PhD by Performance in Durham United Kingdom | Durham University

Our institution provides both taught MA programs and research-based postgraduate studies, delivering exceptional individual guidance and support for an outstanding student experience. Beyond academic advancement, we focus on career readiness by offering teaching and research assistant roles, research dissemination opportunities, and specialized training workshops. Student-led initiatives like our Research Forum and Postgraduate Seminar series allow participants to select discussion themes and host guest speakers. Postgraduates enjoy exclusive access to a departmental workspace equipped with both PC and Apple computers, alongside shared facilities including studios, multimedia labs, performance spaces, and musical instrument collections. We invite prospective students to explore faculty expertise to align their research goals with our vibrant academic community. Our programs combine excellent instruction, research-driven methodologies, and internationally recognized curricula. Research degree candidates focus on self-directed projects developed with supervisor input, with musicologists/ethnomusicologists producing extensive dissertations and composers creating original works with analytical commentary. Each student benefits from expert supervision and regular progress assessments to ensure successful project completion.