Musicology

Musicology is a specialisation available in our suite of Music research degrees (MPhil, PhD).

This scheme is suitable for graduates in music, especially in the fields of historical musicology, music aesthetics, theory and analysis.

It aims to offer knowledge and expertise for a career in higher education and writing about music.

We offer a wide range of expertise, with particular strength in the following areas:

Critical Musicology: Aesthetics and Philosophy of Music, especially in modern times.
Ethnomusicology: African (including African diaspora); Celtic and Islamic regions, especially from an anthropological perspective; other areas may be considered.
Historical Musicology: Contemporary British Music, Music and Musical Life in Vienna 1750-1830, Music and Aesthetic Debate in the C18th, Opera in France in the C19th, Music and Society in C19th Britain, Performance Practice, Popular Music, Post-war French Music. Other areas may be considered.

These areas are cross-fertilised by other staff specialisms which include:

Biographical studies
Historiography of music
Performance practice and organology
Sketch and source studies
Music and politics
Popular culture and aesthetics
Analytical and theoretical perspectives

Assessment

The text of a PhD thesis should not normally exceed 80,000 words (excluding bibliographies and appendices). The text of an MPhil thesis should not normally exceed 60,000 words (excluding bibliographies and appendices).

Distinctive features

Research students are given an allowance to help support attending conferences, obtaining research materials, recording performances of their music, or conducting relevant research away from Cardiff.

Refurbished facilities for music postgraduates including a suite of dedicated computer and study rooms, hi-fi facilities and electronic piano, a kitchen and a common room.

Depending on individual suitability (e.g. language proficiency) and research interests, postgraduates may elect to take a period of study abroad at one of many affiliated European University Music Schools.