School of Music

FACULTY OF PERFORMANCE,
VISUAL ARTS AND COMMUNICATIONS

Postgraduate Study

Contents
Introducing the School of Music
University life
City life
Taught Postgraduate Programmes
MMus Applied Psychology of Music
MMus Composition
MA Music and Management
MMus Music Technology and Computer Music
MMus Musicology
MMus Performance
Graduate Diploma in Music
Postgraduate research degrees
How to apply

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The information contained in this document was right at time of going to press. For current information on courses and entry requirements please visit our website at
www.leeds.ac.uk/postgraduate
Legal notice
Whilst the University endeavours to ensure that the information contained in this brochure is accurate at the date of publication the University does not accept liability for any
inaccuracies contained within it. Where circumstances change outside the reasonable control of the University, the University reserves the right to change or cancel parts of, or
entire, programmes of study or services at any time without liability, even after students have registered at the University. Circumstances outside of the Universitys reasonable
control include, industrial action, over or under demand from students, staff illness, lack of funding, severe weather, fire, civil disorder, political unrest, government restrictions
and concern with regard to the transmission of serious illness. The Universitys contract with its students does not confer third party benefits for the purposes of the Contract
(Rights of Third Parties) Act 1999.

CONTENTS http://music.leeds.ac.uk 3

4 UNIVERSITY OF LEEDS - SCHOOL OF MUSIC POSTGRADUATE STUDY

Introducing the School of Music at Leeds

The School of Music at the
University of Leeds is one
of the largest and most diverse
academic music departments
in the country. The School has
an international reputation for
research and brings together
acclaimed scholars in purposebuilt premises at the heart of
the Leeds campus. The School
has two undergraduate
programmes, several taught
masters programmes and over
50 research students.

The large concert hall in the School is

available for student performances and
provides an important music venue for the
University and the wider region, hosting
international performing artists and BBC
Radio 3 concerts. A large communal space
for students is located in the concert hall
Foyer, which is also home to the Sir Peter
Blake Music Art Gallery.
The University enjoys a formal collaboration
with Opera North, Englands premier
regional opera company, and the School
participates actively in the vibrant musical
life of the city of Leeds. The University

The School also has over 20 academic staff

libraries (including the Special Collections

working in critical and historical

of the Brotherton Library) and the British

musicology, ethnomusicology, music

Library at nearby Boston Spa provide an

psychology, composition, performance and

excellent, comprehensive resource of

music technology. Our facilities comprise

books, journals, scores, electronic

rehearsal, performance and practice

resources and recorded music.

spaces, three studios, a multimedia

computer cluster, a communal study area,
lecture theatres and a music psychology
lab. Our students have access to the
Schools superb collection of instruments,
including a specially commissioned
gamelan, a Yamaha Disklavier, an extensive
collection of historic and modern keyboard
instruments and a wide range of orchestral
and world percussion.

INTRODUCING THE SCHOOL OF MUSIC AT LEEDS www.leeds.ac.uk/music 5

(Clockwise from top left)

The University of Leeds is a singlecampus University at the edge of
Leeds city centre; The School of
Music; the 8 lane 25m swimming
pool at The Edge our flagship
sports facility; the Ziff building,
home to the Student Services
centre; some of our international
students relaxing outside the iconic
Parkinson building; Clothworkers
Centenary Hall, an important music
venue for the University and the
wider region; contemplative study
in the historic Brotherton library;
sport at Weetwood; stage@leeds
our own theatre on campus;
working out at The Edge one of
the largest University fitness
facilities in the UK.

6 UNIVERSITY OF LEEDS - SCHOOL OF MUSIC POSTGRADUATE STUDY

University life
The University of Leeds is an outstanding
place to study. A member of the Russell
Group of leading British research
universities and in the heart of one
of the UKs most vibrant and studentfriendly cities, it has long been recognised
as one of the giants of higher education.
Recognised worldwide for the quality of
teaching and research, the University
has invested heavily to provide students
with first class facilities across campus,
including modern, well-equipped lecture
theatres and laboratories, an internationally
acclaimed university library containing
a huge collection of communications
literature, first-rate computing resources,
a well-resourced language centre and one
of the biggest and most active students
unions in the country. You will receive a
fulfilling education and an active social
life all underpinned by a network of people
and organisations offering help, advice
and support.

A city within the city, the campus also has

a supermarket, hairdressers, bookshop,
gift shop and nightclubs. This means that
at Leeds you will experience the best of
both worlds: a friendly, campus community
and a vibrant city only a ten-minute walk
away. You can also pursue your sporting
interests by competing at club level,
simply playing for fun, or to keep fit.
The new Sports Centre, The Edge, is
situated on campus and the University
has extensive playing fields at Weetwood,
just a mile or two from the city centre.

