Apply for an MPhil/PhD

Applicants for MPhil/PhD should normally hold a good (Distinction or Merit) Master’s degree (MMus, MA, MSc or equivalent) in a relevant subject, which included a research component. 

Your two referees must have knowledge of your current or recent academic work. You can find more on entry requirements here.

When considering whether you wish to undertake an MPhil/PhD you should read the extract from the MMU-RNCM Research Degrees Handbook, Submissions for MPhil and PhD at RNCM. 

Next, read the Guidelines for Applicants and browse the research interests of RNCM staff to determine who might be a potential supervisor for your research project.

You are strongly advised to discuss your research project with the potential supervisor you have identified, or with one of the members of staff listed below. They will not suggest specific topics to you; rather, they will expect you to be familiar with published and on-going research in your field of interest, and to be capable of constructing a proposal for an original research project.

• Composition: Professor Adam Gorb (adam.gorb@rncm.ac.uk)
• Music Education: Dr John Habron (john.habron@rncm.ac.uk)
• Music Psychology: Professor Jane Ginsborg  (jane.ginsborg@rncm.ac.uk)
• Musicology: Professor Barbara Kelly (barbara.kelly@rncm.ac.uk)
• Performance: Professor David Horne (david.horne@rncm.ac.uk)

When you have discussed your project with the appropriate member of staff, please submit your formal application.

Application Forms

Once you have received feedback on your draft research proposal from the appropriate member of staff, and are ready to make a formal application, you should download and complete an RNCM Research Degrees Application Form.

Deadline for Applications

For September 2022 start:

• 6 December 2021 (for AHRC funded places). Research degree students at RNCM benefit from the College’s membership of the North West Consortium Doctoral Training Partnership (www.nwcdtp.ac.uk).
• 3 May 2022 (for self-funded places).

Application forms, recordings and portfolios must be sent as email attachments to research@rncm.ac.uk. Links to online recordings are acceptable.

RNCM interview dates

Interviews will take place towards the end of January, dates to be confirmed.

Further information

For further information please contact the Research Department via research@rncm.ac.uk or 0161 907 5228/5386.