Rhodes University

What you'll study

The DMus is a research degree that leads to a substantial original contribution to knowledge in music, whether in musicology, ethnomusicology, historical music research, composition or practice‑based performance research. Candidates normally pursue a sustained thesis or a portfolio that combines a written exegesis with creative output (for example, a compositional body of work, a major recital or recordings) under the guidance of one or more supervisors.

Typical areas of supervision and inquiry at Rhodes include African music and oral traditions, music history and historiography, performance practice, composition and contemporary music, music theory and analysis, and interdisciplinary projects that engage with anthropology, history, cultural studies or media. While there are no taught modules in the classical sense, candidates usually engage with research methodologies, advanced literature, archival work, fieldwork methods (where relevant) and professional practice related to dissemination and publication.

• Major research thesis or practice‑based portfolio with exegesis
• Advanced research methods in music and arts scholarship
• Fieldwork, archival research and critical historiography (as relevant)
• Performance/recording projects and documentation for practice‑led candidates
• Interdisciplinary approaches linking music with social sciences and humanities

Structure

Candidates register for doctoral candidature and work under named supervisors; progress is monitored through confirmations, progress reports and colloquia. The final submission is assessed by internal and external examiners and normally culminates in a public defence or examination event. The degree emphasises original research and expects a demonstrable contribution to the discipline through scholarship or creative output.

Entry requirements

Applicants should normally hold a recognised master’s degree in music or a closely related discipline (for example MMus, MPhil, MA with substantial research in music). Exceptional applicants with equivalent professional experience and a strong portfolio of creative work may be considered, but should demonstrate capacity for doctoral‑level research.

• A clear and feasible research proposal or, for practice‑based projects, a portfolio outline and sample recordings/scores.
• Evidence of prior research ability (e.g. master’s thesis, publications or equivalent creative work).
• Academic references that speak to the applicant’s research potential and professional standing.
• Where relevant, an audition, interview or presentation of creative work may be required.
• Proficiency in English: applicants whose first language is not English should provide evidence of ability to undertake postgraduate research in English, according to the university’s general language requirements.

Career prospects

Graduates of the DMus pursue careers across academia, performance, composition and cultural institutions. Typical paths include university and conservatoire lecturing and research posts, professional composition and commissioned work, leadership roles in museums and archives, research positions in cultural and heritage organisations, high‑level performance portfolios, and consultancy in arts policy and programming.

The degree is also suited to those aiming to publish scholarly monographs, develop significant recordings and editions, or to take up senior research and leadership roles in music education and cultural research organisations.

Why study at Rhodes University

Rhodes University’s Department of Music offers a close‑knit academic environment with strong supervision in musicology, ethnomusicology, composition and performance research. The department’s scale encourages individualised supervision, regular research seminars and interdisciplinary collaboration across humanities departments.

Students benefit from access to the university’s library collections, local archives and performance venues, and from engagement with regional musical traditions and research networks. Rhodes provides an environment suited to intensive, original research and creative practice, with opportunities to present work in seminars, conferences and public recitals as part of doctoral training.