PhD Studentships at Cardiff University School of Music 2026

Cardiff University School of Music is pleased to announce TWO doctoral studentships for entry in January 2026. We welcome applications from outstanding UK and EU/international postgraduates with an appropriate record of achievement who have either a master’s degree with distinction or merit from a UK university, an equivalent qualification from outside the UK, or suitable professional experience. 

Table of Content

• Summary
• Benefits
• Requirements
• Application Documents
• Application Deadline
• How To Apply

Summary

• Application DeadlineOctober 10, 2025
• Study LevelPhD
• SponsorCardiff University
• City to studyCardiff
• School to studyCardiff University
• Course to studyMusic
• Eligible CountryAll Countries

Benefits

Studentships will cover 100% of UK tuition fees over the period of the candidature, plus students may claim up to £1,200 for research expenses

Requirements

• Applications may be for any of our PhD programmes (Thesis, Composition, Performance)
• The proposed research relating to any aspect of musicology, composition, research-led performance or ethnomusicology which the School may be able to supervise, but particular consideration will be given to interdisciplinary research proposals and those that link with one of the School’s established research centres:
  • Cardiff French Music Research (CFMR), Cardiff University British Music Research Centre (CUBRIT),
  • Cardiff Interdisciplinary Research in Music and Drama (CIRO): https://www.cardiff.ac.uk/music/research/centres-and-groups.
  • For further information on thePhD programmes and research at the School of Music see: https://www.cardiff.ac.uk/music/courses/postgraduate-research.
• Potential applicants are encouraged to make contact with their potential supervisor prior to application. For details of staff research interests please visit individual academic staff profiles at: https://www.cardiff.ac.uk/music/people/academic-staff.

Application Documents

• Letter of application stating your reasons for wishing to pursue PhD study.
• Abstract of the proposed PhD research (maximum 500 words)
• Full research proposal for the PhD (maximum 2000 words, excluding bibliography)
• Curriculum vitae
• Official transcripts of previous degrees and/or other relevant qualifications
• Two academic references

Check also:
Free Ongoing Fully Funded Scholarships Guide 2026 (Download Now)

Application Deadline

How To Apply

Applicants must submit the following by the deadline:

Completed application form for admission to doctoral study in the School of Music – submitted to the Academic Registry via the online admissions portal: http://cf.ac.uk/regis/general/applyonline/index.html. (Please specify the School of Music – Research Degree – Doctor of Philosophy (Music) with a start date of January 2026.

Email (labelled School of Music PhD Studentship) submitted to [email protected] with the following documents attached:

• Letter of application stating your reasons for wishing to pursue PhD study.
• Abstract of the proposed PhD research (maximum 500 words)
• Full research proposal for the PhD (maximum 2000 words, excluding bibliography)
• Curriculum vitae
• Official transcripts of previous degrees and/or other relevant qualifications
• Two academic references

For more details, visit Cardiff University Scholarship webpage