The Universitys Libraries

The Universitys Brotherton Library is one of the major academic research libraries in
the United Kingdom, attracting scholars from around the world to its extensive print
and manuscript collections. It has holdings of over 2.8million volumes, including rare
primary material in its special collections. The Library invests 5million a year in
developing its collections and ranks as one of the top libraries in the UK for the
provision of electronic books, journals and databases. There are nearly 700 computer
workstations in the library and all library buildings are electronically enabled. There are
quiet study areas as well as group work facilities. The Library runs an excellent training
programme to familiarise students with the Library systems and help you exploit the
resources on offer. For more information about the libraries, visit http://library.leeds.ac.uk

UNIVERSITY LIFE www.leeds.ac.uk/music 7

View of the Leeds City skyline including the University of Leeds'

distinctive white Parkinson Tower and Leeds City Town Hall

8 UNIVERSITY OF LEEDS - SCHOOL OF MUSIC POSTGRADUATE STUDY

City life
Rich in history, with a diverse economy,
thriving cultural scene and a cosmopolitan
atmosphere, Leeds is a city of regional,
national and international importance.
So whether youre a cinema buff, a fan
of opera, a lover of the concert hall or a
theatre enthusiast, Leeds has something
to suit you.
Or if you prefer retail relaxation, Leeds
has over two miles of traffic-free shopping,
beautiful Victorian and Edwardian arcades
and more than a thousand shops.
The city also offers an extensive choice
of places to eat and drink whatever your
budget. All culinary tastes are catered for
and many restaurants have early bird
menus, ideal for a student budget.
There are lots of cafs in and around
the city that provide an ideal venue for
spending time with friends.
Leeds nightlife is known for its diversity
and popularity. The clubs in Leeds offer
a sophisticated and relaxed clubbing
experience with a great range of music to
suit all tastes. In the last few years the bar
scene in Leeds has grown dramatically and
the developed waterfront is now a well
established dining quarter.
Musically, Leeds offers a huge variety
which is hard to beat, ranging from brass
to bhangra, Afro-Caribbean to Andalusian.
There are loads of live music venues in the
city, including Leeds University Union,
which has played host to the top artists of
the last forty years from the Rolling Stones
and The Who, to Ed Sheeran and Labrinth.
Leeds also offers a unique selection of
commercial and independent cinemas
and hosts and international film festival
every year.

The city of Leeds has a proud sporting

tradition and is home to famous teams
such as the Yorkshire Cricket Club, the
Leeds Rhinos and the Leeds Tykes.
Located throughout the city are numerous
gyms and health clubs for those who want
to keep fit or unwind and there are lots of
opportunities to participate in sports at all
levels both within the University and city.
From the romantic ruins of the twelthcentury Kirkstall Abbey to the Palladian
splendour of Harewood House, there are
many areas of natural beauty and interest
in or close to Leeds which form the ideal
backdrop for a great day out. Leeds is also
within easy reach of the Yorkshire Dales,
the Peak District, the Lake District and
historic towns such as York, Harrogate
and Ripon.

Support for International Students

Most of our current postgraduates are from
overseas. Some of the reasons they have
chosen us are:
Small seminar groups and one-to-one
supervisions with leading international
scholars.
Guaranteed university accommodation for
the duration of your course.
Graduation after one year as a full-time
MA student.
The opportunity to study in Leeds, both
because of its own attractions and
because it is an ideal base from which to
explore other areas of the UK.
Our International Office provides extensive
information and advice to help you adjust
to living and studying at Leeds. In addition
to their support, you will have a dedicated
personal tutor in the School of Music, who
you will meet at the beginning of your
studies and will keep in touch with you
throughout the year.
Additional courses on writing and reading
as well as other support with academic
study in the UK are available from the
University Language Centre. You can find
out more about the activities and support
they organise from their website
www.leeds.ac.uk/arts/info/20056/language_
centre
International students have a chance to get
to know other international students
beyond the School of Music through events
organised by the International Office. More
details about these activities can be found
on the International Office website
www.leeds.ac.uk/info/20019/international

CITY LIFE www.leeds.ac.uk/music 9

Taught Postgraduate Programmes

The Taught Postgraduate programmes
offered by the School of Music are
MMus Applied Psychology
of Music (180 credits)
MMus Composition (180 credits)
MA Music and Management (180 credits)
MMus Musicology (180 credits)
MMus Music Technology and Computer
Music (180 credits)
MMus Performance (180 credits)
Postgraduate Diploma (120 credits at
Masters Level)
Graduate Diploma in Music (120 credits at
Undergraduate Level)

Part-time Study
All our taught postgraduate programmes
can be taken as a part-time course over two
years. During the first year, students will
normally take the core modules relevant
to their chosen programme, and begin the
preparation of their dissertation, recital
or project folio as relevant to the area of
study. During the second year of study
students will typically take optional
modules and complete the dissertation
or final project.
Part-time students need to be able
to attend classes on at least one day each
week. The required day will change from
semester to semester. Entry requirements
are the same as those for full-time students.

