Research Degree Programmes

The RNCM offers the degree of Doctor of Philosophy (PhD). Degrees are awarded by Manchester Metropolitan University for a collaborative programme of research, undertaken and supervised at RNCM. For entry requirements see here.

There are five specialist pathways:

  • Performance — including performance practice and practice-as-research
  • Composition — in a variety of media and genres
  • Musicology — including the historical, analytical and cultural study of music
  • Music Psychology and cognate disciplines — including both quantitative and qualitative research in the fields of expert music performance and training
  • Music Education and pedagogy — including the philosophy, history, practice and theory of music education

A full-time PhD degree usually takes three years. UK students can also take the degree part-time, in all pathways, over six years.

PhD students at RNCM benefit from the College’s membership of the North West Consortium Doctoral Training Partnership (www.nwcdtp.ac.uk).

Fees

Annual tuition fees for 2022-23 are:

UK students: £7,200 (full-time)
Overseas (including EU) students: £16,700 (full-time)

Tuition fees are reviewed annually.

How to Apply

For further information about how to apply for RNCM Research Degrees please click here.