Key information
- Duration:
- Up to 4 years full time, 6 years part time
- Start date:
- Choose to start in January 2025 or April 2025
- Apply by:
- 1 month before start (UK), 3 months before start (international)
“It’s exciting to work with our PhD students as they articulate their ideas through composition and push the boundaries of the art form.”
Professor Ed Hughes Professor of Composition in Music
For our Musical Composition PhD, you’ll research and develop new musical languages. You achieve this through building a portfolio of works accompanied by a reflective critical commentary.
Our specialist facilities provide the latest tools in software and hardware in the Jonathan Harvey Electronic Music Studio. Other specialist facilities include rare 20th-century music scores and unique collections of jazz and music television documentaries.
Our supervisors in the field of Musical Composition have particular expertise in:
- opera
- orchestral and chamber music
- electronic and computer music
- film and media music
- improvisation.
We understand that deciding where and what to study is a very important decision. We’ll make all reasonable efforts to provide you with the courses, services and facilities described in this prospectus. However, if we need to make material changes, for example due to government or regulatory requirements, or unanticipated staff changes, we’ll let you know as soon as possible.
Join us online to find out more about PhDs
Entry requirements
| Degree requirements | You’re normally expected to have a Merit (an average of 60% overall) in a Masters degree and an upper second-class (2.1) undergraduate honours degree. |
|---|---|
| Subject-specific requirements | Your qualification should be in a subject related to your chosen area of research. You will also be considered for this degree if you don’t have the academic qualifications required, but can show evidence of equivalent professional experience. |
Please select your country from the list.
Argentina
| Masters degree requirement | You’re normally expected to have the equivalent of a UK Masters degree, which will mean having completed some academic study beyond your Bachelors degree. |
|---|---|
| Undergraduate degree requirement | Licenciado/Titulo with a final mark of at least 7.5-8.5 depending on your university. |
| Subject-specific requirements | Your qualification should be in a subject related to your chosen area of research. You will also be considered for this degree if you don’t have the academic qualifications required, but can show evidence of equivalent professional experience. |
| Please note | Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis. |
Australia
| Masters degree requirement | You’re normally expected to have the equivalent of a UK Masters degree, which will mean having completed some academic study beyond your Bachelors degree. |
|---|---|
| Undergraduate degree requirement | Bachelors degree with second-class upper division. |
| Subject-specific requirements | Your qualification should be in a subject related to your chosen area of research. You will also be considered for this degree if you don’t have the academic qualifications required, but can show evidence of equivalent professional experience. |
| Please note | Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis. |
Azerbaijan
| Masters degree requirement | You’re normally expected to have the equivalent of a UK Masters degree, which will mean having completed some academic study beyond your Bachelors degree. |
|---|---|
| Undergraduate degree requirement | Magistr or Specialist Diploma with an average mark of at least 4 or 81% |
| Subject-specific requirements | Your qualification should be in a subject related to your chosen area of research. You will also be considered for this degree if you don’t have the academic qualifications required, but can show evidence of equivalent professional experience. |
| Please note | Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis. |
Bahrain
| Masters degree requirement | You’re normally expected to have the equivalent of a UK Masters degree, which will mean having completed some academic study beyond your Bachelors degree. |
|---|---|
| Undergraduate degree requirement | Bachelors degree with CGPA 3.0/4.0 (Grade B). |
| Subject-specific requirements | Your qualification should be in a subject related to your chosen area of research. You will also be considered for this degree if you don’t have the academic qualifications required, but can show evidence of equivalent professional experience. |
| Please note | Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis. |
Bangladesh
| Masters degree requirement | You’re normally expected to have the equivalent of a UK Masters degree, which will mean having completed some academic study beyond your Bachelors degree. |
|---|---|
| Undergraduate degree requirement | A 4-year Bachelor degree with GPA of at least 3.3/4.0 |
| Subject-specific requirements | Your qualification should be in a subject related to your chosen area of research. You will also be considered for this degree if you don’t have the academic qualifications required, but can show evidence of equivalent professional experience. |
| Please note | Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis. |
Brazil
| Masters degree requirement | You’re normally expected to have the equivalent of a UK Masters degree, which will mean having completed some academic study beyond your Bachelors degree. |
|---|---|
| Undergraduate degree requirement | Bacharel, Licenciado or professional title with a final mark of at least 7.5 or 8 depending on your university. |
| Subject-specific requirements | Your qualification should be in a subject related to your chosen area of research. You will also be considered for this degree if you don’t have the academic qualifications required, but can show evidence of equivalent professional experience. |
| Please note | Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis. |
Brunei
| Masters degree requirement | You’re normally expected to have the equivalent of a UK Masters degree, which will mean having completed some academic study beyond your Bachelors degree. |
|---|---|
| Undergraduate degree requirement | Bachelors (Honours) degree with second class upper division or CGPA 3.1/4.0. |
| Subject-specific requirements | Your qualification should be in a subject related to your chosen area of research. You will also be considered for this degree if you don’t have the academic qualifications required, but can show evidence of equivalent professional experience. |
| Please note | Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis. |
Canada
| Masters degree requirement | You’re normally expected to have the equivalent of a UK Masters degree, which will mean having completed some academic study beyond your Bachelors degree. |
|---|---|
| Undergraduate degree requirement | Bachelors degree with CGPA 3.3/4.0 (grade B+). |