Teaching is spread across two semesters,

running from September to January and
from February to June. The remainder
of the year is taken up by the completion
of a dissertation, recital or project.
The programmes are taught as a mixture
of lectures, seminars and student-led
discussion.
Each programme includes core modules
to acquire more specialised knowledge,
and optional modules. Dissertations or
project work will be on a topic chosen
by the student under the guidance of an
individual supervisor. Many of our taught
postgraduate Masters programmes are also
available as a 120 credit Postgraduate
Diploma and further details of this and our
other programmes are available from the
School of Music: pgmusic@leeds.ac.uk

10 UNIVERSITY OF LEEDS - SCHOOL OF MUSIC POSTGRADUATE STUDY

TAUGHT POSTGRADUATE PROGRAMMES www.leeds.ac.uk/music 11

12 UNIVERSITY OF LEEDS - SCHOOL OF MUSIC POSTGRADUATE STUDY

MMus Applied Psychology of Music

The Psychology of Music has
relevance to many aspects of modern
life, including education, advertising,
therapy, and music technology.
This masters programme examines
the applications of such research to
everyday life, encouraging students to
reflect on issues of purpose, value and
responsibility. The interdisciplinary and
modular programme draws on a number
of fields, including psychology,
musicology, sociology, cultural studies,
the physical and biological sciences,
and music technology, and combines
theoretical and empirical approaches to
the discipline. The University of Leeds
is the only higher education institution
offering music psychology at all three
levels of undergraduate study, and the
School of Music has excellent facilities
including its own dedicated centre for
Scientific Research in Music and
Psychology of Music Laboratory.
Supported by the research strengths of
staff in this area, this makes the School
one of the leading exponents of applied
research in music psychology in the UK.
Open to those with backgrounds in
music or psychology, the MMus Applied
Psychology of Music programme is
aimed at advanced students who intend
to work within music education
(instrumental and classroom),
performance, community music,
music technology and computer science.
The distinctive focus will be upon the
application of existing research in
psychology of music within these
domains alongside the development
of domain-specific research methods.
In addition the programme will attend
to the development of generic and
scholarly/research techniques, and will
also provide the training and preparation
necessary for students with ambitions to
study the Psychology of Music to
MPhil/PhD level.
Students explore their particular
research interests through a Dissertation,
an extended piece of empirical or
theoretical research closely supervised
by staff members involved in the
programme.

There are two additional core modules

central to the discipline of Applied
Psychology of Music: Case Studies
in the Applied Psychology of Music
encourages students to engage with the
ways in which the psychology of music
has practical application in the real
world; Research Techniques in the
Applied Psychology of Music introduces
quantitative and qualitative research
techniques with an emphasis on
practical, hands-on seminars and
lectures.

Entry requirements
Applications are welcomed from current
BA and BMus students who wish to
pursue the applied psychology of music
in greater depth, or from graduates
who wish to refocus their academic
goals after a period of absence from
education. Full details of entry
requirements are outlined on the
School of Music website:
http://music.leeds.ac.uk/pg

All MMus students also attend a core

research skills module, Introduction to
Musical Scholarship. The remaining
programme credits are chosen from a
wide-ranging menu of optional modules,
allowing students the flexibility to tailor
their studies to their own individual
enthusiasms and interests; options
include individual projects, or additional
studies in the areas of musicology,
composition, music technology and
performance.
This degree is offered on a full-time or
part-time basis.
Full-time study takes place over twelve
months, and part-time study over
twenty-four months.
Core modules:
Dissertation
Case Studies in the Applied Psychology
of Music
Research Techniques in the Applied
Psychology of Music
Introduction to Musical Scholarship
Sample list of optional modules
Options will be chosen in consultation
with your personal tutor.
Issues in Contemporary Musicology
Individual Project
Editing and Archival Skills
Applied Performance
Computer Music Studies
Studies in Historical Performance
Composition Studies
Short Recital
Short Dissertation

MMus APPLIED PSYCHOLOGY OF MUSIC www.leeds.ac.uk/music 13

Dan Wilson
MMus Composition
PhD Composition
The MMus in Composition promised a
solid theoretical grounding in research
practice and other academic areas, as well
as the opportunity to explore pathways in
professionalization.

