Key information
Duration
- Full-time: 48 months
- Part-time: 72 months
Start dates & application deadlines
- Starting September 2026. Apply anytime.
- Starting February 2027. Apply anytime.
Language
English
Delivered
On Campus
Campus Location
London, United Kingdom
Disciplines
Music
Overview
The Music course from the University of West London is available for you to study either on a full-time or part-time basis and you have the flexibility to switch should you need to.
A PhD is founded on independent research. You will undertake a systematic and in-depth exploration of your chosen topic to produce a substantial body of knowledge and make an original and important contribution to the subject area.
Your research will be judged through the presentation of a thesis or artefact and a viva voce for academic assessment. We provide a stimulating and supportive environment where you will benefit from:
- peer feedback and discussion
- a series of master-classes and lectures from industry figures
- support by a supervisor and second supervisor suited to your project.
Career opportunities
A PhD degree in Music - the highest academic qualification, based on the advanced study and independent research, opens up an array of career opportunities both in academia and within the music industries.
Many students go on to pursue an academic career, following the PhD with postdoctoral study, then a fellowship or lectureship.
During your PhD, you will also be learning transferable core skills that apply to jobs both in and out of academia, including:
- written and oral communication
- research and information management
- public speaking
- project management
- leadership
- critical thinking
- collaboration
- analysis and problem-solving
- conflict resolution
- negotiation.
By the end of your research degree you will be able to articulately apply these skills to enhance your career path.
Job roles
- university lecturer
- postdoctoral researcher
- other higher and further education lecturer
- freelance soloist
- session musician
- touring musician
- orchestral musician
- conductor
- composer and arranger
- record producer
- audio post-production
- audio/live engineer.
Graduate employers
- universities
- research institutions
- specialist education providers
- start-ups
- museum and library sector
- companies with R&D departments
- record labels
- music publishers
- management companies
- recording studios
- social enterprises.
Programme Structure
Courses include:
- Music, Health & Neurodiversity
- Music History & Heritage
- Music Management & Business
- Music Pedagogy
- Music Production & Technology
- Music Theory & Analysis
Admission requirements
Academic requirements
GPA: Upper Second Class
English requirements
- Duolingo English Test: 120
- TOEFL iBT: 86
- PTE Academic: 58
- IELTS: 6.5
Other requirements
The minimum entry requirements for a research degree are:
- a good first degree (First Class or Upper Second Class), or equivalent qualification in a relevant field
- a Masters Degree (MA, MSc, MBA or MRes) with Merit, or equivalent postgraduate or research experience.
- Competence in written and spoken English is a pre-requisite for entrance to this programme. An IELTS (International English Language Testing System) score of 6.5 (with no element under 6.0).
Fees and funding
Tuition Fees
Tuition fees are shown in AUD and the most likely applicable fee is shown based on your nationality.
- International: 30,476 AUD / year (approx. 16,000 GBP / year) - applies to non-residents
- Domestic: 9,333 AUD / year (approx. 4,900 GBP / year) - applies to citizens or residents
Additional Details
Part-time:
- National - £2,450 (September)
- International - £8,000 (September)
Living costs
London, United Kingdom: 2,166-4,109 AUD / month
The living costs include the total expenses per month, covering accommodation, public transportation, utilities (electricity, internet), books and groceries.
Funding
Scholarships
- The AMO Scholarship - Provided by university - 5000 GBP - Deadline: Not specified - Merit-based
- Fulbright U.S. Student Program - Independent provider - Various benefits - Deadline: 07 Oct 2026
- ServiceScape Scholarship - 1000 USD - Deadline: 30 Nov 2026
- ACES Scholarships - 3500 USD - Deadline: 15 Nov 2026
- Erasmus+ - Grants for study mobility - Various benefits - Deadline: Not specified - Merit-based
- Scholarships for PhD Students - 19000 GBP - Deadline: Not specified - Merit-based
- Boustany Astronomy PhD Scholarship - Various benefits - Deadline: 28 Feb 2027 - Merit-based
- $1,500 Annual Video Contest Scholarship - 1000 USD - Deadline: 31 Oct 2026 - Merit-based
- Voice Talent Online Scholarship - 1000 USD - Deadline: 01 Mar 2027
- Women Scholarship for International Students - 5000 USD - Deadline: 28 Aug 2026 - Merit-based
- The PhD Prep Fellowship - 10000 USD - Deadline: 01 Sep 2026 - Merit-based
- Dream Chaser Scholarship - 1000 USD - Deadline: 13 Jan 2027 - Merit-based
- Scholarship for students with disabilities - 3000 USD - Deadline: 31 Dec 2026 - Need-based
- Commonwealth Shared Scholarship – University Bids - 22500 GBP - Deadline: Not specified
- The Annual IELTS from 6 to 9 Scholarship - 1500 USD - Deadline: Not specified
- Tobacco Harm Reduction Scholarship Programme - 12000 USD - Deadline: 11 Jan 2027
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