| Subject-specific requirements | Your qualification should be in a subject related to your chosen area of research. You will also be considered for this degree if you don’t have the academic qualifications required, but can show evidence of equivalent professional experience. |
| Please note | Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis. |
Chile
| Masters degree requirement | You’re normally expected to have the equivalent of a UK Masters degree, which will mean having completed some academic study beyond your Bachelors degree. |
|---|---|
| Undergraduate degree requirement | Licenciado with a final mark of at least 5-5.5/7 depending on your university. |
| Subject-specific requirements | Your qualification should be in a subject related to your chosen area of research. You will also be considered for this degree if you don’t have the academic qualifications required, but can show evidence of equivalent professional experience. |
| Please note | Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis. |
China
| Masters degree requirement | You’re normally expected to have the equivalent of a UK Masters degree, which will mean having completed some academic study beyond your Bachelors degree. |
|---|---|
| Undergraduate degree requirement | Bachelors degree with an overall mark of at least 72%-85% depending on your university. Sussex uses the Shanghai Best Chinese Universities Ranking to inform offer levels. As evidence of completing your degree you must provide both a Degree Certificate and Graduation Certificate. |
| Subject-specific requirements | Your qualification should be in a subject related to your chosen area of research. You will also be considered for this degree if you don’t have the academic qualifications required, but can show evidence of equivalent professional experience. |
| Please note | Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis. |
Colombia
| Masters degree requirement | You’re normally expected to have the equivalent of a UK Masters degree, which will mean having completed some academic study beyond your Bachelors degree. |
|---|---|
| Undergraduate degree requirement | Licenciado with ‘Acreditacion de alta calidad' and a CGPA of 3.5. |
| Subject-specific requirements | Your qualification should be in a subject related to your chosen area of research. You will also be considered for this degree if you don’t have the academic qualifications required, but can show evidence of equivalent professional experience. |
| Please note | Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis. |
Cyprus
| Masters degree requirement | You’re normally expected to have the equivalent of a UK Masters degree, which will mean having completed some academic study beyond your Bachelors degree. |
|---|---|
| Undergraduate degree requirement | Bachelors degree or Ptychion with a final mark of at least 7.5. |
| Subject-specific requirements | Your qualification should be in a subject related to your chosen area of research. You will also be considered for this degree if you don’t have the academic qualifications required, but can show evidence of equivalent professional experience. |
| Please note | Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis. |
Denmark
| Masters degree requirement | You’re normally expected to have the equivalent of a UK Masters degree, which will mean having completed some academic study beyond your Bachelors degree. |
|---|---|
| Undergraduate degree requirement | Bachelors degree with an overall mark of at least 7 (Good Performance). |
| Subject-specific requirements | Your qualification should be in a subject related to your chosen area of research. You will also be considered for this degree if you don’t have the academic qualifications required, but can show evidence of equivalent professional experience. |
| Please note | Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis. |
Ecuador
| Masters degree requirement | You’re normally expected to have the equivalent of a UK Masters degree, which will mean having completed some academic study beyond your Bachelors degree. |
|---|---|
| Undergraduate degree requirement | Licenciado with a final mark of at least 17/20. |
| Subject-specific requirements | Your qualification should be in a subject related to your chosen area of research. You will also be considered for this degree if you don’t have the academic qualifications required, but can show evidence of equivalent professional experience. |
| Please note | Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis. |
Egypt
| Masters degree requirement | You’re normally expected to have the equivalent of a UK Masters degree, which will mean having completed some academic study beyond your Bachelors degree. |
|---|---|
| Undergraduate degree requirement | Bachelors degree from a university with an overall grade of at least 70-75% depending on your university. |
| Subject-specific requirements | Your qualification should be in a subject related to your chosen area of research. You will also be considered for this degree if you don’t have the academic qualifications required, but can show evidence of equivalent professional experience. |
| Please note | Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis. |
France
| Masters degree requirement | You’re normally expected to have the equivalent of a UK Masters degree, which will mean having completed some academic study beyond your Bachelors degree. |
|---|---|
| Undergraduate degree requirement | Licence with mention bien or Maîtrise with a final mark of at least 13. |
| Subject-specific requirements | Your qualification should be in a subject related to your chosen area of research. You will also be considered for this degree if you don’t have the academic qualifications required, but can show evidence of equivalent professional experience. |
| Please note | Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis. |
Germany
| Masters degree requirement | You’re normally expected to have the equivalent of a UK Masters degree, which will mean having completed some academic study beyond your Bachelors degree. |
|---|---|
| Undergraduate degree requirement | Bachelors degree or Magister Artium with a final mark of 2.4 or better. |
| Subject-specific requirements | Your qualification should be in a subject related to your chosen area of research. You will also be considered for this degree if you don’t have the academic qualifications required, but can show evidence of equivalent professional experience. |
| Please note | Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis. |
Ghana
| Masters degree requirement | You’re normally expected to have the equivalent of a UK Masters degree, which will mean having completed some academic study beyond your Bachelors degree. |
|---|---|
| Undergraduate degree requirement | Bachelors degree from a public university with second-class upper division. |
| Subject-specific requirements | Your qualification should be in a subject related to your chosen area of research. You will also be considered for this degree if you don’t have the academic qualifications required, but can show evidence of equivalent professional experience. |
