Doctor of Philosophy Degree (PhD) Music

Supervision

The PhD is a research degree that is undertaken through supervision, which includes performance lessons for performance candidates, rather than formal taught courses. Notwithstanding this, and depending on the nature of the creative work and the intake of candidates, there may from time to time be seminar-type classes, attendance at and participation in which will be compulsory.

The nature of the PhD with the creative work component implies that most candidates will need more than one supervisor. The School will only accept candidates for whom a suitable supervisor(s) are available and will attempt to involve expertise from other divisions within the School or from outside the University where necessary. In the case of co-supervision one of the supervisors will be appointed as primary supervisor.

Expectations of the thesis (by research only)

On doctoral level, the work should demonstrate competencies in a number of areas. These include the presentation of a clearly stated research question or problem which has the potential to deliver an original contribution to the field and a detailed literature review incorporating evidence that the student has read widely and applied a critical approach not only to the literature surrounding the topic, but also to how this literature is situated in the field in general. The methodology section will need to demonstrate a reflective approach to and understanding of the research conducted and the student should be prepared to collect a wider range of data in comparison to that expected at master’s level. The research analysis and interpretation should contribute a new and original synthesis and the conclusion should contain a sophisticated and complex evaluation of the dissertation’s findings.

Relationship between creative work and thesis

There must be a coherent relationship between the creative work and the thesis. This does not necessarily mean that the thesis must be a direct commentary on the creative work. It must, however, serve to contextualise the creative work critically.

By way of example, in the field of performance the candidate may choose to write a thesis containing an analysis of the compositions that are performed and/or a critical commentary on previous performances. The research could focus on one or more of the following: a critical exploration of the history, theory and practice of the creative work; the development and creative application of new materials and technologies; the relationship between the performing arts and society; and the relationship between the performing arts and other disciplines.

Depending on the nature of the project, and taking into consideration examiners’ competencies, the creative work and thesis may be examined separately or as an integrated whole.

In the Research Proposal as well as the thesis the candidate must demonstrate how the scholarly work informs and elucidates the creative work.

Scope of the creative work

The appropriate scope of the creative work is, in the first instance, discussed with the supervisor(s). This is then tabled for further discussion by Music staff. Finally, it is outlined in the Research Proposal, for approval by the Faculty.

Guidelines include the following. In the field of performance, candidates will typically perform three 70-minute recitals in an appropriate and approved performance venue (noted in the Research Proposal), within or without the University. In the area of composition, candidates typically present a portfolio of work of approximate duration of 90 minutes composed during the period of registration.

Note: If the candidate’s creative work is presented outside the University or uses human and/or non-human resources beyond those available within the University, the cost of such is borne by the candidate.

Scope of the thesis

By research only: the length of the thesis should be between 75 000 and 85 000 words.
By research and creative work: the length of the thesis should be between 30 000 and 40 000 words.

Submission of creative work

In some instances, for example in the field of performance, a PhD candidate will have to present part of the creative work in public at the University (such as at a lunch-hour concert or at a “combined practical”), to assess readiness of the work for examination.

All creative work forming part of the PhD must be submitted in the form of retainable documentation – video recordings, audio recordings, scores, transcriptions, and other appropriate visual and audio forms of documentation. In order to avoid any dispute around this matter, the Research Proposal must indicate for approval what documentation would be submitted.

Submission of doctoral work

The deadline date for degree work submissions is mid-February. Students will need to complete the required forms and obtain written permission and approval from the supervisor before submitting the work.

Annual report

It is important to meet regularly with your supervisor and draw up a schedule that suits your particular study. You will also be expected to submit an annual report to your supervisor which outlines the progress you have made and your plans for the next registration period.