Courses

Doctoral programme

This course is three to four years full time, or five or six years part-time.

The RCM’s Royal Charter entitles it to offer a full range of degrees in music including the Doctor of Philosophy (PhD). The PhD is a specialist research degree that particularly encourages practice-based research in the areas of performance, composition, musicology and the psychology of music.

PhD candidates work with at least two supervisors in addition to attending group tutorials and seminars. The RCM’s distinctive areas of research interest and resources are outlined in the Research section of the website.

The RCM Doctoral Programme combines practice and theory at the highest level and encourages students to explore the answers to their research questions through their own creative practice. In submitting a doctoral thesis, students are invited to include practical work in addition to written commentaries, whether a composition or a performance portfolio.

For admission to the programme applicants will need to demonstrate a familiarity with existing theoretical and practical aspects of their intended field. There should also be a close match between the intended project and expertise of staff at the RCM.

Should you have any questions regarding your application please contact Professor Amanda Glauert, Director of Programmes & Research at aglauert@rcm.ac.uk.