| Please note | Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis. |
Greece
| Masters degree requirement | You’re normally expected to have the equivalent of a UK Masters degree, which will mean having completed some academic study beyond your Bachelors degree. |
|---|---|
| Undergraduate degree requirement | Ptychion from an AEI with a final mark of at least 7. |
| Subject-specific requirements | Your qualification should be in a subject related to your chosen area of research. You will also be considered for this degree if you don’t have the academic qualifications required, but can show evidence of equivalent professional experience. |
| Please note | Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis. |
Hong Kong
| Masters degree requirement | You’re normally expected to have the equivalent of a UK Masters degree, which will mean having completed some academic study beyond your Bachelors degree. |
|---|---|
| Undergraduate degree requirement | Bachelors (Honours) degree with second-class upper division. |
| Subject-specific requirements | Your qualification should be in a subject related to your chosen area of research. You will also be considered for this degree if you don’t have the academic qualifications required, but can show evidence of equivalent professional experience. |
| Please note | Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis. |
India
| Masters degree requirement | You’re normally expected to have the equivalent of a UK Masters degree, which will mean having completed some academic study beyond your Bachelors degree. |
|---|---|
| Undergraduate degree requirement | Bachelors degree with an overall mark of at least 55-70% depending on your university. |
| Subject-specific requirements | Your qualification should be in a subject related to your chosen area of research. You will also be considered for this degree if you don’t have the academic qualifications required, but can show evidence of equivalent professional experience. |
| Please note | Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis. |
Indonesia
| Masters degree requirement | You’re normally expected to have the equivalent of a UK Masters degree, which will mean having completed some academic study beyond your Bachelors degree. |
|---|---|
| Undergraduate degree requirement | Bachelors degree from an 'A' accredited university with CGPA 3.0/4.0. |
| Subject-specific requirements | Your qualification should be in a subject related to your chosen area of research. You will also be considered for this degree if you don’t have the academic qualifications required, but can show evidence of equivalent professional experience. |
| Please note | Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis. |
Iran
| Masters degree requirement | You’re normally expected to have the equivalent of a UK Masters degree, which will mean having completed some academic study beyond your Bachelors degree. |
|---|---|
| Undergraduate degree requirement | Bachelors degree (Licence or Karshenasi) with a final mark of at least 15. |
| Subject-specific requirements | Your qualification should be in a subject related to your chosen area of research. You will also be considered for this degree if you don’t have the academic qualifications required, but can show evidence of equivalent professional experience. |
| Please note | Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis. |
Italy
| Masters degree requirement | You’re normally expected to have the equivalent of a UK Masters degree, which will mean having completed some academic study beyond your Bachelors degree. |
|---|---|
| Undergraduate degree requirement | Diploma di Laurea with an overall mark of at least 105. |
| Subject-specific requirements | Your qualification should be in a subject related to your chosen area of research. You will also be considered for this degree if you don’t have the academic qualifications required, but can show evidence of equivalent professional experience. |
| Please note | Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis. |
Japan
| Masters degree requirement | You’re normally expected to have the equivalent of a UK Masters degree, which will mean having completed some academic study beyond your Bachelors degree. |
|---|---|
| Undergraduate degree requirement | Bachelors degree with a minimum C/GPA of at least 3.0/4.0 or equivalent. |
| Subject-specific requirements | Your qualification should be in a subject related to your chosen area of research. You will also be considered for this degree if you don’t have the academic qualifications required, but can show evidence of equivalent professional experience. |
| Please note | Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis. |
Jordan
| Masters degree requirement | You’re normally expected to have the equivalent of a UK Masters degree, which will mean having completed some academic study beyond your Bachelors degree. |
|---|---|
| Undergraduate degree requirement | Bachelors degree with a CGPA of at least 3.0/4.0 or 80%. |
| Subject-specific requirements | Your qualification should be in a subject related to your chosen area of research. You will also be considered for this degree if you don’t have the academic qualifications required, but can show evidence of equivalent professional experience. |
| Please note | Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis. |
Kazakhstan
| Masters degree requirement | You’re normally expected to have the equivalent of a UK Masters degree, which will mean having completed some academic study beyond your Bachelors degree. |
|---|---|
| Undergraduate degree requirement | Bachelors degree with an overall mark of 4 or better (on a scale of 1-5)/CGPA 3,33. |
| Subject-specific requirements | Your qualification should be in a subject related to your chosen area of research. You will also be considered for this degree if you don’t have the academic qualifications required, but can show evidence of equivalent professional experience. |
| Please note | Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis. |
Kenya
| Masters degree requirement | You’re normally expected to have the equivalent of a UK Masters degree, which will mean having completed some academic study beyond your Bachelors degree. |
|---|---|
| Undergraduate degree requirement | Bachelors (Honours) degree with a second-class upper division. |
| Subject-specific requirements | Your qualification should be in a subject related to your chosen area of research. You will also be considered for this degree if you don’t have the academic qualifications required, but can show evidence of equivalent professional experience. |
| Please note | Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis. |
Kuwait
| Masters degree requirement | You’re normally expected to have the equivalent of a UK Masters degree, which will mean having completed some academic study beyond your Bachelors degree. |
|---|---|
| Undergraduate degree requirement | Bachelors degree with a CGPA of at least 3.0/4.0 or B+. |
