| Program start date | Application deadline |
| 2024-09-01 | - |
| 2025-01-01 | - |
| 2025-04-01 | - |
Program Overview
The PhD in Musical Composition emphasizes research and development of new musical languages through composition and reflective critical commentary. Utilizing advanced software and hardware facilities, students collaborate with supervisors specializing in various areas, including opera, electronic music, and film music. The program aims to push the boundaries of the art form while providing students with the necessary tools and expertise to excel in their careers.
Program Outline
Degree Overview:
For the Musical Composition PhD, you'll research and develop new musical languages. You achieve this through building a portfolio of works accompanied by a reflective critical commentary. Our specialist facilities provide the latest tools in software and hardware in the Jonathan Harvey Electronic Music Studio. Other specialist facilities include rare 20th-century music scores and unique collections of jazz and music television documentaries. Our supervisors in the field of Musical Composition have particular expertise in: opera, orchestral and chamber music, electronic and computer music, film and media music, and improvisation.
Other:
"It’s exciting to work with our PhD students as they articulate their ideas through composition and push the boundaries of the art form."
- Professor Ed Hughes, Professor of Composition in Music
University of Sussex
Overview:
The University of Sussex is a leading, research-intensive university located in Brighton, UK. It is known for its commitment to academic excellence and its focus on creating a vibrant and diverse campus community.
Services Offered:
The university offers a wide range of services to its students, including:
Accommodation:
On-campus housing options are available for students, with various types of accommodation to suit different needs and budgets.Student Support:
The university provides comprehensive support services to students, including academic advising, career counseling, and mental health resources.Careers:
The university offers career services to help students find internships, graduate jobs, and develop their career skills.Library:
The university library provides access to a vast collection of books, journals, and online resources.IT Services:
Students have access to a range of IT services, including computer labs, wireless internet, and online learning platforms.Student Life and Campus Experience:
Students at the University of Sussex can expect a vibrant and engaging campus experience. The university offers a wide range of clubs, societies, and sports teams for students to join. The campus is located in a beautiful setting, with easy access to the city of Brighton.
Key Reasons to Study There:
Research Excellence:
The university is renowned for its research excellence, with a strong focus on innovation and impact.World-Class Faculty:
The university boasts a world-class faculty, with experts in a wide range of fields.Vibrant Campus Community:
The university has a diverse and welcoming campus community, with a strong sense of belonging.Location:
The university is located in Brighton, a vibrant and cosmopolitan city with a thriving arts and culture scene.Academic Programs:
The university offers a wide range of undergraduate and postgraduate programs across various disciplines, including:
Arts and Humanities:
English, History, Philosophy, Music, Theatre, and more.Social Sciences:
Politics, Sociology, Economics, Psychology, and more.Science and Engineering:
Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Computer Science, and more.Business and Management:
Business Administration, Finance, Marketing, and more.Entry Requirements:
- Degree Requirements:
- UK Students: Typically, a Merit (an average of 60% overall) in a Masters degree and an upper second-class (2.1) undergraduate honours degree.
- International Students: The equivalent of a UK Masters degree, which means having completed some academic study beyond your Bachelors degree. The specific requirements vary by country.
- Subject-Specific Requirements: Your qualification should be in a subject related to your chosen area of research. You will also be considered for this degree if you don’t have the academic qualifications required, but can show evidence of equivalent professional experience.
Language Proficiency Requirements:
- IELTS (Academic): High level (6.5 overall, including at least 6.0 in each component). IELTS scores are valid for two years from the test date. You cannot combine scores from more than one sitting of the test. Your score must be valid when you begin your Sussex course.
- Alternative English Language Qualifications:
- Cambridge Advanced Certificate in English (CAE): 169 overall, including at least 162 in each skill.
- Cambridge Certificate of Proficiency in English (CPE): 169 overall, including at least 162 in each skill.
- LanguageCert International ESOL SELT: High level (International ESOL SELT B2 with a minimum of 39 in each component)
- Pearson PTE Academic: High level (62 overall, including at least 59 in all four skills)
- TOEFL (iBT): High level 88 overall, including at least 20 Listening, 19 in Reading, 21 in Speaking, 23 in Writing.
- Country Exceptions: If you are a national of one of the countries listed, or if you have recently completed a qualification equivalent to a UK Bachelors degree or higher in one of these countries, you will normally meet our English requirement.
- Antigua and Barbuda
- Australia
- Bahamas
- Barbados
- Belize
- Canada
- Dominica
- Grenada
- Guyana
- Ireland
- Jamaica
- New Zealand
- St Kitts and Nevis
- St Lucia
- St Vincent and the Grenadines
- The British Overseas Territories
- Trinidad and Tobago
- United Kingdom
- USA
