PhD MUSIC

This programme offers a doctoral-level programme in Music for students who wish to engage in high-quality research in selected areas of the discipline. In addition, the PhD/MLitt in Music includes a number of generic and specific skills modules that will complement its research-oriented elements as part of a structured research programme at Maynooth University.

The subject of research for the thesis must be approved by the Head of Department/Departmental Research Committee and must be based on original research conducted under the direction of a designated member of the Department.

Supervision is offered in any of the following areas:

PhD in Music (Composition):

Students in the PhD in Composition develop a varied portfolio of works totalling ninety minutes in duration. Variations on this format (e.g. single large-scale work submissions) are possible but need to be approved in writing by the supervisor and Head of Department. Portfolios should be accompanied by a written commentary on the works of at least 12,000 words (but not exceeding 30,000 words). Where possible, and, as appropriate, submissions should be supported by recorded performances. The final examination is via a viva voce examination with two examiners (one internal and one external) and an independent chair.

PhD in Music (Musicology)

Students in the PhD in Musicology submit an original research thesis on any topic in musicology for which supervision is available in the Department of Music. Applicants should consult the Department of Music webpages for details of staff expertise. The thesis takes the form of a written text of 80,000 – 100,000 words, subject to a viva voce examination with two examiners (one internal and one external) and an independent chair.

PhD in Music (Computer Music)

The Computer Music programme allows students to choose between two forms of thesis submission:

(1) by dissertation: a 40,000 - 50,000 word thesis together with the proof-of-concept of the technologies developed/discussed, which might include an original composition component together with the technical documentation (e.g. hardware designs, software sources); (2) by publication: 6 – 8 papers, published (or fully accepted for publication) in international peer-reviewed conference proceedings and recognised journals in the field, with at least two journal items, plus a 15,000 - 18,000 introductory essay binding the published work. One of the published items might be an original composition work. In both options, the final examination is via a viva voce examination with two examiners (one internal and one external) and an independent chair.

PhD in Music (Performance)

The PhD in/by Performance will appeal to performers interested in developing innovative projects in which performance forms an integral part of scholarly research. By developing an appropriate critical and theoretical framework, the project will contribute to the advancement of knowledge in the field. The format of the PhD includes a 40,000 - 50,000-word dissertation and a 90-minute final concert. The final examination is via a viva voce examination with an independent chair and two examiners (one internal and one external), and a public concert which will be attended by the examiners and the independent chair.

Closing date
Research applications are generally accepted at any time.

Commences
September (or other agreed time).