| Subject-specific requirements | Your qualification should be in a subject related to your chosen area of research. You will also be considered for this degree if you don’t have the academic qualifications required, but can show evidence of equivalent professional experience. |
| Please note | Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis. |
Lebanon
| Masters degree requirement | You’re normally expected to have the equivalent of a UK Masters degree, which will mean having completed some academic study beyond your Bachelors degree. |
|---|---|
| Undergraduate degree requirement | Bachelors degree with a CGPA 3.5/4.0 or 14/20. |
| Subject-specific requirements | Your qualification should be in a subject related to your chosen area of research. You will also be considered for this degree if you don’t have the academic qualifications required, but can show evidence of equivalent professional experience. |
| Please note | Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis. |
Malawi
| Masters degree requirement | You’re normally expected to have the equivalent of a UK Masters degree, which will mean having completed some academic study beyond your Bachelors degree. |
|---|---|
| Undergraduate degree requirement | Masters degree, depending on your university. |
| Subject-specific requirements | Your qualification should be in a subject related to your chosen area of research. You will also be considered for this degree if you don’t have the academic qualifications required, but can show evidence of equivalent professional experience. |
| Please note | Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis. |
Malaysia
| Masters degree requirement | You’re normally expected to have the equivalent of a UK Masters degree, which will mean having completed some academic study beyond your Bachelors degree. |
|---|---|
| Undergraduate degree requirement | Bachelors degree with a CGPA of at least 3.0/4.0. |
| Subject-specific requirements | Your qualification should be in a subject related to your chosen area of research. You will also be considered for this degree if you don’t have the academic qualifications required, but can show evidence of equivalent professional experience. |
| Please note | Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis. |
Mexico
| Masters degree requirement | You’re normally expected to have the equivalent of a UK Masters degree, which will mean having completed some academic study beyond your Bachelors degree. |
|---|---|
| Undergraduate degree requirement | Licenciado with a final mark of at least 8/10. |
| Subject-specific requirements | Your qualification should be in a subject related to your chosen area of research. You will also be considered for this degree if you don’t have the academic qualifications required, but can show evidence of equivalent professional experience. |
| Please note | Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis. |
Nepal
| Masters degree requirement | You’re normally expected to have the equivalent of a UK Masters degree, which will mean having completed some academic study beyond your Bachelors degree. |
|---|---|
| Undergraduate degree requirement | A 4-year Bachelor degree with GPA of at least 3.3/4.0 |
| Subject-specific requirements | Your qualification should be in a subject related to your chosen area of research. You will also be considered for this degree if you don’t have the academic qualifications required, but can show evidence of equivalent professional experience. |
| Please note | Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis. |
Nigeria
| Masters degree requirement | You’re normally expected to have the equivalent of a UK Masters degree, which will mean having completed some academic study beyond your Bachelors degree. |
|---|---|
| Undergraduate degree requirement | Bachelors degree with a second-class upper division or CGPA of at least 3.0-3.49/4.0, 3.5-4.49/5.0 or 4.6-5.9/7.0 |
| Subject-specific requirements | Your qualification should be in a subject related to your chosen area of research. You will also be considered for this degree if you don’t have the academic qualifications required, but can show evidence of equivalent professional experience. |
| Please note | Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis. |
Norway
| Masters degree requirement | You’re normally expected to have the equivalent of a UK Masters degree, which will mean having completed some academic study beyond your Bachelors degree. |
|---|---|
| Undergraduate degree requirement | Bachelors degree with an overall grade of B. |
| Subject-specific requirements | Your qualification should be in a subject related to your chosen area of research. You will also be considered for this degree if you don’t have the academic qualifications required, but can show evidence of equivalent professional experience. |
| Please note | Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis. |
Oman
| Masters degree requirement | You’re normally expected to have the equivalent of a UK Masters degree, which will mean having completed some academic study beyond your Bachelors degree. |
|---|---|
| Undergraduate degree requirement | Bachelors degree with a CGPA of at least 3.3/4.0. |
| Subject-specific requirements | Your qualification should be in a subject related to your chosen area of research. You will also be considered for this degree if you don’t have the academic qualifications required, but can show evidence of equivalent professional experience. |
| Please note | Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis. |
Pakistan
| Masters degree requirement | You’re normally expected to have the equivalent of a UK Masters degree, which will mean having completed some academic study beyond your Bachelors degree. |
|---|---|
| Undergraduate degree requirement | Four-year Bachelors degree with an overall mark of at least 65%-70% or CGPA 2.6 - 2.8 depending on your university. Masters degree following a 3-year Bachelors degree with an overall mark of at least 65%-70% or CGPA 2.6 - 2.8 depending on your university. |
| Subject-specific requirements | Your qualification should be in a subject related to your chosen area of research. You will also be considered for this degree if you don’t have the academic qualifications required, but can show evidence of equivalent professional experience. |
| Please note | Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis. |
Palestine
| Masters degree requirement | You’re normally expected to have the equivalent of a UK Masters degree, which will mean having completed some academic study beyond your Bachelors degree. |
|---|---|
| Undergraduate degree requirement | Bachelors degree with at least 80% or CGPA of at least 3.0/4.0 |
| Subject-specific requirements | Your qualification should be in a subject related to your chosen area of research. You will also be considered for this degree if you don’t have the academic qualifications required, but can show evidence of equivalent professional experience. |
