Research & Expertise

A worldwide reputation for innovative research across sub-disciplines of music studies, and as a centre for internationally acclaimed composition.

In the most recent Research Excellence Framework (REF2021), the Department – along with the Department of Film Studies, as a joint submission – are 4^th ranked institution in the UK. Alongside that, 100 per cent of research impact and research environment was rated either ‘world-leading’ (4*) or ‘Internationally excellent’ (3*).

Our research is characterised by a varied historical, geographical and methodological reach. from the emergence of love song in 12^th century France to issues of race in 20^th century jazz. Meanwhile, research in composition is anchored in Western modernity, but draws from diverse cultural traditions and engages topics, musical ideas and practices spanning the Middle Ages to the present.

Situated at the heart of the London, we have long-standing research partnerships with institutions such as the British Library, British Museum and performance ensembles such as Oxford Maqam.

Postgraduate research

Study at one of the top Music research departments, 4th in the UK in the most recent Research Excellence Framework (REF2021). 100 per cent of our research was valued as being 'world-leading' or 'internationally excellent' so you’ll be undertaking your PhD with real experts in their field.