The School of Music is one of the leading centres for graduate musical study in Ireland and a QS World Top 100 Performing Arts department. Our graduate programmes give students the opportunity to work with scholars of international standing in the School's core disciplines of historical musicology, ethnomusicology and composition. The PhD and MLitt programmes afford the chance to complete a major research project under the supervision of an expert in the field, or alternatively a composition portfolio.
Graduate students at UCD are part of a friendly and supportive research culture that foregrounds regular interaction between faculty and students. We pride ourselves on the research initiative shown by our graduate students: current students edit 'The Musicology Review', chair the (opens in a new window)Dublin Musicology Collective, and play a substantial role in the organisation of our seminar series. Our annual Graduate Colloquium offers a regular opportunity for students to share work in progress, while our PhD Forum allows a supportive environment in which to discuss broader topics relating to research and professional development.
Many current and recent PhD students have been successful in applying for (opens in a new window)Government of Ireland Postgraduate Scholarships from the Irish Research Council (IRC) for fully funded study. It is possible to apply for these fellowships either in the year prior to starting the intended PhD programme, or during the PhD itself, to fund the remaining years of study.
All of UCD’s research programmes are now fully modularised and offered with taught components (such as Transferable Skills modules and Teaching Apprenticeships). In addition to the main supervisor, research students will be supported by a Research Studies Panel. The panel frequently involves faculty members from other disciplines, to enable the best possible guidance for projects with an interdisciplinary element.
The MLitt degree can be awarded after two years’ study and the submission of a substantial thesis. MLitt students may transfer to the PhD programme after completing one year of research, subject to the recommendation of the supervisor and the approval of the Head of School. The PhD is a three-four year structured degree programme centred around the submission of a longer dissertation.
Professor Wolfgang Marx Graduate Programmes Director
The following are the minimum requirements necessary to undertake a PhD in the School of Music. These are based on UCD’s PhD Entry Requirements
Education: Applicants are required to have both:
A Masters degree in a relevant subject with Distinction (GPA greater than 3.08) from an accredited institution.
An Undergraduate degree with a minimum of 2.1 (GPA greater than 3.08) from an accredited institution. Academic Transcripts for each degree must be supplied.
English Language Proficiency: Applicants to a PhD programme in UCD from countries where English is not the primary language must meet the University’s Minimum English Language Proficiency Requirement of a minimum of IELTS 6.5 with not less than 6 in any strand in the Academic Version or equivalent.
Prospective students are encouraged to contact individual faculty members to discuss ideas and topics that could lead to successful research projects. Once a potential academic supervisor has expressed interest, students should work towards developing a clear and focused research proposal as preparation for submitting an online application. Faculty research interests and contact details are provided below:
Cover letter, Applicants are required to submit a 1 - 2 page cover letter introducing themselves, outlining why they want to do a PhD, why they want to work with their chosen faculty member, their research interests, and why they want to research their chosen topic..
Research Proposal: Prepare a 1,000-2,000 word proposal, to include an abstract, chapter outline, and select bibliography
Writing Sample: Applicants are required to submit a sample of their writing, such as their Master's thesis, a research paper, or an assignment (c. 3,000 words).
Academic Transcripts: Applicants are required to attach their Undergraduate and Masters academic transcripts. Applicants must clearly show that they meet the minimum entry requirements of UCD and the funding scheme.
Letters of Recommendation: Applicants are required to supply the names and details of two referees who have taught or supervised them and who can attest to their academic abilities and suitability to research. These referees may be contacted to supply references by the member of faculty the applicant approaches. The applicant should contact their referees prior to submitting an application to ensure that they are willing to provide letters of recommendation. Applicants may also submit letters of recommendation with their application which will be checked by the faculty member.
Once you have submitted your application, it will be reviewed by the School’s postgraduate entrance committee.
Specific information for international students can be found here.
Information on EU Fee Assessment can be found here.
Information on estimated living costs in Ireland can be found on the UCD Global website.
We recommend students research funding schemes available to see whether fee and stipend support is available, for example (opens in a new window)SUSI funding.
Each Spring the School of Music at University College Dublin invites expressions of interest from potential doctoral researchers wishing to apply for Government of Ireland (GOI) Postgraduate Scholarships. These prestigious scholarships are open to candidates of all nationalities wishing to pursue PhD studies for a period of three-four years. The School of Music at UCD will offer bespoke support to selected applicants.
The 2025 application process will open mid-April.
Research students can apply for an annual grant of up to €500 to support conference attendance or research trips, covering travel, accommodation, and conference fees (if presenting). Further information on this scheme can be found here.
Please note that our PhD programme is face-to-face, especially during the early years when students will need to take taught modules. Other responsibilities will include attending supervisory sessions and Research Studies Panels. UCD School of Music and other units at UCD offer numerous research events, training in research skills, and opportunities for enriching your education, and expanding your networks.