| Please note | Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis. |
Paraguay
| Masters degree requirement | You’re normally expected to have the equivalent of a UK Masters degree, which will mean having completed some academic study beyond your Bachelors degree. |
|---|---|
| Undergraduate degree requirement | Bachelors with a final mark of at least 7.5/10. |
| Subject-specific requirements | Your qualification should be in a subject related to your chosen area of research. You will also be considered for this degree if you don’t have the academic qualifications required, but can show evidence of equivalent professional experience. |
| Please note | Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis. |
Peru
| Masters degree requirement | You’re normally expected to have the equivalent of a UK Masters degree, which will mean having completed some academic study beyond your Bachelors degree. |
|---|---|
| Undergraduate degree requirement | Licenciado with a final mark of at least 13/20 from a public university or 15/20 from a private university. |
| Subject-specific requirements | Your qualification should be in a subject related to your chosen area of research. You will also be considered for this degree if you don’t have the academic qualifications required, but can show evidence of equivalent professional experience. |
| Please note | Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis. |
Philippines
| Masters degree requirement | You’re normally expected to have the equivalent of a UK Masters degree, which will mean having completed some academic study beyond your Bachelors degree. |
|---|---|
| Undergraduate degree requirement | Masters degree with 1.5/5.0 (where 1 is the highest) or 3.7/4.0 |
| Subject-specific requirements | Your qualification should be in a subject related to your chosen area of research. You will also be considered for this degree if you don’t have the academic qualifications required, but can show evidence of equivalent professional experience. |
| Please note | Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis. |
Qatar
| Masters degree requirement | You’re normally expected to have the equivalent of a UK Masters degree, which will mean having completed some academic study beyond your Bachelors degree. |
|---|---|
| Undergraduate degree requirement | Bachelors degree with an overall CPGA of at least 3 (on a scale of 4). |
| Subject-specific requirements | Your qualification should be in a subject related to your chosen area of research. You will also be considered for this degree if you don’t have the academic qualifications required, but can show evidence of equivalent professional experience. |
| Please note | Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis. |
Russia
| Masters degree requirement | You’re normally expected to have the equivalent of a UK Masters degree, which will mean having completed some academic study beyond your Bachelors degree. |
|---|---|
| Undergraduate degree requirement | Bakalavr or Specialist Diploma with an average mark of at least 4. |
| Subject-specific requirements | Your qualification should be in a subject related to your chosen area of research. You will also be considered for this degree if you don’t have the academic qualifications required, but can show evidence of equivalent professional experience. |
| Please note | Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis. |
Saudi Arabia
| Masters degree requirement | You’re normally expected to have the equivalent of a UK Masters degree, which will mean having completed some academic study beyond your Bachelors degree. |
|---|---|
| Undergraduate degree requirement | Bachelors degree with a CGPA of 3.5/5.0 or 3/4.0. |
| Subject-specific requirements | Your qualification should be in a subject related to your chosen area of research. You will also be considered for this degree if you don’t have the academic qualifications required, but can show evidence of equivalent professional experience. |
| Please note | Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis. |
Singapore
| Masters degree requirement | You’re normally expected to have the equivalent of a UK Masters degree, which will mean having completed some academic study beyond your Bachelors degree. |
|---|---|
| Undergraduate degree requirement | Bachelors (Honours) degree with a second-class upper division or CAP 4.0. |
| Subject-specific requirements | Your qualification should be in a subject related to your chosen area of research. You will also be considered for this degree if you don’t have the academic qualifications required, but can show evidence of equivalent professional experience. |
| Please note | Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis. |
South Africa
| Masters degree requirement | You’re normally expected to have the equivalent of a UK Masters degree, which will mean having completed some academic study beyond your Bachelors degree. |
|---|---|
| Undergraduate degree requirement | Bachelors (honours) degree with a second-class division 1. |
| Subject-specific requirements | Your qualification should be in a subject related to your chosen area of research. You will also be considered for this degree if you don’t have the academic qualifications required, but can show evidence of equivalent professional experience. |
| Please note | Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis. |
South Korea
| Masters degree requirement | You’re normally expected to have the equivalent of a UK Masters degree, which will mean having completed some academic study beyond your Bachelors degree. |
|---|---|
| Undergraduate degree requirement | Bachelors degree with a CGPA of at least 3.3/4.5 or 3.1/4.3 or B+ |
| Subject-specific requirements | Your qualification should be in a subject related to your chosen area of research. You will also be considered for this degree if you don’t have the academic qualifications required, but can show evidence of equivalent professional experience. |
| Please note | Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis. |
Spain
| Masters degree requirement | You’re normally expected to have the equivalent of a UK Masters degree, which will mean having completed some academic study beyond your Bachelors degree. |
|---|---|
| Undergraduate degree requirement | Licenciado with a final mark of at least 2/4 or 7/10. |
| Subject-specific requirements | Your qualification should be in a subject related to your chosen area of research. You will also be considered for this degree if you don’t have the academic qualifications required, but can show evidence of equivalent professional experience. |
| Please note | Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis. |
Sri Lanka
| Masters degree requirement | You’re normally expected to have the equivalent of a UK Masters degree, which will mean having completed some academic study beyond your Bachelors degree. |
|---|---|
| Undergraduate degree requirement | Bachelors Special degree with an upper second honours. |
