If your passion lies in research, our doctoral degrees provide the opportunity to combine academia with creativity and innovation. Study with us and receive expert research guidance from our supportive staff, who will encourage you to achieve your full potential.

Your research

Research in Music at the University of York is wide ranging. We have specialists in historical, cultural and critical musicology, composition (acoustic and electronic), performance (especially contemporary performance practices and historical informed practice), music analysis, music education, music psychology and cognition, music AI, and new audio technologies. Many projects are interdisciplinary, involving collaboration with researchers beyond Music.

These perspectives are embedded within our three Research Clusters: the Contemporary Music Research Cluster, the Musical Cultures and Communities Research Cluster and the Music, Science and Technology Research Cluster.

MPhil or PhD projects can use theoretical or experimental methods, can take place through performance, composition, or improvisation, or can involve a combination of approaches/

Postgraduate research provides opportunities to develop your academic, creative and practical skills. You'll work independently in an academic environment where creativity and scholarship are equally balanced.

You'll meet regularly with your research supervisor and will have the opportunity to participate in an exciting range of research events.