Dr H Morag M McCallum PhD Studentships

About the Project

The School of Culture & Creative Arts at the University of Glasgow invites applications for the Dr H. Morag M. McCallum PhD studentship in research related to classical singing (not pop or jazz). Applications are welcome across the widest remit of classical singing, including interdisciplinary projects (theatre, film, translation, etc.), performance, pedagogy, musical works, and social, cultural, political and artistic movements (contemporary or historical). Preference will be given to projects that either research underrepresented groups’ engagement with classical singing or seek to promote such engagement. The successful candidate would ideally begin in October 2026.

The studentship provides a fee waiver, as well as an annual stipend for three years (payable in instalments, subject to satisfactory progress) at UKRI PhD level (£21,805 for 2026-27). Other expenses related to research activity may also be considered for funding.

Eligibility

Selection of the recipient will be based primarily on academic ability, with particular emphasis on the quality of the applicant’s undergraduate and postgraduate degrees. At the same time, we welcome applications from candidates with a range of alternative expertise and experience who can demonstrate their readiness for doctoral research. Selection will be undertaken by a committee chaired by the Head of the School of Culture & Creative Arts, with a panel of senior academic and administrative staff from within the School, including the Head of Music, in conjunction with the College of Arts & Humanities Graduate School.

Music at Glasgow

Music at Glasgow is a lively and collaborative community of staff and students from around the world. We embrace both traditional and innovative forms of music scholarship, viewing music as playing a vital role within broader social, cultural and political contexts. Our research spans five main, interconnected areas: musicology, performance practices, composition and sonic arts, the music industries, and ethnomusicology. A research cluster centred on ‘classical singing’ is anchored by the work of several academics (see below), including Dr Vera Wolkowicz and the Transatlantic Music Theatre Network, in collaboration with the Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile.

The College of Arts and Humanities is also home to the ArtsLab ‘Spheres of Singing’, which brings together scholars from across the University whose work connects with singing. This includes historical and musicological research, performance-based research, human geography, respiratory health, and engagement with external partners on singing for health and wellbeing:

• Spheres of Singing

Academic staff associated with classical singing research include:

• Prof. Clair Rowden
• Prof. Eva Moreda Rodríguez
• Dr Vera Wolkowicz
• Prof. Kirsteen McCue (School of Critical Studies)

Classical singing also plays a central role in musical life across the University, including several institutional choirs such as the Chapel Choir (directed by Dr Katy Lavinia Cooper), the Community Choir and the Choral Society:

• Music in The University
• Music in The University - Ensembles & Groups

Applications

Applications should include a CV and a research proposal of no fewer than 3 and no more than 5 pages (including references). The proposal should identify a potential supervisor or supervisory team (which may be interdisciplinary) and outline any knowledge-exchange or workshop activities that may require additional funding.

Applications must be submitted via The University of Glasgow's Scholarships Portal no later than Friday 15 May 2026:

• Scholarships Portal (select College of Arts & Humanities Postgraduate Research Scholarships)

Applications will be reviewed and outcomes communicated by Monday 15 June 2026.

All enquiries should be addressed to: Clair.Rowden@glasgow.ac.uk

See the Dr H Morag M McCallum PhD Studentships web page at The University of Glasgow.

Funding Notes

The studentship may be awarded to a home or an international student and provides a fee waiver, as well as an annual stipend for three years (payable in instalments, subject to satisfactory progress) at UKRI PhD level (£21,805 for 2026-27). Other expenses related to research activity, including promoting engagement in classical singing as agreed between the scholarship holder and their supervisor, may also be considered for funding.