| Subject-specific requirements | Your qualification should be in a subject related to your chosen area of research. You will also be considered for this degree if you don’t have the academic qualifications required, but can show evidence of equivalent professional experience. |
| Please note | Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis. |
Switzerland
| Masters degree requirement | You’re normally expected to have the equivalent of a UK Masters degree, which will mean having completed some academic study beyond your Bachelors degree. |
|---|---|
| Undergraduate degree requirement | Licence or Diplôme with 5/6 or 8/10. |
| Subject-specific requirements | Your qualification should be in a subject related to your chosen area of research. You will also be considered for this degree if you don’t have the academic qualifications required, but can show evidence of equivalent professional experience. |
| Please note | Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis. |
Taiwan
| Masters degree requirement | You’re normally expected to have the equivalent of a UK Masters degree, which will mean having completed some academic study beyond your Bachelors degree. |
|---|---|
| Undergraduate degree requirement | Bachelors degree with an overall mark of at least 67%-80% depending on your university. |
| Subject-specific requirements | Your qualification should be in a subject related to your chosen area of research. You will also be considered for this degree if you don’t have the academic qualifications required, but can show evidence of equivalent professional experience. |
| Please note | Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis. |
Thailand
| Masters degree requirement | You’re normally expected to have the equivalent of a UK Masters degree, which will mean having completed some academic study beyond your Bachelors degree. |
|---|---|
| Undergraduate degree requirement | Bachelors degree with CGPA of at least 2.8 - 3.0/4.0 or equivalent depending on your university. |
| Subject-specific requirements | Your qualification should be in a subject related to your chosen area of research. You will also be considered for this degree if you don’t have the academic qualifications required, but can show evidence of equivalent professional experience. |
| Please note | Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis. |
Turkey
| Masters degree requirement | You’re normally expected to have the equivalent of a UK Masters degree, which will mean having completed some academic study beyond your Bachelors degree. |
|---|---|
| Undergraduate degree requirement | Lisans Diplomasi with CGPA of at least 2.8 - 3.0/4.0 or equivalent depending on your university. |
| Subject-specific requirements | Your qualification should be in a subject related to your chosen area of research. You will also be considered for this degree if you don’t have the academic qualifications required, but can show evidence of equivalent professional experience. |
| Please note | Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis. |
United Arab Emirates
| Masters degree requirement | You’re normally expected to have the equivalent of a UK Masters degree, which will mean having completed some academic study beyond your Bachelors degree. |
|---|---|
| Undergraduate degree requirement | Bachelors degree with CGPA of at least 3.0/4.0 or equivalent. |
| Subject-specific requirements | Your qualification should be in a subject related to your chosen area of research. You will also be considered for this degree if you don’t have the academic qualifications required, but can show evidence of equivalent professional experience. |
| Please note | Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis. |
USA
| Masters degree requirement | You’re normally expected to have the equivalent of a UK Masters degree, which will mean having completed some academic study beyond your Bachelors degree. |
|---|---|
| Undergraduate degree requirement | Bachelors degree with CGPA of at least 3.3/4.0. |
| Subject-specific requirements | Your qualification should be in a subject related to your chosen area of research. You will also be considered for this degree if you don’t have the academic qualifications required, but can show evidence of equivalent professional experience. |
| Please note | Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis. |
Vietnam
| Masters degree requirement | You’re normally expected to have the equivalent of a UK Masters degree, which will mean having completed some academic study beyond your Bachelors degree. |
|---|---|
| Undergraduate degree requirement | Bachelors degree (with a Graduate Thesis/research component) with CGPA of at least 3.3/4.0 or 7.5/10. As evidence of completing your degree you must provide both proof of graduation in addition to your transcript. |
| Subject-specific requirements | Your qualification should be in a subject related to your chosen area of research. You will also be considered for this degree if you don’t have the academic qualifications required, but can show evidence of equivalent professional experience. |
| Please note | Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis. |
Zambia
| Masters degree requirement | You’re normally expected to have the equivalent of a UK Masters degree, which will mean having completed some academic study beyond your Bachelors degree. |
|---|---|
| Undergraduate degree requirement | Masters degree with GPA of 2.0/2.5 or equivalent. |
| Subject-specific requirements | Your qualification should be in a subject related to your chosen area of research. You will also be considered for this degree if you don’t have the academic qualifications required, but can show evidence of equivalent professional experience. |
| Please note | Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis. |
Zimbabwe
| Masters degree requirement | You’re normally expected to have the equivalent of a UK Masters degree, which will mean having completed some academic study beyond your Bachelors degree. |
|---|---|
| Undergraduate degree requirement | Bachelors (Honours) degree with second-class upper division. |
| Subject-specific requirements | Your qualification should be in a subject related to your chosen area of research. You will also be considered for this degree if you don’t have the academic qualifications required, but can show evidence of equivalent professional experience. |
| Please note | Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis. |
My country is not listed
If your country is not listed, you need to contact us and find out the qualification level you should have for this course. Contact us
| Subject-specific requirements | Your qualification should be in a subject related to your chosen area of research. You will also be considered for this degree if you don’t have the academic qualifications required, but can show evidence of equivalent professional experience. |
|---|
English language requirements
IELTS (Academic)
High level (6.5 overall, including at least 6.0 in each component).
