Program Overview

PhD in Music Technology

The PhD in Music Technology offers an exciting blend of creativity and innovation, covering areas such as audio for virtual and augmented reality, sound in virtual production, soundscapes and acoustic heritage, and audio to health and wellbeing. This research degree allows students to pioneer innovative research in key areas of expertise, including audio processing, immersive and interactive audio systems, music and voice science, sound for XR environments, acoustics, and psychoacoustics.

Research Projects

Our academics are working on a wide range of projects suitable for research students to join. These projects cover various aspects of music technology, providing students with the opportunity to contribute to cutting-edge research.

Supervision

Students will be supervised on a one-to-one basis by a member of the academic staff. We also offer opportunities for co-supervision, within the School and across the wider University, to support interdisciplinary projects. The supervisor will help guide the student's progress, supported by a thesis advisory panel.

Funding

The School of Physics, Engineering and Technology offers funding for research degrees. Additionally, students can explore other funding opportunities, such as advertised research projects, which may be funded or self-funded.

Entry Requirements

To be eligible for the PhD in Music Technology, students should have, or be about to complete, the equivalent of a 2:1 honours degree or above in a relevant subject, such as:

• Electronics
• Electrical Engineering
• Physics
• Mathematics
• Computer Science
• Music Technology

English Language Requirements

If English is not the student's first language, they must provide evidence of their ability to meet the English language requirements.

Course Location

The PhD in Music Technology is run by the School of Physics, Engineering and Technology, and students will be based on Campus West. Most training and supervision meetings will take place here, though research may take students further afield.

Distance Learning Option

We offer a distance learning option for the PhD programme, which allows students to complete their research remotely. However, students must provide justification for taking the distance learning option and undergo an assessment of the feasibility of their work programme.

Careers and Skills

The PhD in Music Technology will help students extend their qualifications, allowing them to explore a growing industry. They will research and consider designs that address real-world problems by combining ideas in engineering and music technology systems. Students will become equipped with skills around technical analysis, music technology components, and communication through writing and multimedia, preparing them for the next stage in their career.

Career Opportunities

Graduates of the PhD in Music Technology can pursue various career paths, including:

• Design engineer
• Digital consultant
• Software or systems developer
• Academic researcher
• Project manager
• Product development engineer
• Teaching

Training and Support

Throughout the course, students will have opportunities to develop their skills as academics and researchers. They will participate in our annual PhD conference, which includes presentation sessions, poster competitions, and seminars. Students may also have the opportunity to present their work at UK and overseas conferences and publish in international journals. Additionally, they can enrol in researcher development courses and professional development courses to further enhance their skills and expertise.