Now, working as a practice-led researcher

I can express my research in ways that a
purely written thesis would not allow.
This type of research is an area in which
Leeds seems to excel.

Postgraduate study at Leeds is invigorating

and fulfilling and I would encourage
people to apply if they want to challenge
themselves and get a head-start on other
graduates in their chosen career paths.

Within this programme, I was assessed

on my ability to respond to a two-week
commission project, as well as actively
seek out other professional outlets for my
work. As a result of this, one of the pieces
that I prepared for this module was
performed in the United States.

I have really enjoyed my PhD experience

so far, especially the opportunities that I
have had to collaborate with members of
the school as well as staff and students
from other parts of the University.

I am sure that the support I have received

during my PhD has been reflected in the
successes that I have encountered in my
professional endeavours.

The development of my area of study

for my PhD, Composition and Noise as
Ontology, was nurtured by my tutors and
was allowed to grow into a fully-fledged
research project.

14 UNIVERSITY OF LEEDS - SCHOOL OF MUSIC POSTGRADUATE STUDY

MMus Composition
Focusing on contemporary music,
the MMus Composition programme
allows students to develop a distinctive
compositional personality and to deal
effectively with a range of structural and
creative challenges. Students submit a
compulsory Portfolio of Original
Compositions (normally five or six items),
which may include acoustic and/or electroacoustic elements, plus an accompanying
written commentary, analytical or critical,
as appropriate. They also attend the core
module Composition Studies, which
explores arrangement, orchestration
and multimedia/collaborative works, and
is designed to equip students to explore
the professional demands of commercial
composition.
All taught postgraduate students also
attend a core research skills module,
Introduction to Musical Scholarship.
The remaining programme credits are
chosen from a wide-ranging menu of
optional modules, allowing students the
flexibility to tailor their studies to their
own individual enthusiasms and interests;
options include individual projects,
dissertation, or studies in the areas of
music psychology, musicology, music
technology, and performance.
The stimulating compositional environment
at Leeds, allows numerous opportunities for
composers to have their music performed
in workshops/concerts by performers
including the London Sinfonietta, Ian Pace
and Eva Zllner. There are also plenty of
opportunities to write for LSTwo (our
contemporary music ensemble), the Leeds
University Union Symphony Orchestra and
the Clothworkers Consort Choir.
Composition events in the School of Music
have previously included seminars by; Neil
Heyde, Chaya Czernowin and Gerhard
Stbler and internationally renowned
performers of new music regularly appear
in the Concert Series including Peter Veale,
Modelo62 and notes ingales.
This degree is offered on a full-time or
part-time basis. Full-time study takes place
over twelve months, and part-time study
over twenty-four months.

Core modules (120 out of

180 credits in total)
Portfolio of Original Compositions
Composition Studies
Introduction to Musical Scholarship
Students additionally choose either one 60credit module or two 30-credit modules.
Options will be chosen in consultation with
your personal tutor.
Indicative list of 60
credit optional modules:
Dissertation
Instrumental or Vocal Recital (long)
Music Technology Project
Editorial Project
Indicative list of 30 credit
optional modules:
Computer Music Studies
Applied Performance Studies
Issues in Contemporary Musicology
Short Dissertation
Instrumental or Vocal Recital (short)
Case Studies in the Applied Psychology of
Music
Research Techniques in the Applied
Psychology of Music
Studies in Historical Performance
Short Recital
Individual Project
Editing and Archival Studies

Entry requirements
The MMus Composition programme
normally requires a good first degree in
Music or in which music was a major part
(2:1 or above or equivalent international
qualifications). Alternative qualifications
and professional experience will be
considered in individual cases, subject to
satisfactory interview and evaluation of a
portfolio of original compositions. At least
one recent composition should be
submitted in score form, or in another form
as appropriate (electroacoustic work is
encouraged), with recordings if available.
Full details of entry requirements are
outlined on the School of Music website:
http://music.leeds.ac.uk/pg

