Overview
Aimed at performers and composers with highly developed skills and focused career aspirations, the Academy's Research Degree programme offers an integrated MPhil/PhD degree over four years (with the fourth year acting as a 'writing up' year). Driven by practical performance or composition activity, it requires critical context and reflection, providing 30 hours of supervision per year. Transfer to PhD status normally happens at the end of the second year, though students can choose to exit with an MPhil at that stage.
You will work with an individual supervisor and a team of creative staff at the Academy to develop your work through engaging in a substantial research project. This will normally be directly connected to and driven by your creative activity as a performer or composer but will also require you to establish a research context and undertake a process of investigation and critical reflection.
Students on the programme also attend seminars (about once every two weeks) which involve presentations by staff and students, as well as by visiting speakers engaged in practice-driven projects. These seminars provide a creative space for the testing and discussion of ideas amongst the supervisory team and fellow students; they offer an environment for exploring both the artistic output of the project as well as shaping the critical context in which you are working.
We do provide one-to-one lesson support where appropriate to individual students or projects.
Auditions & Assessment
We view the audition process as an open artistic dialogue rather than a rigid test. Our panel of distinguished creators is looking for your unique compositional voice, your creative independence, and your potential for high-level artistic research. Relax, focus on sharing your creative vision, and let us get to know you as a researcher-composer.
The Doctoral research selection process in Composition consists of two stages: a Round One digital portfolio screening followed by a Round Two research interview recall.
Your Portfolio Requirements (Round One)
To apply for the Research composition pathway, you must upload your complete digital portfolio and research documentation to the Acceptd portal by the designated deadline. Your submission must contain:
- Three Original Scores: A portfolio of three substantial recent compositions that demonstrate an advanced level of technical control, structural innovation, and conceptual depth.
- Audio or Video Recordings: Supporting recordings for all three submitted scores.
- Note: Live concert or professional studio recordings are highly preferred. However, if these are unavailable, high-quality MIDI or computer-generated mock-ups are fully acceptable.
- The Research Proposal: A detailed written proposal (usually 1,000 to 2,000 words) outlining your specific compositional research questions, methodology, creative context, and intended portfolio outputs.
- Academic Documentation: A current Curriculum Vitae (CV) and a copy of your Master's thesis or a substantial sample of postgraduate-level academic writing.
What to Expect at the Interview Recall (Round Two)
Following the panel's review of your initial portfolio, shortlisted candidates will be invited to a Round Two interview. In your application profile, you will be able to indicate whether you prefer this session to be in person in London or online.
- Portfolio and Seminar Discussion: A rigorous analysis of your submitted scores and recordings with members of the Composition and Research faculty, focusing on your notation methods, structural techniques, and aesthetic philosophies.
- The Research Interview: A comprehensive discussion evaluating the originality, critical framework, and feasibility of your written research proposal. The panel will explore how your creative output acts as research and how the Academy's specialised resources will support your doctoral aims.
Guidelines for Remote / Video Applicants
If you are applying from outside the UK and indicate in your application profile that you cannot attend the live sessions in London, your assessment will be managed entirely digitally.
- The Spoken Video Introduction: Your digital Acceptd profile must include a short spoken introduction recording in English. You should use this video to introduce yourself, briefly summarise the research concepts behind your portfolio, and explain your motivations for undertaking doctoral study at the Academy.
- Online Interview Recall: Shortlisted remote candidates will be invited to a live online interview with the composition and research faculty. The assessment criteria, depth of critical discussion, and proposal evaluation are completely identical to the live London format.
Please note: Your initial registration pathway (MPhil or PhD) and any specific composition supervision arrangements will be discussed and clarified with the research panel during your interview.
For more information see auditions.