PhD in Music
SOAS University of London
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Qualification

PhD/DPhil - Doctor of Philosophy

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Location

SOAS, University of London

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Study mode

Full Time

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Start date

SEP-25

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Duration

4 years

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Qualification

PhD/DPhil - Doctor of Philosophy

Location

SOAS, University of London

Study mode

Full Time

Start date

SEP-25

Duration

4 years

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Qualification

PhD/DPhil - Doctor of Philosophy

Location

SOAS, University of London

Study mode

Part Time

Start date

SEP-25

Duration

6 years

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Course info

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, ...Read more

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.

The Department of Music at SOAS has been ranked best in the UK for research impact and 5th overall in the Research Excellence Framework (REF) 2021.

All research students are required to follow a course of research training held in the department in their first year. In addition they may be required to take one or more postgraduate courses, such as the MMus core course Ethnomusicology in Practice, and/or a language course, depending on their prior qualifications and the requirements of their research project. They are also expected to attend department research seminars and they may be recommended to attend research training workshops elsewhere in SOAS, or in other institutions London-wide.

Students in the School of Arts develop a ??critical and theoretically informed approach to global arts and culture. In addition to an intercultural awareness and practical expertise, graduates gain a wide portfolio of transferable skills which are especially sought after in the creative and cultural industries.

Key stats

CUG Ranking
CUG Ranking
Source: Complete University Guide 2025
71st
What students say
C
Claudia
26 Jan 23

SOAS is fantastic for housing progressive academic departments, many of which are uniquely strong in the UK and internationally. The administration makes it such that students..Read more

SR
Student Reviewer
24 Oct 19

So far it has been great, but too early to say. Administrations and timetabling have caused some problems, which in time have been..Read more

Entry requirements

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 Master’s 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.

Tuition fees

Students living in

Domestic

£4,860 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)

Please note that fees go up each year.

£22,490 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.

Please note that fees go up each year.

£22,490 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.

Please note that fees go up each year.

IDP Connect

Latest reviews

Latest Music Studies reviews

Music Studies
Music Studies
C
Claudia
26 Jan 23
MA Music
SOAS is fantastic for housing progressive academic departments, many of which are uniquely strong in the UK and internationally. The administration makes it such that students...
Read more
SR
Student Reviewer
24 Oct 19
So far it has been great, but too early to say. Administrations and timetabling have caused some problems, which in time have been...
Read more
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How Music Studies students rated:

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( 4.7) 6 reviews
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4 stars
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Uni info

SOAS University of London
SOAS University of London , Camden

At SOAS University of London, postgraduate students are encouraged to challenge the status quo and think globally....

Student rating
( 4.0) View reviews
CUG ranking
71st
SOAS University of London
Thornhaugh Street Russell Square Camden Greater London WC1H 0XG United Kingdom
Nearest tube station: Goodge Street  0.1 miles away Nearest train station: Euston   0.4 miles away
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