MMus COMPOSITION www.leeds.ac.uk/music 15

16 UNIVERSITY OF LEEDS - SCHOOL OF MUSIC POSTGRADUATE STUDY

MA Music and Management

The MA Music and Management is an
exciting addition to our portfolio of Masters
programmes and is a joint venture between
the School of Music and Leeds University
Business School (LUBS). On this course,
students will study a flexible combination
of modules in Music and in LUBS in
addition to modules designed specifically
for the programme. The unique Creative
Industries Management module provides
the opportunity for industrial placements
in the music industry, enhancing
employability and creating vital links with
the business community.
The innovative Music Management Project
allows for the practical application of
theory and skills developed elsewhere in
the programme, with the possibility of a
practice-based element alongside more
traditional scholarly methodologies.
The dual stream of managerial training
and creative musical opportunities makes
this programme highly distinctive.
The MA Music and Management is an ideal
option for students wishing to pursue a
management career in the music industry,
or to undertake an industrial managerial
placement as part of a music-oriented
postgraduate degree. It is also well-suited
to existing music industry managers
wishing to enhance their skills or undertake
continuous professional development.
In Music, students will undertake core
research skills training and will continue
development of skills in a chosen area of
musical study such as performance, music
psychology, composition, musicology,
or computer music.
All graduates will benefit from a wealth
of international experience and research
expertise within the Leeds University
Business School and the School of Music.
The course covers a range of relevant
material including economic and
management issues with an emphasis on
new technology. This will allow students to
graduate with up to date knowledge of key
business management issues that will be
valuable for students wishing to pursue a
career in the music industry or other
related areas of arts and creative industries
management. Options will be chosen in
consultation with a personal tutor.

Compulsory modules:
Strategic Management (LUBS)
Creative Industries Management (LUBS)
Introduction to Musical Scholarship
(Music)
Dissertation, or Music Management Project
(Music)
Two of the following 15 credit
LUBS modules:
Understanding Organisations (LUBS)
Accounting for Managers (LUBS)
Marketing for Management (LUBS)
Any one of the following 30
credit Music modules:
Instrumental or Vocal Recital
Composition Studies
Computer Music Studies
Case Studies in the Applied Psychology of
Music
Individual Project
Applied Performance Studies
Editing and Archival Studies
Short Dissertation
Issues in Contemporary Musicology

Entry requirements
Applicants for the MA Music and
Management programme will normally have
a good first degree (equivalent to 2:1 or
above) in any discipline except Business,
Management, Marketing or similar. It is
anticipated that applicants will often have
a degree in Music, or Music Technology,
but we will consider graduates from other
programmes where evidence of other
relevant professional (or similar) experience
in Music exists, in lieu of formal musical
qualifications. A good level of musical
understanding and/or some practical
experience of music should be
demonstrated at the point of application.
Full details of entry requirements are
outlined on the School of Music website:
http://music.leeds.ac.uk/pg

MA MUSIC MANAGEMENT www.leeds.ac.uk/music 17

Oliver Thurley
MMus Music Technology and Computer Music
PhD Composition
Studying MMus Music Technology
and Computer Music has given me the
confidence to pursue my own research
and to really test myself in terms of my
composition methods. From being exposed
to other departments and areas of research
in the School of Music, I was inspired to
learn more about creative programming
practices and how they could be
incorporated into my work.

For me the PhD is the perfect platform for

producing carefully considered conceptual
work and I love the freedom to explore my
own lines of enquiry.
The fact that I have a further 3 years
to continue my own research in such a
supportive environment is really motivating
and Im really looking forward to the work
Ill produce as a result of it.

I had a really great experience during my

time on the MMus course and it sparked a
desire to keep learning. After speaking to a
number of peers and lecturers, I realised
that my formal education didnt have to
end and I could continue studying on the
PhD programme.

18 UNIVERSITY OF LEEDS - SCHOOL OF MUSIC POSTGRADUATE STUDY

Leeds is a really rewarding city; its

supportive, vibrant, and the possibilities
of what you can achieve are limitless.
The large student population also means
that there is a continuous influx of great
bands and artists touring and working on
great projects. Ive built a great network of
collaborators from artists passing through
the city.

MMus Music Technology and Computer Music

This programme aims to introduce students
to a wide range of musical studies at an
advanced level, and to develop skills and
research capabilities in a variety of studiobased and/or music software programming
techniques, as well as giving the option for
developing creative skills in performance or
composition where appropriate.

Compulsory modules:
Music Technology Project (60 credits)
Computer Music Studies (30 credits)
Introduction to Musical Scholarship
(30 credits)

We welcome applications from students

who do not have a first degree in Music,
but have some experience in computer
software programming or music technology,
in addition to some knowledge of music
theory. Relevant professional experience
will also be considered at the point of
application.

Options will be chosen in consultation

with your personal tutor.

Students take a compulsory Music

Technology Project, a portfolio of work
devised in consultation with the module
tutor which combines theoretical research
with practice-led investigation of music
technology hardware and/or software at an
advanced level. They also attend the core
module Computer Music Studies, which
introduces students to a wide range of
advanced software-based skills for musical
applications, such as audio processing
and sound synthesis techniques, real-time
control interfaces, and audio-visual
interaction. All taught postgraduate
students also attend a core research skills
module, Introduction to Musical
Scholarship.
The remaining programme credits are
chosen from a range of optional modules,
allowing students the flexibility to tailor
their studies to their own individual
interests and existing expertise.
These modules may include a portfolio of
studio-based compositions, installations
or multimedia works, or a portfolio of
applied performances which may focus
upon the use of technology in performance,
in addition to other options from our
MMus programmes.

