Description
Our PhD research programmes in Cambridge will allow you to explore your own interests in musicology, supported by the expertise of our staff.
Find out more about studying during COVID-19 in the Entry requirements section, below.
Full description
Our research encompasses critical and contextual investigation, mostly focused on twentieth-century and contemporary music and performance practice, including Cuban music for example, but also early music practice and reception through the work of ethnomusicologist researchers. These areas of investigation frequently support the practice-based activities of contributing staff, both in the areas of composition and performance.
The interdisciplinary nature of our research creates a rich and stimulating environment for staff and students. You’ll benefit from a variety of research-oriented events, including our Faculty and departmental research seminar series, performance events and international conferences.
We also enjoy links with the wider community, including local arts venues like The Junction, the Cambridge Arts Picturehouse and Kettle's Yard; the University of Cambridge's Centre for Research into Arts, Social Sciences and Humanities (CRASSH); and various NHS health providers.
Supervision and Support
Our staff are recognised as experts in their fields and have produced a number of influential books, journal articles, edited collections, compositions, recordings and creative artefacts.
Dr Paul Rhys: composition; microtonality; nineteen-note equal temperament; live performance with computers.
Dr Chanan Hanspal: music analysis; the orchestral music of Frank Zappa; the chronological development of jazz improvisation; identity issues in Australian music
Your department and faculty
Using our creative expertise and industry connections in Cambridge and beyond, we create experiences that entertain, educate, inspire and improve lives.
At Cambridge School of Creative Industries, we believe in the importance of experimentation and risk-taking to create experiences that entertain, educate, inspire and improve lives.
Whether writing bestselling fiction, creating challenging documentaries or sharing a piano with people on the autism spectrum, the expertise of our staff goes far beyond teaching. Their research produces significant funding success, leading to important publications and international conferences.

My name is Kavisha Prince Anthony, and I always had a dream of studying abroad. Thankfully, that dream came to life since I applied to the Study Advisor. I was able to receive my visa within four days. I also had some visa refusals in the past; I had about six UK visa refusals in the past, but thankfully, it was not an issue since the Study Advisor was able to make things work this time. I highly recommend Study Advisor for your dreams of going abroad, whether it be the UK or any other European country there is.