IELTS scores are valid for two years from the test date. You cannot combine scores from more than one sitting of the test. Your score must be valid when you begin your Sussex course.
We accept IELTS One Skills Retake.
We do not accept IELTS Online.
Alternative English language qualifications
Proficiency tests
Cambridge Advanced Certificate in English (CAE)
169 overall, including at least 162 in each skill.
We would normally expect the CAE test to have been taken within two years before the start of your course.
You cannot combine scores from more than one sitting of the test.
Cambridge Certificate of Proficiency in English (CPE)
169 overall, including at least 162 in each skill.
We would normally expect the CPE test to have been taken within two years before the start of your course.
You cannot combine scores from more than one sitting of the test.
LanguageCert Academic SELT
High level (70 overall, including at least 65 in each component).
LanguageCert Academic SELT scores are valid for two years from the test date. Your score must be valid when you begin your Sussex course.
We only accept LanguageCert when taken at SELT Test Centres.
We do not accept the online version. We also do not accept the non-SELT version.
LanguageCert International ESOL SELT
High level (International ESOL SELT B2 with a minimum of 39 in each component)
LanguageCert International ESOL scores are valid for two years from the test date. Your score must be valid when you begin your Sussex course.
We only accept LanguageCert when taken at SELT Test Centres. We do not accept the online version.
Pearson PTE Academic
High level (62 overall, including at least 59 in all four skills)
PTE (Academic) scores are valid for two years from the test date. You cannot combine scores from more than one sitting of the test. Your score must be valid when you begin your Sussex course.
We do not accept the PTE Academic Online test.
TOEFL (iBT)
High level 88 overall, including at least 20 Listening, 19 in Reading, 21 in Speaking, 23 in Writing.
TOEFL (iBT) scores are valid for two years from the test date. You cannot combine scores from more than one sitting of the test. Your score must be valid when you begin your Sussex course.
We do not accept TOEFL (iBT) ÌìÃÀ´«Ã½Ó°ÊÓ Edition.
The TOEFL Institution Code for the ÌìÃÀ´«Ã½Ó°ÊÓ is 9166.
English language qualifications
AS/A-level (GCE)
Grade C or above in English Language.
Hong Kong Advanced Level Examination (HKALE)/ AS or A Level: grade C or above in Use of English.
GCE O-level
Grade C or above in English.
Brunei/Cambridge GCE O-level in English: grades 1-6.
Singapore/Cambridge GCE O-level in English: grades 1-6.
GCSE or IGCSE
Grade C or above in English as a First Language (Grade 4 or above in GCSE from 2017).
Grade B or above in English as a Second Language.
Ghana Senior Secondary School Certificate
If awarded before 1993: grades 1-6 in English language.
If awarded between 1993 and 2005: grades A-D in English language.
Hong Kong Diploma of Secondary Education (HKDSE)
Level 4, including at least 3 in each component in English Language.
Indian School Certificate (Standard XII)
The Indian School Certificate is accepted at the grades below when awarded by the following examination boards:
Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) – English Core only: 70%
Council for Indian School Certificate Examinations (CISCE) - English: 70%
International Baccalaureate Diploma (IB)
English A or English B at grade 5 or above.
Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education
Grades A - C in English language
Malaysian Certificate of Education (SPM) 1119/GCE O-level
If taken before the end of 2008: grades 1-6 in English Language.
If taken from 2009 onwards: grade C or above in English Language.
The qualification must be jointly awarded by the University of Cambridge Local Examinations Syndicate (UCLES).
West African Senior School Certificate
Grades A1-C6 (1-6) in English language when awarded by the West African Examinations Council (WAEC) or the National Examinations Council (NECO).