Additionally, you may choose up to 60

credits in optional modules.

Indicative list of 60
credit optional modules:
Portfolio of original compositions
Dissertation
Instrumental or Vocal Recital (long)
Editorial Project
Indicative list of 30
credit optional modules:
Composition Studies
Applied Performance Studies
Issues in Contemporary Musicology
Short Dissertation
Instrumental or Vocal Recital (short)
Case Studies in the Applied Psychology
of Music
Research Techniques in the Applied
Psychology of Music
Studies in Historical Performance
Short Recital
Individual Project
Editing and Archival Studies

Entry requirements
Candidates should possess a good first
degree (equivalent to 2:1 or above) in
any subject. They should also be able to
demonstrate an understanding of music
and digital audio theory. Alternative
qualifications or relevant professional
experience may also be considered.
Applications from candidates with a
background in subjects other than
music are welcomed, and applicants with
a background in engineering, mathematics,
science, design, fine art or computing are
encouraged. Full details of entry
requirements are outlined on the School of
Music website: http://music.leeds.ac.uk/pg

MMus MUSIC TECHNOLOGY AND COMPUTER MUSIC www.leeds.ac.uk/music 19

20 UNIVERSITY OF LEEDS - SCHOOL OF MUSIC POSTGRADUATE STUDY

MMus Musicology
The MMus Musicology is a flexible
programme that allows students to explore
topics associated with historical
musicology and critical/new musicology,
depending upon their particular interests.
Staff members in the School of Music are
active in a wide range of research fields,
many of which are reflected in the School
of Musics distinctive research groupings;
these include areas of special interest such
as historically-informed performance,
English music, the Worlds popular musics,
scientific research in music, opera studies
and improvised music. The School also
regularly hosts and organises international
conferences in a variety of disciplines.
Recent examples include conferences on
Non-Nationalist Russian Opera and
Empirical Approaches to Performance,
Authorship and Authenticity in
Composition, Editing and Performance.
For their main focus of study, students
choose either the Dissertation option
(where they will be supervised by a staff
member whose research specialisms reflect
as closely as possible the subject of study)
or an Editorial Project, involving the
transcription of original source materials,
chosen in consultation with a project
supervisor. In addition, students choose
between two core musicology modules,
Issues in Contemporary Musicology, or
Editing and Archival Studies. Students
also attend a core research skills module,
Introduction to Musical Scholarship.
The remaining programme credits are
chosen from a wide-ranging menu of
optional modules, allowing students the
flexibility to tailor their studies to their
own individual enthusiasms and interests;
options include individual projects, or
studies in the areas of music psychology,
technology, composition and performance.

Core modules
Dissertation, or Editorial Project
Issues in Contemporary Musicology or
Editing and Archival Skills
Introduction to Musical Scholarship
Sample list of optional modules
Options will be chosen in consultation with
your personal tutor.
Dissertation
Computer Music Studies
Editorial Project
Short Dissertation
Music Technology Project
Individual Project
Composition Portfolio
Applied Performance
Final Recital
Studies in Historical Performance
Issues in Contemporary Musicology
Short Recital
Editing and Archival Skills
Case Studies in the Applied Psychology of
Music

Entry requirements
Applications are welcomed from current
BA and BMus students who wish to pursue
musicology in greater depth, or from
graduates who wish to refocus their
musicological goals after a period of
absence from education. Full details of
entry requirements are outlined on the
School of Music website:
http://music.leeds.ac.uk/pg

Studying the MMus Musicology at Leeds made the perfect

link between BA and PhD the modular format allowed
me to delve deeper into subjects that really interested me
and discover the exact area that would become my PhD field.
The skills developed over the year provided me with a firm
grounding to build upon for independent research at PhD
level.
Sarah Potter, MMus Musicology

This degree is offered on a full-time

or part-time basis.
Full-time study takes place over twelve
months, and part-time study over twentyfour months.

