PhD Study : Music (Creative Practice and/or Contextual Studies)

Apply and key information  

Summary

Music at Ulster is firmly committed to creative practice as an integral part of its research activity.  Proposals are sought within our areas of research expertise, which include composition, performance, traditional music, jazz, music technology and scoring for screen.  Practice–based PhDs will include both practice–based and written submissions (the length of which will be determined in relation to given projects in accordance with Ulster University regulations).

Indicative topics are summarised below, but interested parties are advised to make contact with potential supervisors in advance of making an application to discuss the feasibility of their proposed topic. If in doubt as to who to address your query to, please contact Dr Brian Bridges (Research Director).

Traditional music practice and research

Proposals are sought in the field of Irish traditional music. These may involve traditional music in a research context or in a practice as research context. Topics considering Irish traditional music alongside other related traditions e.g. Scottish, Cape Breton, are also welcomed and proposals in the Irish language are also an option. Topic contact: Dr Liz Doherty.

Music Composition for Instruments and Live Electronics

Projects may focus on the investigation of solo and/or ensemble interaction with a wide range of compositional methodologies using live electronics in the production of a portfolio of original music. Topic contact: Prof. Frank Lyons.

Jazz Performance

Proposals may consider the development of original improvisatory concepts and/or innovative technical approaches in jazz instrumental or vocal performance. Topic contact: Dr Linley Hamilton

Design of Music Performance Systems/Digital Musical Instruments

Proposals are sought for a project which focuses on design, technological development and theoretical aspects underpinning the creation of digital musical instruments (DMI) or performance systems. Potential topics could encompass either technologically augmented instruments in combination with digital systems or the design of purely digital musical instrument systems. Topic contact: Dr Brian Bridges

Music and the Visual

Proposals are sought for practice-based (composition, performance) or musicological projects that investigate the relationship between music and the visual world e.g. visual arts, visual media, visual/visualized objects and environments. Of particular interest are project proposals exploring interdisciplinarity and collaborative practice, music and moving image, site-specificity and music and architecture. Topic contact: Dr Adam Melvin

Essential criteria

Applicants should hold, or expect to obtain, a First or Upper Second Class Honours Degree in a subject relevant to the proposed area of study.

We may also consider applications from those who hold equivalent qualifications, for example, a Lower Second Class Honours Degree plus a Master’s Degree with Distinction.

In exceptional circumstances, the University may consider a portfolio of evidence from applicants who have appropriate professional experience which is equivalent to the learning outcomes of an Honours degree in lieu of academic qualifications.

  • Experience using research methods or other approaches relevant to the subject domain
  • Sound understanding of subject area as evidenced by a comprehensive research proposal
  • A comprehensive and articulate personal statement

Desirable Criteria

If the University receives a large number of applicants for the project, the following desirable criteria may be applied to shortlist applicants for interview.

  • Completion of Masters at a level equivalent to commendation or distinction at Ulster
  • Practice-based research experience and/or dissemination
  • Work experience relevant to the proposed project
  • Experience of presentation of research findings
  • Use of personal initiative as evidenced by record of work above that normally expected at career stage.

Funding and eligibility

The University offers the following levels of support:

Vice Chancellors Research Studentship (VCRS)

The following scholarship options are available to applicants worldwide:

  • Full Award: (full-time tuition fees + £19,000 (tbc))
  • Part Award: (full-time tuition fees + £9,500)
  • Fees Only Award: (full-time tuition fees)

These scholarships will cover full-time PhD tuition fees for three years (subject to satisfactory academic performance) and will provide a £900 per annum research training support grant (RTSG) to help support the PhD researcher.

Applicants who already hold a doctoral degree or who have been registered on a programme of research leading to the award of a doctoral degree on a full-time basis for more than one year (or part-time equivalent) are NOT eligible to apply for an award.

Please note: you will automatically be entered into the competition for the Full Award, unless you state otherwise in your application.

Department for the Economy (DFE)

The scholarship will cover tuition fees at the Home rate and a maintenance allowance of £19,000 (tbc) per annum for three years (subject to satisfactory academic performance).

This scholarship also comes with £900 per annum for three years as a research training support grant (RTSG) allocation to help support the PhD researcher.

  • Candidates with pre-settled or settled status under the EU Settlement Scheme, who also satisfy a three year residency requirement in the UK prior to the start of the course for which a Studentship is held MAY receive a Studentship covering fees and maintenance.
  • Republic of Ireland (ROI) nationals who satisfy three years’ residency in the UK prior to the start of the course MAY receive a Studentship covering fees and maintenance (ROI nationals don’t need to have pre-settled or settled status under the EU Settlement Scheme to qualify).
  • Other non-ROI EU applicants are ‘International’ are not eligible for this source of funding.
  • Applicants who already hold a doctoral degree or who have been registered on a programme of research leading to the award of a doctoral degree on a full-time basis for more than one year (or part-time equivalent) are NOT eligible to apply for an award.

Due consideration should be given to financing your studies. Further information on cost of living

The Doctoral College at Ulster University

Key dates

Submission deadline
Monday 19 February 2018
12:00AM

Interview Date
5 to 12 March 2018

Preferred student start date
mid September 2018

Applying

Apply Online  

Contact supervisor

Dr Brian Bridges

Other supervisors