Overview

Our faculty include internationally known researchers who contribute to theories of rhythm and meter, music cognition, computer applications, music theory pedagogy, and the analysis of a diverse range of recent art music and traditional music from across the world.

Features

Students in our Music Theory graduate programs at University of British Columbia are mentored professionally through intensive seminars, teaching assistantships, research assistantships, and conference participation.

We welcome research of an interdisciplinary nature, involving musicology, ethnomusicology, mathematics, linguistics, and other musically pertinent areas.

Programme Structure

Research

Students in music theory draw upon the wide expertise of the research faculty, including Renaissance sacred polyphony; Reformation and Counter-Reformation; opera history and reception; the interrelations of music and other performing arts; nineteenth-century topics (program music, form, harmony, art song); 20th- and 21st-century art and popular music; rhythmic analysis; theory construction and analytical method; music cognition; music theory pedagogy; computer-based analysis and corpus studies; aspects of modern and contemporary music and musical life; and music of East Asia (especially Korea and Bali).

The faculty in performance and composition includes many figures well-known throughout Canada and beyond for their work in concert, on radio, and on CDs.

Key information

Duration

Full-time
- 72 months

Start dates & application deadlines

Starting 2027-09-02 00:00:00
- Apply before 2026-12-01 00:00:00

Language

English

TOEFL^® IBT

90

Schedule TOEFL®

IELTS

6.5

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Delivered

On Campus

Campus Location

Vancouver, Canada

Disciplines

Music Music Composition View 4 other PhDs in Music Composition in Canada

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Academic requirements

We are not aware of any specific GRE, GMAT or GPA grading score requirements for this programme.

English requirements

TOEFL^® IBT

90

Schedule TOEFL®

IELTS

6.5

Prepare for Your English Test

Cathoven AI IELTS Preparation

Learn your IELTS Score

AI-powered IELTS feedback. Clear, actionable, and tailored to boost your writing & speaking score. No credit card or upfront payment required.

Trusted by 300k learners
98 accuracy using real exam data
4.9/5 student rating

Other requirements

General requirements

All applicants have to submit transcripts from all past post-secondary study. Document submission requirements depend on whether your institution of study is within Canada or outside of Canada.

A minimum of three references are required for application to graduate programs at UBC. References should be requested from individuals who are prepared to provide a report on your academic ability and qualifications.

Many programs require a statement of interest, sometimes called a "statement of intent", "description of research interests" or something similar.

Students in research-based programs usually require a faculty member to function as their supervisor. Please follow the instructions provided by each program whether applicants should contact faculty members.

Permanent Residents of Canada must provide a clear photocopy of both sides of the Permanent Resident card.

Student Insurance via Studyportals Partner

Make sure to cover your health, travel, and stay while studying abroad. Even global coverages can miss important items like Additional medical costs, Repatriation, Liability etc. Make sure your student insurance covers your needs.

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Remember, countries and universities may have specific insurance requirements. To learn more about how student insurance work at University of British Columbia and/or in Canada, please visit Student Insurance Portal.

Tuition Fees

Tuition fees are shown in and the most likely applicable fee is shown based on your nationality.

International Applies to you

Applies to you

Non-residents

9883 CAD / year

≈ 9883 CAD / year
Domestic Applies to you

Applies to you

Citizens or residents

5626 CAD / year

≈ 5626 CAD / year

Living costs

Vancouver

Canada

1590 - 2686 CAD / month

The living costs include the total expenses per month, covering accommodation, public transportation, utilities (electricity, internet), books and groceries.

Funding

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Scholarships Information

Below you will find PhD's scholarship opportunities for Music Theory.

Available Scholarships

You are eligible to apply for these scholarships but a selection process will still be applied by the provider.

About

Overview

Features

Programme Structure

Key information

Duration

Start dates & application deadlines

Language

Prepare for Your English Test

Delivered

Campus Location

Disciplines

What students do after studying

Academic requirements

English requirements

Prepare for Your English Test

Other requirements

General requirements

Student Insurance via Studyportals Partner

Tuition Fees

International Applies to you

Domestic Applies to you

Living costs

Vancouver

Funding

Scholarships Information

Available Scholarships

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