City

What you'll study

This practice-led PhD integrates sustained artistic practice with critical reflection and scholarly enquiry. Candidates develop an extended research project that typically combines a substantial creative component (recitals, compositions, installations, performances or practice-based outputs) with a written thesis that locates the work within relevant theoretical, historical and methodological frameworks.

• Practice-led research – sustained workshops, rehearsals and public-facing performances or recordings that form the core creative output of the project.
• Methodology and theory – advanced study of research methods appropriate to practice research, including reflexive methods, ethnography, archival research, performance analysis and interdisciplinary approaches.
• Contextual enquiry – engagement with historical, cultural and critical perspectives relevant to the candidate’s practice, such as performance studies, musicology, composition studies, sound studies or dramaturgy.
• Research training – opportunities to develop skills in research design, ethical practice, dissemination, grant writing and public engagement through seminars and workshops.
• Professional development – support for pedagogical skills, portfolio development, recording, and curatorial/management competencies for careers in performance and the creative industries.

Mode of study is typically full-time or part-time over several years, with regular supervisory meetings, interim presentations and a final examination that assesses both the creative outputs and the accompanying written submission.

Entry requirements

Applications are expected to demonstrate both advanced artistic ability and a clear, feasible research proposal. Typical requirements include:

• Academic qualification – a relevant master’s degree (MA, MMus, MPhil or equivalent) in music, performance or a closely related field, or demonstrable equivalent professional experience.
• Artistic/professional portfolio – recordings, scores, programmes, videos or other evidence of recent professional-level practice that illustrate suitability for practice-led research.
• Research proposal – a well-defined proposal outlining research questions, methodology, planned outputs and a realistic timeline.
• References – academic and/or professional references that speak to both the applicant’s research potential and artistic standing.
• Audition/interview – many applicants are asked to attend an interview and/or audition, which may include a live or recorded performance and a discussion of the proposed research.
• English language – if applicable, evidence of proficiency in English to a level suitable for postgraduate research and teaching.

Offers of supervision depend on the availability of suitable supervisors and alignment of the project with departmental expertise. Prospective applicants are encouraged to contact potential supervisors to discuss project feasibility before applying.

Career prospects

Graduates of conservatoire-style PhD programmes move into a range of careers that value both high-level artistic practice and research skills. Common pathways include:

• Academic and research roles – lecturing and research fellowships in conservatoires, music departments and drama schools, often combining teaching and practice-led research.
• Professional performance and composition – enhanced profile and new creative opportunities as performers, composers, conductors or ensemble directors informed by research.
• Arts leadership and curation – roles in programming, artistic direction, festivals, producing and curatorial practice that require research-led artistic vision.
• Creative industries and media – work in sound design, recording, multimedia projects, cultural organisations and consultancy where scholarly rigour and artistic expertise are valued.
• Policy and public engagement – research impact roles within cultural policy, outreach, and community arts organisations.

Why study at City

City provides a research-active environment that supports practice-led enquiry while offering close connections to London’s wide-ranging performance ecology. Students benefit from specialist supervision, access to performance spaces and technical resources, and opportunities to present work in public and collaborate across disciplines.

The institution’s location in London facilitates engagement with professional ensembles, venues, festivals and creative industries, enabling research that is both academically rigorous and outward-facing. Candidates can expect structured research training, peer networks, and support for dissemination, funding applications and career development tailored to practitioner-researchers in music and performance.