Study Musical Composition PhD at University of Birmingham in the UK, Department of Music
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Musical Composition PhD

UK

26

6

What will I learn?

Course overview In this course you discover your own path as a composer. We welcome traditional and innovative composition styles, offering you opportunities to combine instruments and the latest technology to produce new compositions. On this course, you can create musical and sonic artworks using electroacoustics and computer technology, traditional (or not so traditional) instrumental and vocal composition, or a combination of these. We're also excited by projects involving interactive systems, multimedia, and sound installations with a range of music facilities on campus for you to use. Workshop and performance opportunities Get involved in our 'Ensemble in Association' workshops with the Birmingham Contemporary Music Group and the New Music Ensemble where postgraduate researchers present their work. Our series of workshops and research seminars will bring you into contact with internationally leading composers, performers and scholars. In previous years the Fidelio Trio, Bozzini Quartet, and Ligeti Quartet visited campus. If you're interested in instrumental composition workshops you can expect to get a place at a workshop at least once during your studies.

Which department am I in?

Department of Music

Study options

Full Time (3 Years)

Tuition fees
£23,390.00 (US$ 30,207) per year
This is a fixed fee

*Price shown is for indicative purposes, please check with institution

Start date

September 2026

Venue

Online

Edgbaston, Birmingham,

Birmingham,

West Midlands,

B15 2TT, Central England, United Kingdom

Full Time (3 Years)

Tuition fees
£23,390.00 (US$ 30,207) per year
This is a provisional fee yet to be approved

*Price shown is for indicative purposes, please check with institution

Start date

September 2027

Venue

Online

Edgbaston, Birmingham,

Birmingham,

West Midlands,

B15 2TT, Central England, United Kingdom

Entry requirements

For international students

If youre applying for a PhD , youll also need to hold a Masters qualification at Merit level or above (or its international equivalent), usually in a relevant area. Any academic and professional qualifications or relevant professional experience are normally taken into account, and in some cases, form an integral part of the entrance requirements. If youre applying for distance learning research programmes, youll also need to show that you have the time, commitment, facilities and experience to study by distance learning.

*There may be different IELTS requirements depending on your chosen course.

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About University of Birmingham

The university is known globally for its pioneering research – students benefit from trailblazing discoveries that impact international society.

  • One of the world’s top research-intensive universities
  • Based in Europe’s youngest city
  • Most targeted UK university by graduate employers
  • Plenty of dedicated international student support

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