Course Code

101 (M.Litt.). 215 (Ph.D.)

Duration

Varies 2-4 years.

Description

The M.Litt. and Ph.D. in these islands are traditionally degrees by research. Students engaged in postgraduate research spend their time preparing for and writing a thesis, which is then examined and upon which the degree may be awarded. They work closely with a supervisor from the School who guides their research and monitors their progress. They meet regularly in a postgraduate seminar to discuss common theoretical and methodological concerns, and where they read and critique each other's work under the guidance of senior academics. They are also encouraged to present papers at academic conferences within and without Ireland.

It is possible to work in any area of music, subject to the availability of suitable expertise from the academic staff. In the Music Department there are currently (2008) nine students pursuing academic research. They come from Ireland, Great Britain, Israel and the USA; and their projects at masters and doctoral levels include the music of Debussy, the compositional practice of Henry Purcell, Charles Ives, issues of pedagogy in contemporary violin playing, and musical expressions of sublime landscape in the 19th century.

Recent graduates in research have found employment as lecturers and research fellows in the following universities and colleges: NUI Maynooth, University College Dublin, the University of Washington (Seattle), the DIT Conservatory of Music and Drama (Dublin), the Pontifical Institute of Mediaeval Studies (University of Toronto), and the University of Southampton. Others have gone on to work as performers, and in a wide range of music-related jobs.

There are a number of competitive scholarships available from Trinity (details available from www.tcd.ie/Graduate_Studies), as well as from other agencies. The Department of Music also uses graduate teaching assistants who are paid an hourly rate, and there are travel grants available from both the Department and Graduate Studies to assist in research.

It is normal practice within Trinity College for research students who do not already have a masters qualification, and who wish to undertake studies to doctoral level, to enter on the masters register, and to seek to upgrade to Ph.D. at a later stage, typically during their second year.

Fees

Please check the Treasurers office for the summary of postgraduate degree fees.

Assessment

Thesis and viva voce examination.