MMus MUSICOLOGY www.leeds.ac.uk/music 21

22 UNIVERSITY OF LEEDS - SCHOOL OF MUSIC POSTGRADUATE STUDY

MMus Performance
The MMus Performance programme allows
students to pursue performance interests
at an advanced level, and is structured in
order to accommodate the wide range of
students potential stylistic, repertoire
and research interests. Students take
a compulsory Final Recital module,
supported by one-to-one specialist
teaching, performance classes and
masterclasses. They choose an additional
core module either Applied Performance
(allowing students to pursue distinctive
individual projects such as ensemble work,
electroacoustic performance, or the
exploration of pedagogic interests)
or Studies in Historical Performance;
here, a series of seminars focuses upon
case studies of performance traditions
and practices, and students have the
opportunity to apply this knowledge in
research-led performance, integrated with
written work. Students also attend a core
research skills module, Introduction to
Musical Scholarship. The remaining
programme credits are chosen from
a wide range of optional modules,
allowing students the flexibility to
tailor their studies to their own individual
interests and expertise.
The School of Music has a particularly
vibrant performing environment which
supports a range of performance initiatives
at all levels, from the undergraduate BMus
performance programme to distinctive
practice-based PhD studies. Students
benefit from studying with academic staff
who are working actively in diverse areas of
related research, including historicallyinformed performance, improvised music,
opera studies and English music. These
and other areas of research are reflected in
the activities of the Schools research
clusters and in projects with external
partners, such as the Universitys DARE
partnership with Opera North. Preliminary
stages of the Leeds International Piano
Competition are also held in the
Universitys Great Hall.

Core modules
Final Recital
Applied Performance or Studies in
Historical Performance
Introduction to Musical Scholarship
Indicative list of optional modules
Options will be chosen in consultation
with your personal tutor.
Dissertation
Music Technology Project
Short Dissertation
Editorial Project
Individual Project
Portfolio of Original Compositions
Applied Performance
Issues in Contemporary Musicology
Studies in Historical Performance
Editing and Archival Studies
Short Recital
Computer Music Studies
Case Studies in the Applied Psychology
of Music

Entry requirements
Applications are welcomed from current BA
and BMus students who wish to pursue
performance in greater depth, or from
graduates who wish to refocus their
performance goals after a period of
absence from education. Full entry
requirements are outlined on the School of
Music website: http://music.leeds.ac.uk/pg

My fellow students were an incredibly varied group of

musicians and included everything from a Baroque singer to
an American tuned percussionist and an Irish violinist with a
penchant for Takemitsu through to an Israeli jazz
saxophonist! The groups eclecticism was its strength and I
valued our differences greatly. We had weekly performance
classes when we would play for the group and then discuss the
performances and offer our critiques. It was a highly
stimulating environment.
Paul Hession, MMus Performance

This degree is offered on a full-time or

part-time basis.
Full-time study takes place over twelve
months, and part-time study over twentyfour months.

MMus PERFORMANCE www.leeds.ac.uk/music 23

24 UNIVERSITY OF LEEDS - SCHOOL OF MUSIC POSTGRADUATE STUDY

Graduate Diploma in Music

The Graduate Diploma programme may
be used as a stepping-stone from an
undergraduate to a Masters degree; it also
stands as a creditable and respected award
in its own right. This programme is ideal for
students whose first degree may be in a
subject other than music, but who can
demonstrate expertise in music, and who
wish to upgrade their skills for studying
Music at postgraduate level in the future.
Students take a selection of undergraduate
music modules from all three years (with at
least half from the final year), offering
depth of study as well as individual choice
and specialisation.
At the end of the programme, students will
have consolidated any prior learning in
music, developed robust skills in the study
of music, accrued a body of knowledge and
understanding in at least one specialist
area, and had the opportunity to refine
their practical, intellectual and research
skills. Having taken the Graduate Diploma,
students may proceed confidently either
into the music profession, or to taught
masters level and beyond that, to research.

Entry requirements

Core modules
Music Research Skills
Sample list of optional modules
Optional modules will be chosen in
consultation with your personal tutor
Music in History & Culture
Understanding Music
Analysis of Tonal Music
Approaches to the Analysis of Popular
& World Musics
Music in Context
Applied Project
Dissertation
Composition
Editing and Source Studies
Musicology
Music Psychology
Music Technology
Performance
Ensemble Performance
Contemporary Aesthetics in Theory
and Practice
Project in performance

Full entry requirements are outlined on

the School of Music website:
http://music.leeds.ac.uk/pg

Leeds is a great place to study and there are many options available in the School of Music.
The facilities are great, with lots of performance spaces, practice rooms and a great communal
area. The postgraduate study room is a good place to spend some of your week so that you
make sure you dont spend too much time studying by yourself. There is always someone
around to have a cup of tea with!
Caroline Lucas, MMus Composition
PhD Composition

GRADUATE DIPLOMA IN MUSIC www.leeds.ac.uk/music 25

Dorien Schampaert
PhD Musicology
I am originally from Belgium and moved to
Leeds just over a year ago to study for my
PhD in Music. The University is enormous
and has one of the best libraries in the
country, with various types of resources
spread over three locations.
These days, much happens online and I
feel like the University is very much up-todate with new learning technologies,
making it easier for people like me, who
grew up with computers and internet, to
work here.
The Student Union here is also incredibly
big, with societies for anything you can
think of.

