The MPhil is designed for students wishing to attain a thorough grounding in composition at an advanced level, either as a preparation for doctoral research or an autonomous qualification. In the first year you will follow the MSt in Music (Composition), proceeding in the second year to individual supervision leading to the completion of a portfolio of compositions and written work.
The Master of Philosophy in Music (Composition) introduces a broad range of current methodologies and approaches in music scholarship.
The first year of the course is identical to that of the MSt in Music (Composition). The main teaching and coursework is completed in the first two terms the third is reserved for completion of assessed work.
The second year is spent producing coursework, comprising a project and a portfolio (see the Assessment section below for further details). Students will have the opportunity to meet with their supervisor, but will not be expected to attend taught seminars.
Expected January 2027
Start date
October 2026
University of Oxford
University Offices,
Wellington Square,
Oxford,
Oxfordshire,
OX1 2JD, Southern England, United Kingdom
As a minimum, applicants should hold or be predicted to achieve the following UK qualifications or their equivalent:
However, entrance is very competitive and most successful applicants have a first-class degree or the equivalent.
For applicants with a bachelor's degree from the USA, the minimum overall GPA that is normally required to meet the undergraduate-level requirement is 3.6 out of 4.0. However, most successful applicants have a GPA of 3.7.
*There may be different IELTS requirements depending on your chosen course.
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