department is strengthened by our diverse group of PhD students.

The department is also home to major research groups and projects, and holds regular research seminars and forums run by staff and PGR students. We also maintain close links with the Elphinstone Institute, especially in the areas of ethnomusicology and traditional music.

Supervisors

• Dr Aaron McGregor
• Dr Christina Ballico
• Professor Chris Collins
• Professor Suk-Jun Kim
• Dr Phillip Cooke
• Dr John De Simone
• Dr Jonathan Hicks
• Dr Frances Wilkins
• Dr Matthew Machin-Autenrieth
• Dr Thomas A. McKean

Research Groups and Interdisciplinary

• Sound Emporium Research Group (SERG)
• Elphinstone Institute
• Past and Present Musical Encounters across the Strait of Gibraltar (MESG)
• The George Washington Wilson Centre for Visual Cultures (GWW)

Research Interests

Composition and Performance

Composition and performance as research (choral, electroacoustic, contemporary ensemble music, traditional music).

• Supervisors: Professor Phillip Cooke, Professor Suk-Jun Kim, Dr Aaron McGregor, Dr John De Simone

Ethnomusicology

Study of music and culture (specialisms in Spain, North Africa and Europe).

• Supervisors: Dr Matthew Machin-Autenrieth, Dr Thomas A. McKean, Dr Frances Wilkins

Musicology

Specialisms in medieval, Renaissance and Baroque periods, as well as the 19th to 21st centuries.

• Supervisors: Professor Chris Collins, Dr Aaron McGregor, Dr Jonathan Hicks

Music, Place and Politics

Specialisms include mobility and migration, postcolonial studies, urban history, gender, nationalism and heritage across a range of genres and time periods.

• Supervisors: Professor Chris Collins, Dr Christina Ballico, Dr Jonathan Hicks, Professor Suk-Jun Kim, Dr Matthew Machin-Autenrieth

Sound Studies and Sound Art

Research and creative specialisms in human and non-human sounds and soundscapes.

• Supervisors: Dr Jonathan Hicks, Professor Suk-Jun Kim, Dr Matthew Machin-Autenrieth

Aberdeen Global Scholarship

Eligible self-funded international Postgraduate Research Masters' students starting in September 2025 will receive the Aberdeen Global Scholarship.

Fees and Funding

View the tuition fee rates

International Applicants

More information about Fee status, living costs, and work allowances for international students is available here.

Scholarships

Eligible self-funded international Postgraduate Research Masters' students starting in September 2025 will receive the Aberdeen Global Scholarship.

To see our full range of scholarships, visit our Funding Database.

Careers

There are many opportunities at the University of Aberdeen to develop your knowledge, gain experience and build a competitive set of skills to enhance your employability. This is essential for your future career success. The Careers and Employability Service can help you to plan your career and support your choices throughout your time with us, from first to final year – and beyond.

• More information on the Careers and Employability Service

Related Postgraduate Taught Degrees

• Music