Doctor of Philosophy in Music

The Doctor of Philosophy in Music programme is designed for scholars seeking to conduct extensive, self-directed research in the field of music. With the support of an experienced team of supervisors, candidates will explore advanced areas of musicology, composition, performance studies, or other specialized topics within the discipline.

PhD candidates can undertake supervised research at the Institute of Music in a wide variety of areas of music including but not limited to:

• Composition
• Music Education
• Musicology
• Popular Music

Candidates may be admitted into the programme by meeting all the academic, language, music or audition, and proposal requirements below. Additional documentation such as prior experiences in the field and recommendation letters are required.

Academic Requirements

Candidates must meet either of the following requirements:

1. A Master’s Degree accepted by the Higher Education Provider (HEPs) Senate of the institution; or
2. Other qualifications equivalent to a Master’s Degree, as accepted by the HEP’s Senate of the institution.

Notes:

1. There shall be no direct entry from the bachelor’s degree level to the doctoral degree level. However, candidates with bachelor’s degree qualifications, registered for master’s degree programmes may apply to convert their candidacy to doctoral degree programmes
2. Application of conversion must be done within one year after the candidate registers for master’s degree programmes.
3. Application approval is subject to:
   1. Having shown competency and capability in conducting research at the doctoral degree level;
   2. Rigorous internal assessment by the HEP and;
   3. Approval by the HEP Senate

Research Proposal Requirements

Research proposals should be 1200-1500 words in length (excluding title and references) and include the following sections:

• Title
• Introduction
• Background and Rationale
• Review of Literature
• Research Question(s)
• Research Methods
• Timetable
• References

English Language Requirements

For Local Students:

• Linguaskill: 154
• IELTS: Band 5.0
• Cambridge English Qualification and Test: 154
• TOEFL: 42
• Pearson Test of English: 47

* If your native language or the prior degree studies is not in English, proof of English language proficiency is required when submitting your application. If the English language is the medium of instruction from the previous institution, supporting document is required.

For International Students:

• Cambridge English Qualifications and Tests (B1 Preliminary, B2 First, C1 Advanced C2 Proficiency, Linguaskill Online): 154
• Cambridge English Qualifications and Tests (OET)(Conventional/Online): 200
• IELTS: Band 5.0
• TOEFL IBT: 40
• TOEFL ESSENTIALS (ONLINE): 7.5
• PTE Academic / Academic (online): 47
• MUET: Band 3.5

Interview

• All applicants will go through an initial screening and only shortlisted applicants will be invited for an interview.

• Music Research Methodology*

• A thesis that can take different forms such as:
  • 80,000-word thesis
  • Composition portfolio and a 40,000-word thesis
• Successful defence of a thesis in a viva voce.