Music University of West London

Overview

The  Music course from the University of West London is available for you to study either on a full-time or part-time basis and you have the flexibility to switch should you need to.

A PhD is founded on independent research. You will undertake a systematic and in-depth exploration of your chosen topic to produce a substantial body of knowledge and make an original and important contribution to the subject area.

Your research will be judged through the presentation of a thesis or artefact and a viva voce for academic assessment. We provide a stimulating and supportive environment where you will benefit from: 

• peer feedback and discussion   
• a series of master-classes and lectures from industry figures   
• support by a supervisor and second supervisor suited to your project. 

Career opportunities:

A PhD degree in Music - the highest academic qualification, based on the advanced study and independent research, opens up an array of career opportunities both in academia and within  the music industries. 

Many students go on to pursue an academic career, following the PhD with postdoctoral study, then a fellowship or lectureship.

During your PhD, you will also be learning transferable core skills that apply to jobs both in and out of academia, including:

• written and oral communication
• research and information management
• public speaking
• project management
• leadership
• critical thinking
• collaboration
• analysis and problem-solving
• conflict resolution
• negotiation.

By the end of your research degree you will be able to articulately apply these skills to enhance your career path.

Job roles

• university lecturer
• postdoctoral researcher
• other higher and further education lecturer
• freelance soloist
• session musician
• touring musician
• orchestral musician
• conductor
• composer and arranger
• record producer
• audio post-production
• audio/live engineer.

Graduate employers

• universities
• research institutions
• specialist education providers
• start-ups
• museum and library sector
• companies with R&D departments
• record labels
• music publishers
• management companies
• recording studios
• social enterprises.