PhD and MPhil in Music Technology
Work with leading researchers in music technology, gaining valuable skills for a career in the field, research or academia.
Length
MPhil 2 years full-time
4 years part-time
PhD 3 years full-time
6 years part-time
Distance learning available for the PhD programme
Start date
October 2023
January 2024
April 2024
July 2024
(semester dates)
UK fees
International fees
Our research degrees provide the opportunity to combine academia with creativity and innovation. Pioneer innovative research in key areas, from audio for virtual reality to soundscape research.
Your research
As a postgraduate researcher student, the focus of your work will be an independent research project. We provide training which will equip you with skills in a wide range of research methods to support your growing expertise.
Your research will culminate in a thesis and oral examination. Formal reviews of progress ensure you are making satisfactory progress with your research project and other elements of your PhD or MPhil programme. Your progress throughout this course will be continually guided by your supervisor and a thesis advisory panel.
You can take advantage of advanced taught courses to help fill any gaps in the background knowledge required for the research project. The choice of courses taken will be made together with your supervisor, at the beginning of the programme.
Research projects
Our academics are working on a wide range of projects suitable for research students to join.
Funding
Explore Physics, Engineering and Technology funding for postgraduate researchers and wider postgraduate support.
Supervision
As a member of one of the research groups you will be supervised on a one-to-one basis by a member of academic staff.
Research projects
Our academics are working on a wide range of projects suitable for research students to get involved with.
Training and support
Throughout your course you'll have opportunities to develop your skills as an academic and researcher.
All PhD students take part in our PhD Conference held each year. The two-day conference includes a first year presentation session, second year poster competition and third year seminars.
These sessions are designed to give you experience in presenting your research: you'll have the opportunity to prepare a talk, face an audience and answer questions. The intention is to help you develop oral and written communication skills which are essential in a modern engineering environment.
You may also have the opportunity to present your work at UK and overseas conferences and publish in international journals.
Course location
You will be based on Campus West. Most of your training and supervision meetings will take place here, though your research may take you further afield.
All full-time students are allocated a desk space in the School for the duration of their programme. Dependent on your project, you might also use other facilities, including well-equipped music and media technology suites and anechoic chambers.
We offer a distance learning option for the PhD programme if you cannot live in York full- or part-time. As part of the application process, we will ask for justification for taking the DL option and will then assess the feasibility of the work programme. The latter will be embodied in a plan of study outlining resources and facilities needed, training requirements and an associated timeline, which will need to be in place before being accepted onto the programme. Unless special arrangements can be agreed in advance, a research topic that requires specialised equipment and facilities may not be possible with the DL option.
Entry requirements
You should have, or be about to complete, a 2:1 or above honours degree (or equivalent) in:
- Electronics
- Electrical Engineering
- Physics
- Mathematics
- Computer Science
- Music Technology
or a closely related subject.
English language requirements
If English is not your first language you must provide evidence of your ability.
Applying
Apply for the MPhil in Music Technology
Apply for the PhD in Music Technology
Take a look at the supporting documents you may need for your application.
Find out more about how to apply.
Identify a supervisor
As part of any application for a research degree you will need to name one or more academic staff who could supervise your research.
Careers and skills
Your PhD or MPhil will help to extend your qualifications, allowing you to explore a growing industry. You will research and consider designs which will address real-world problems by combining ideas in engineering and music technology systems. You will become equipped with skills around technical analysis, music technology components and communication through writing and multimedia to become prepared for the next stage in your career.
Our dedicated careers team offer specific support including a programme of professional researcher development and careers workshops and 1:1 career support sessions. They will help you to build up your employability portfolio and to engage in activities that will build up your skills and experience within and outside of your research work.
Career opportunities
- Design engineer
- Digital consultant
- Software or systems developer
- Academic researcher
- Project manager
- Product development engineer
- Teaching
Discover York
Accommodation
We offer a range of campus accommodation to suit you and your budget, from economy to deluxe.
Why York
Discover more about our researchers, facilities and why York is the perfect choice for your research degree.
York Graduate Research
Connect with researchers across all disciplines to get the most out of your research project.