Study PhD in Music at SOAS University of London in the UK, Department of Music, School of Arts

About this course

About this course
- Overview
- Department
Study options
Entry requirements
- International

What will I learn?

Staff and students of the Department of Music pursue research on a wide range of subjects, mainly but not exclusively focused on the music of Asia and Africa. Staff have regional interests in the music of East and Central Asia (Harris), India and Pakistan (Williams), the Islamic Middle East (Saeid Kordmafi) and Jewish world (Webster-Kogen), and South and East Africa (Impey). However research is not limited to these areas: projects have been undertaken on American jazz, and on Caribbean, Mediterranean and Eastern European music, for example. Staff often have research interests in issues that cross regional boundaries see the Department Staff page for a summary of their interests, and select the name of a lecturer for further details of their individual research specialisms and activities.Whatever its regional origin, music is studied as a cultural phenomenon, and also from analytical and historical perspectives. Instrumental and vocal, sacred and secular, art and popular, traditional and modern musical forms are all of equal interest. Research methods employed include fieldwork, interview, archive research, recording and filming, performance, transcription and analysis, and composition.

Which department am I in?

Department of Music, School of Arts

Study options

Full Time (4 Years)

Tuition fees

£23,390.00 (US$ 30,207) per year

Accommodation Fee- Wood Green Hall Single room £168 Per week

This is a fixed fee

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

Start date

September 2026

Venue

SOAS, University of London

10 Thornhaugh Street, Russell Square,

Camden,

Greater London,

WC1H 0XG, Southern England, United Kingdom

Entry requirements

For international students

Postgraduate students of the Department come from a wide variety of backgrounds in the UK and from overseas. Most are performers of music as well as researchers; applicants are evaluated individually on the basis of their background and academic achievements. Applicants should normally possess a Masters degree, or equivalent, in Music, Ethnomusicology or other relevant discipline plus one reference. Applicants who are accomplished performers or teachers, or who work in the music industry, may have alternative qualifications, and are encouraged to apply.

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