Country exceptions
Select to see the list of exempt English-speaking countries
If you are a national of one of the countries below, or if you have recently completed a qualification equivalent to a UK Bachelors degree or higher in one of these countries, you will normally meet our English requirement. Note that qualifications obtained by distance learning or awarded by studying outside these countries cannot be accepted for English language purposes.
You will normally be expected to have completed the qualification within two years before starting your course at Sussex. If the qualification was obtained earlier than this, we would expect you to be able to demonstrate that you have maintained a good level of English, for example by living in an English-speaking country or working in an occupation that required you to use English regularly and to a high level.
Please note that this list is determined by the UK’s ÌìÃÀ´«Ã½Ó°ÊÓ Office, not by the ÌìÃÀ´«Ã½Ó°ÊÓ.
List of exempt countries:
- Antigua and Barbuda
- Australia
- Bahamas
- Barbados
- Belize
- Canada**
- Dominica
- Grenada
- Guyana
- Ireland
- Jamaica
- New Zealand
- St Kitts and Nevis
- St Lucia
- St Vincent and the Grenadines
- The British Overseas Territories
- Trinidad and Tobago
- United Kingdom
- USA
** Canada: you must be a national of Canada; other nationals not on this list who have a degree from a Canadian institution will not normally be exempt from needing to provide evidence of English.
English language support
If you don’t meet the English language requirements for your degree, you may be able to take a
Visas and immigration
Find out how to apply for a student visa
Admissions information for applicants
| Evidence of compositional ability required | Yes |
|---|---|
| Research proposal | If you are applying for a PhD, you will need to write a research proposal. Find out how to write a research proposal. |
If your qualifications aren’t listed or you have a question about entry requirements, contact us
How to apply
If you’d like to join us as a research student, there are two main routes:
- browse funded projects in this subject area
- browse our potential supervisors and propose your own research project.
Find out how to apply for a PhD at Sussex
Full-time and part-time study
Choose to work on your research full time or part time, to fit around your work and personal life. For details about part-time study, contact us at studyinmah@sussex.ac.uk
PhD or MPhil?
You can choose to study for a PhD or an MPhil. PhD and MPhil degrees differ in duration and in the extent of your research work.
- For a PhD, your research work makes a substantial original contribution to knowledge or understanding in your chosen field.
- For an MPhil, your work is an independent piece of research but in less depth than for a PhD. You’ll graduate with the degree title Master of Philosophy. You might be able to change to a PhD while you study for an MPhil.
Our supervisors
Dr Danny Bright
Senior Lecturer in Music and Music Technology
Contact
Prof Alice Eldridge
Professor of Sonic Systems
Contact
Prof Evelyn Ficarra
Professor of Interdisciplinary Composition
Contact
Prof Ed Hughes
Professor of Composition in Music
Contact
Dr Chris Kiefer
Reader in Musical Instrument Design
Contact
Prof Thor Magnusson
Professor of Future Music
Contact
Funding and fees
How can I fund my course?
Funded projects and scholarships
Our aim is to ensure that every student who wants to study with us is able to despite financial barriers, so that we continue to attract talented and unique individuals. Don’t miss out on scholarships – check the specific application deadlines for funding opportunities. Note that funded projects aren’t available for all our PhDs.
Details of our scholarships are not yet set for entry in the academic year 2024/25.
Applying for USA Federal Student Aid?
If any part of your funding, at any time, is through USA federal Direct Loan funds, you will be registered on a separate version of this degree which does not include the possibility of distance learning which is prohibited under USA federal regulations. Find out more about American Student Loans and Federal Student Aid.
Part-time work
We advertise around 2,500 part-time jobs a year so you can make money and gain work experience. We have a special scheme to employ students on campus, wherever possible.
Find out more about careers and employability
How much does it cost?
Fees for self-funding students
ÌìÃÀ´«Ã½Ó°ÊÓ students: £4,786 per year for full-time students
Channel Islands and Isle of Man students: £4,786 per year for full-time students
International students: £21,500 per year for full-time students
ÌìÃÀ´«Ã½Ó°ÊÓ PhD student fees are set at the level recommended by United Kingdom Research and Innovation (UKRI) annually, rising in line with inflation. Overseas fees are subject to an annual increase - see details on our tuition fees page
Additional costs
Note about additional costs
Please note that all costs are best estimates based on current market values. Activities may be subject to unavoidable change in response to Government advice. We’ll let you know at the earliest opportunity. We review estimates every year and they may vary with inflation. Find out how to budget for student life.
Empirical research costs
On top of your PhD fees and living costs, you may also need to cover some research and training costs, relevant to your research project. These costs will depend on your research topic and training needs, but may include:
- travel (to archives, collections or scientific facilities)
- a laptop
- overseas fieldwork costs (travel and accommodation, and language training)
- conference costs (travel, registration fees and accommodation)
- laboratory consumables and workshop materials
- participant costs
- transcription or translation costs
- open-access publication costs.
If you have a scholarship from one of the UK Research Councils, your scholarship should cover these types of costs. You'll receive details of how to claim this additional funding.
If you're self funded, or if your scholarship doesn’t cover these costs, check with the Research and Enterprise Co-ordinator in your School for details of School or Doctoral School funding that may be available.