The Edge Sports Facility even has a

climbing wall, which I have been happily
making use of and I am also thinking of
auditioning for the choir next year.
I have been amazed by the School of
Musics resources, its practice rooms,
technology and facilities (not in the least
the DJ decks). On top of that, the School
of Music organises research seminars every
week, inviting PhD students and
researchers from within the School, but
also from outside, to present their current
music research. This is both interesting
and useful to me; I get to hear about
brand new research and I can see what
research in a further stage could look like.

26 UNIVERSITY OF LEEDS - SCHOOL OF MUSIC POSTGRADUATE STUDY

My PhD is so varied; sometimes it is a

quiet corner for me to work in, to really
indulge in my passion and sometimes its
not quiet at all. I go to conferences and
workshops, I meet very interesting people,
and I receive a ton of support on the side
about doing a PhD.
For anyone thinking of studying a PhD at
The University of Leeds, all I can say is
that this university is a wonderful place for
research; the resources are great, the
facilities are great, the people are great.
It is a choice you wont easily regret.

Postgraduate Research Degrees

The School of Music at the University of
Leeds supports both traditional research
studies submitted as theses and distinctive
practice-based studies in the areas of
composition and performance. Enquiries
are invited from students who already hold
a masters degree in a relevant subject area
who wish to pursue a supervised
programme of independent research.
Degrees can be pursed either full time,
or part time. For specific advice concerning
applications, see 'How to apply' below.
The School of Music pursues high-level
research in the areas of critical and
historical musicology, ethnomusicology,
composition, music psychology, music
technology and performance practice.

The diverse interests of the Schools

academic staff create a rich research
culture which is underpinned by its
centres, such as the Centre for PracticeLed research in the Arts, and
Interdisciplinary Centre for Scientific
Research in Music. Additionally, the
breadth of research expertise available is
reflected in the Schools research clusters
in the areas of: Composition, Music and
Cultural Difference, Music Technology,
Music and Wellbeing, Popular Music,
English Music, and Historically-Informed
Performance.

Details of individual staff interests and

publications can be found at
http://music.leeds.ac.uk/people and more
detail on the Schools active research
culture can be found at
http://music.leeds.ac.uk/research.

These deadlines are based upon current

timescales and may be subject to change.
Please check the Schools website for upto-date information.

International students

How to apply
All applications for postgraduate study
(both taught and research programmes)
should be made online. Taught
Postgraduate and research application
forms are available at
www.leeds.ac.uk/students/postgraduates.htm

You may apply for more than one

programme of study within the same
application form.

Application deadlines
Research: applications are accepted all
year round.
Taught programmes: although applications
for the following academic year will be
considered within the period 1 October1
September, we strongly suggest that you
work towards one of the following deadlines
so as not to exclude eligibility for any
potential assistance with funding:
Early December (suggested for those
looking for external funding)
Early February (the latest application for
study date for those wishing to apply for
Arts and Humanities Research Council
funding)

Entry requirements
Applicants for both taught and research
programmes should have a good Honours
degree in a related subject (normally 2:1 or
equivalent). Applicants for research
programmes will normally have completed
a masters degree. Candidates with other
relevant experience/qualifications may be
considered and may be asked to attend for
interview. Further requirements may also
be stipulated in individual cases.
All applicants to research programmes are
required to submit a detailed research
proposal up to 2,000 words in length. This
is the most crucial part of the application.
Applicants are strongly advised to contact
an appropriate member of staff who works
in the proposed research area and the PG
support secretary, Linda Smith
(musicphd@leeds.ac.uk) in advance of
submitting a formal application in order to
explore the feasibility of their research
proposal.

For applicants whose first language is not

English, the minimum requirements are:
at least 6.5 IELTS or equivalent for taught
postgraduate and research programmes; at
least 6.0 IELTS for the Graduate Diploma
in Music.

University Scholarships
The School of Music and the University of
Leeds offer various scholarships; for more
information see
http://scholarships.leeds.ac.uk

Early May (the last application for study

date for those wishing to apply for
University of Leeds scholarships)

POSTGRADUATE RESEARCH DEGREE AND HOW TO APPLY www.leeds.ac.uk/music 27

School of Music
University of Leeds
Leeds LS2 9JT
t: +44 (0)113 343 2583
e: pgmusic@leeds.ac.uk
w: www.leeds.ac.uk/music