Doctoral Research Music DMus
Guildhall School of Music & Drama
Student rating
This is the overall rating calculated by averaging all live reviews for this uni on Whatuni.
( 5.0) View reviews

Want to know what it's like to study this course at uni? We've got all the key info, from entry requirements to the modules on offer. If that all sounds good, why not check out reviews from real students or even book onto an upcoming open days?

Different course options
2 options available
academic-cap
Qualification

Dmus/MusD - Doctor of Music

location-pin
Location

Guildhall School of Music & Drama

beaker
Study mode

Full Time

calendar
Start date

SEP-25

time
Duration

3 years

Course info

Select a course option


Qualification

Dmus/MusD - Doctor of Music

Location

Guildhall School of Music & Drama

Study mode

Full time

Start date

SEP-25

Duration

3 years

SELECTED

Qualification

Dmus/MusD - Doctor of Music

Location

Guildhall School of Music & Drama

Study mode

Part time

Start date

SEP-25

Duration

6 years

SELECT

Subjects

Select a subject


Music
SELECTED

Drama, Dance & Cinematics
SELECT

Exam type

Select a an exam type


Location

Select student location


Domestic
SELECTED

EU
SELECT

Rest of World
SELECT

Course info

About the programmeThis programme is validated by City, University of London.Research degrees are awarded for an independent research project that contributes to existing knowledge in a given area. Guildhall School’s research programme has a distinctive focus on research in, through and for the performing arts. As a world-leading conservatoire, we are well equipped to support research projects that integrate creative practice with scholarly enquiry.Our DMus award is for world-leading music ...Read more

About the programme

This programme is validated by City, University of London.

Research degrees are awarded for an independent research project that contributes to existing knowledge in a given area. Guildhall School’s research programme has a distinctive focus on research in, through and for the performing arts. As a world-leading conservatoire, we are well equipped to support research projects that integrate creative practice with scholarly enquiry.

Our DMus award is for world-leading music composers and performers whose own practice forms an integral part of their research.

Our doctoral researchers are expected to complement their expertise in the performing arts, with methodological and theoretical skills perspectives drawn from arts, humanities and/or social science research as is pertinent to their project.

The School is committed to diversifying its doctoral student population and welcomes applications from under-represented groups.

Research environment

Our research students investigate a wide range of topics in music, theatre and related artistic and pedagogic practices, including composition, instrumental performance, historical performance, opera-making, theatre-making, performing arts pedagogies, institutions and cultures. Their research tends to fall within these three broad themes:

21st century creative processes in new music composition, theatre, opera, participatory and socially-engaged practices
The performer’s perspective in the context of: concert and chamber music, jazz and other music of the black Atlantic; theatre and acting.
Training and professional development of performing arts practitioners - including pedagogic approaches and conservatoire culture.

Students across these disciplines and subject areas study together on our specialist research training programme which creates opportunities for fruitful exchange and mutual support. What also unites our doctoral research at the Guildhall School is a commitment to exploring the role of the performing arts practitioner in society, and the personal, social, ethical and political impact and implications of performing arts practices.

A research degree can offer a substantial period of reflection and renewal for artists and pedagogues exploring their own practice. It is also a preparation for a research career. It is a significant undertaking, demanding a high level of self-motivation, intellectual curiosity, resilience and commitment.

A DMus is a specialist award in composition or instrumental music performance. This is a highly selective programme: applicants to the DMus are expected to be at an advanced stage of creative practice at the point of application – as a minimum they should hold a Master’s degree in their principle instrument or have at least a year of professional experience. This is because creative practice forms the main research methodology and outcome. Applicants will also need to demonstrate capacity or potential to manage a small-scale research project and engage in critically informed analysis and reflection.

Composition: With guidance from staff in the composition department, students will design a research project structured around a series of compositions (professional works or self-commissions). Reflecting on the processes or products of this project, they address research questions that, on completion of the doctoral, contribute to current knowledge in the field of music composition. The submission for DMus Composition will normally consists of around 75 minutes of original composition with a critical commentary of at least 13,000 words.

Performance: With guidance from staff in one of the music departments (eg Keyboard, Strings, Historically Informed Music), students will design a research project that culminates in a doctoral recital in their principle instrument.

Key stats

Music
CUG Subject Ranking
CUG Subject Ranking
Source: Complete University Guide 2025
12th
What students say
SR
Student Reviewer
22 Feb 15

Great overall vibe-what makes GSMD stand out is the people. There is a real sense of unity among and between the departments-partly because the departments all cross over. For..Read more

Entry requirements

The minimum admission requirements for admission onto the doctoral programme are: A BA (hons) degree (upper 2nd or 1st class) and Master’s degree in a relevant subject area (equivalent professional or academic experience occasionally considered); For projects involving artistic or pedagogic practice, demonstrated expertise and experience.

Tuition fees

Students living in

Domestic

£7,010 per year

This information is updated by IDP Connect, or in some cases the institution directly.
Please note: The fees might vary so please make sure you contact the institution for up to date information.

Students from Domestic

This is the fee you pay if the University is in the same country that you live in (England, Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland)

The fees would be £7010 (Years 1-2) and £6,690 (Year 3+)

£15,930 per year

This information is updated by IDP Connect, or in some cases the institution directly.
Please note: The fees might vary so please make sure you contact the institution for up to date information.

Students from EU

The amount you'll pay if you come to study here from somewhere in the EU.

The fees would be £15,930 (Years 1-2) and £15,190 (Year 3+)

£15,930 per year

This information is updated by IDP Connect, or in some cases the institution directly.
Please note: The fees might vary so please make sure you contact the institution for up to date information.

Students from International

The amount you'll pay if you come to study here from a country outside the EU.

The fees would be £15,930 (Years 1-2) and £15,190 (Year 3+)

IDP Connect

Latest reviews

Latest Music Studies reviews

Music Studies
Music Studies
SR
Student Reviewer
22 Feb 15
Great overall vibe-what makes GSMD stand out is the people. There is a real sense of unity among and between the departments-partly because the departments all cross over. For...
Read more
Review breakdown
University rating
University rating
Students' union
Societies and Sports
University halls
Facilities
Lecturers and teaching quality
Local life
Career prospects
Student support

How Music Studies students rated:

Student rating
( 5.0) 1 reviews
5 star
100%
4 stars
0%
3 stars
0%
2 stars
0%
1 star
0%

How all students rated:

Student rating
( 5.0) 2 reviews
5 star
100%
4 stars
0%
3 stars
0%
2 stars
0%
1 star
0%
Search reviews that mention

Uni info

Guildhall School of Music & Drama
Silk Street City of London EC2Y 8DT United Kingdom
Nearest tube station: Moorgate  0.1 miles away Nearest train station: Barbican  0.2 miles away
Thinking of studying in London?

Check out our

London city guide

Find a course

  • Undergraduate
  • HND / HNC
  • Foundation degree
  • Access & foundation
  • Postgraduate