Music education

Qualifications Duration Start dates Application period
PhD
(MPhil also available)
Full time: 3–4 years
Part time: 6–8 years
October January
Qualifications
PhD (MPhil also available)
Duration
Full time: 3–4 years
Part time: 6–8 years
Start dates
October
Application period
January

Our academics research various topics related to music education, exploring diverse aspects of teaching, learning, and the impact of music on individuals and society. We welcome research employing a range of methodologies, including qualitative and quantitative approaches, case studies, action research, and mixed methods designs. We provide supervision in the following areas:

  • Teaching and learning methods in music education
  • ​Gestural studies in music education
  • Creativity development for music teachers and learners
  • Multicultural perspectives in music education
  • Integration of music and technology in teaching and learning
  • Inclusive practices in music education 
  • Socio-cultural influences on music learning
  • Teacher Education and Professional Development
  • History of music education
  •  

Co-supervision with colleagues in the Education department may be possible.

Entry requirements

Most successful applicants to the PhD programme have a masters degree in music or a related discipline, with a substantial dissertation. However, applicants can still be considered provided they demonstrate evidence of the ability to research and write about music at a high level. If you are not a UK citizen, you may need to prove your knowledge of English.

Potential research projects

We welcome applications in areas that correspond to current staff research interests (please see links to staff members below). We look for detailed and well thought-out proposals that set out specific research questions and outline the originality of the topic or approach. If you would like to discuss your ideas informally before submitting an application, please contact us.

Current/recent research projects

  • The Gaps Between Instruction and Learning in Present Music MOOCs: Perception and Reality

Potential supervisors

In the Music department:

In the education department:

Fees and funding

UK fee International fee
Full time: £4,786 per year Full time: £12,146 per year
Part time: £2,393 per year Part time: £6,073 per year

Some of our research students are funded via the Open-Oxford-Cambridge AHRC Doctoral Training Partnership; others are self-funded.

For detailed information about fees and funding, visit Fees and studentships.

To see current funded studentship vacancies across all research areas, see Current studentships.

Links

Rustic instrument
 

How to apply

Get in touch

If you have an enquiry specific to this research topic, please contact:

Dr Helen Barlow
Email: FASS-Music-Enquiries@open.ac.uk
Phone: +44 (0)1908 653280

Apply now

If you’re interested in applying for this research topic, please take a look at the application process.