
Music (MPhil)
Bangor UniversityBangor, United Kingdom
Course overview
Research degrees can be gained in the areas of Musicology, Performance and Composition. Normally the research project will be limited to any one area. Performers, however, will follow, in addition to their practical studies (60%), an agreed programme of original research into historical study, performance practice, editing oranalysis, focusing on aspects related or central to repertoire performed (40%).
Structure of Programme As a research programme, the course does not have a modular outline. Each student receives close supervision on an individual and original project, which has the potential to make a new and substantial contribution to the field. Each student has a supervisory committee, led by the main supervisor, assisted by two other staff members with relevant expertise.
Research students have regular meetings with their supervisor and are entitled to consult other members of their committee as appropriate. They are also encouraged to present reports on their work in seminars and colloquia during each of their period of study. Final assessment will be through viva voce examination through an appointed panel.
The panel consists of one internal examiner from within the University / School (not identical with members of the supervisory committee), one external examiner, who is an expert in the field, and a chair. Submission: Historical Musicology / Editorial Musicology: Thesis of 60,000 words or equivalent Composition: Portfolio of compositions, consisting of around 70 minutes of music (depending on complexity); accompanying essay of 5,000-7,000 words on style, technique and aesthetic which contextualises the submitted portfolio. Performance: (i) one full-length public recital (40-50 mins) and one CD (40-50 mins), featuring different repertoire (60%) (ii) dissertation on a related area (20,000 words) or a composition of comparable length for the instrument in question (40%).
Research Opportunities The School of Music has traditionally been strong in establishing collaborative links, often combined with full funding (through schemes such as KESS, and KTP). Course Duration Registration period (excluding write-up year) - 2 years full-time; 4 years part-time.
Key highlights
- Research pathways in Musicology, Performance and Composition
- Individual original project guided by a three-member supervisory committee
- Performers combine practical study with research into repertoire and performance practice
- Performance submission includes a public recital and a recorded CD
- Composers submit around 70 minutes of music with a contextual essay
- Collaborative research links, sometimes fully funded through KESS and KTP
Entry requirements
- Master's degree: Merit — A degree at British Master’s standard: normally merit degree or equivalent.
Scholarships
Deans Scholarship - Postgraduate Research
20% reduction in the published Postgraduate Research tuition fee for each year of study.
Up to 20% of feesHeads of School Scholarship
10% reduction in the published Postgraduate Research tuition fee for each year of study.
Up to 10% of feesInclusive Bangor Scholarships
Payment towards tuition fees for one-year taught or research postgraduate Masters (or for two years if studying part-time). This will be capped at £9,500.
Refugee Scholarship
Vice-Chancellor Postgraduate Research Scholarships
50% discount on the published International Tuition Fee for each year of study.
Up to 50% of fees
Careers this course leads to
- Musicologist
- Composer
- Professional performer
- Music lecturer
- Music editor
- Arts researcher
Cost of study
UK/Home: £5,182 per year | International: £19,500 per year
Admission
Applications are made through AHZ at no cost. Share your transcripts, English test scores and personal statement, and your AHZ Counsellor will review your profile, submit your application to Bangor University, and guide you through interview, offer, CAS and visa — right up to enrolment.
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