Postgraduate Studies
This page provides an overview of postgraduate study in this Department. Separate pages exist for:
Research degrees (MMus, MPhil and PhD)
The research interests of the Department's staff cover a wide spectrum, and postgraduate students at Sheffield can expect to receive expert supervision from active scholars in numerous of fields of music studies.
We offer taught MA degrees for new postgraduates that involve a balance of research training, taught elements and original research (including performance and composition). Two special MAs are taught by distance learning; on these courses, students may also choose to complete their work at Certificate or Diploma level.
The MMus degree is ideal for those with an established research interest who also wish to develop new skills as scholars. MMus students concentrate on an individually tailored programme of enquiry, which may include performance and composition. Experienced research students typically apply for the MPhil or PhD degrees. These degrees require substantial and original research achievement on the part of the student and so a full training in research techniques is provided as well as tutorial support.
Joint-and Remote-Location programmes cater for foreign students who wish to study for the MPhil or PhD while remaining located overseas.
The Department aims to create a stimulating intellectual and musical environment, designed to foster original and creative research among its postgraduates.
- We encourage day-to-day contact with peers and staff, thereby building a sense of community.
- We hold a regular Research Seminar (featuring staff speakers, visiting scholars and postgraduates) as a forum for intellectual enquiry and debate.
- We provide postgraduates with a study room and with studio facilities for music processing and associated work.
- We provide equipment for recording, field study and transcriptions.
- We offer grants for conference attendance and research expenses.
- We ask postgraduates to participate fully in the life of the Department and to take a leading role in its concert giving. Opportunities to gain experience as a teacher may be offered to some postgraduates.
All postgraduate are assigned a tutor whom they meet regularly for one-to-one tutorial supervision. Small seminars are formed for each of the MA courses and for additional provision in areas of shared interest. Students whose topic combines perspectives from two or more fields of study are assigned dual supervisors. Research skills are also taught in lectures, seminars and problem-solving practical classes.