Music - Research

This programme offers a doctoral-level programme in Music for students who wish to engage in high-quality research in selected areas of the discipline. In addition, the PhD/MLitt in Music includes a number of generic and specific skills modules that will complement its research-oriented elements as part of a structured research programme at Maynooth University.



The subject of research for the thesis must be approved by the Head of Department/Departmental Research Committee and must be based on original research conducted under the direction of a designated member of the Department.



Supervision is offered in any of the following areas:



PhD in Music (Composition):

Students in the PhD in Composition develop a varied portfolio of works totalling ninety minutes in duration. Variations on this format (e.g. single large-scale work submissions) are possible but need to be approved in writing by the supervisor and Head of Department. Portfolios should be accompanied by a written commentary on the works of at least 12,000 words (but not exceeding 30,000 words). Where possible, and as appropriate, submissions should be supported by recorded performances. The final examination is via a viva voce examination with two examiners (one internal and one external) and an independent chair.



PhD in Music (Musicology)

Students in the PhD in Musicology submit an original research thesis on any topic in musicology for which supervision is available in the Department of Music. Applicants should consult the Department of Music webpages for details of staff expertise. The thesis takes the form of a written text of 80–100K words, subject to a viva voce examination with two examiners (one internal and one external) and an independent chair.



PhD in Music (Computer Music)

The Computer Music programme allows students to choose between two forms of Thesis submission:



(1) by dissertation: a 40-50,000 word thesis together with the proof-of-concept of the technologies developed/discussed, which might include an original composition component together with the technical documentation (e.g. hardware designs, software sources); (2) by publication: 6 – 8 papers, published (or fully accepted for publication) in international peer-reviewed conference proceedings and recognised journals in the field, with at least two journal items, plus a 15,000-18,000 introductory essay binding the published work. One of the published items might be an original composition work. In both options, the final examination is via a viva voce examination with two examiners (one internal and one external) and an independent chair.



PhD in Music (Performance)

The PhD in/by Performance will appeal to performers interested in developing innovative projects in which performance forms an integral part of scholarly research. By developing an appropriate critical and theoretical framework the project will contribute to the advancement of knowledge in the field. The format of the PhD includes a 40/50k-word dissertation and a 90-minute final concert. The final examination is via a viva voce examination with an independent chair and two examiners (one internal and one external), and a public concert which will be attended by the examiners and the independent chair.



The PhD programme is complemented by a range of structured modules organised by the Graduate Studies Office and Music Department. Students typically take the required and optional modules in the first three years of full-time study (or first five years if studying part-time), while also developing their individual investigative work. For candidates who have a four-year undergraduate degree or a three-year undergraduate degree plus a masters, the programme requires a minimum of 30 ECTs and a maximum of 90 ECTs to be taken in taught modules. Within the programme, students must take a minimum of 15 ECTs in subject-specific modules and a minimum of 15 ECTs in transferable modules. For candidates who have completed a three-year undergraduate degree (with no masters), they are required to take a minimum of 60 ECTs and a maximum of 90 ECTs in taught modules. This must include at least 15 ECTs in subject- specific modules and at least 15 ECTs in transferable modules. The full list of modules available can be found here.



The department holds regular research colloquia in which students have the opportunity of presenting elements of their research. The programme also offers opportunities to study abroad, as the Music Department maintains a number of agreements with institutions in various European countries.

Normally a 2.1 or equivalent first degree in Music or in a related discipline; a 2.1 or equivalent Master's degree in Music or in a related discipline. Further to application via PAC, an interview will be conducted, where students are expected to present a research plan to the department. Prospective applicants are encouraged to contact members of staff in their projected area of research.



Language Requirements

In the case of Musicological research, students are expected to have some knowledge of the language of the composer(s) or author(s) whose work they intend to research. It is strongly recommended that they build up such knowledge to proficiency level during their studies



Applicants must have a recognised primary degree which is considered equivalent to Irish university primary degree level.



Minimum English language requirements:



Applicants for whom English is not their first language are required to demonstrate their proficiency in English in order to benefit fully from their course of study. For information about English language tests accepted and required scores, please see here. The requirements specified are applicable for both EU and International applicants..



Maynooth University's TOEFL code is 8850

Applications are open for the 2025/6 academic year. Visit our online application portal to start your application.

We are here to support you throughout the admissions process.



For queries on your postgraduate course options please contact pgstudies@mu.ie

For queries or support on your application process please contact pgadmissions@mu.ie



If you are an international (Non-EU) applicant please contact internationaladmissions@mu.ie

4 years Full-time, 6 years Part-time.

In general, there are two levels of fees payable. EU students from EU countries including Ireland pay a subsidised level of fees for both taught courses and research programmes. Tuition fees for students from outside the EU are not subsidised and are thus somewhat higher than for EU students.

Commences September (or other agreed time)

On completion of the programme, the student will be equipped with both specialist and transferrable knowledge, with the capacity for carrying out research of international standards and pursuing a successful career in his/her chosen area. Areas of employment may include: 3rd- and 4th-level lecturing; media, music technology and software industry; creative practice; research; consultancy; managerial positions in arts organisations, governmental agencies and other areas; archival, library and museum work.

Dr Lorraine Byrne Bodley

Schubert; Goethe and Music; German Song.


Dr Antonio Cascelli

Chopin; Schenkerian studies; sixteenthcentury Italian music; music analysis.


Dr Gordon Delap

Electroacoustic and acousmatic composition; music for video; soundart; speech-based composition.


Dr Alison Hood

Analysis and performance; nineteenth-century piano music; Chopin; Schenkerian analysis.


Dr Victor Lazzarini

Musical signal processing and sound synthesis; computer music languages; electroacoustic and instrumental composition.


Dr Ryan Molloy

Instrumental and vocal composition; engagements between Irish traditional music and contemporary composition.


Prof Christopher Morris

Opera (especially staging practices); music and screen media; German modernism; aesthetics.


Dr Estelle Murphy

English and Irish music of the late seventeenth and early eighteenth centuries, and contemporary popular music (specifically heavy metal).


Dr John O'Keeffe

Vernacular liturgical composition for the Roman Rite; melody/text relationships; plainchant performance.


Dr Martin O'Leary

Instrumental and vocal composition.


Prof Fiona M Palmer

Music and musicians in the marketplace; performance practice; canonisation of the repertoire; socio-economic issues; critical biography; institutional history; orchestras and conducting; long nineteenth century.


Dr Adrian Scahill

History and practice of Irish traditional music; ethnomusicology.


Dr Laura Watson

French music (1870–1940); the relationship between music, text and drama in twentieth-century opera; Irish women composers.