PhD Research
Research Degrees
M.Litt. and PhD in Composition
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 Composition Centre who guides their research and monitors their progress.
There are currently (2010) five students pursuing a doctorate in composition in the Centre. They meet regularly in a postgraduate seminar to discuss common theoretical and methodological concerns, and where they listen to 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.
Recent graduates in research have found employment as lecturers in the following universities and colleges: University of Limerick, Trinity College Dublin, and the Royal Irish Academy of Music. Others are working as composers, 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.
Description of the Degrees
M.Litt.
In order to qualify for an M.Litt., the student must normally submit a portfolio of 3 substantial works (or equivalent). The portfolio should make up more than 30 minutes worth of music. In addition to the portfolio, the student must submit a thesis of around 10,000 words discussing each submitted composition and demonstrating the candidate's knowledge of how his/her work relates to contemporary music around it.
Candidates wishing to upgrade to a Ph.D. may apply to do so, normally during their second year. The requirements for upgrading will involve submission of completed work (precise details to be agreed with the supervisor).
Ph.D.
The candidate must submit a portfolio of music, the total duration of which is normally around 80 - 90 minutes of music, and not exceeding 180 minutes. The submission may take many forms ranging from a single large piece of considerable scope and substance for large forces (such as an opera or major work for symphony orchestra) to a collection of substantial pieces for mixed genres. The submission must be accompanied by a thesis of at least 20,000 words dealing with the structure, aesthetics and methods used by the candidate in the act of composition. This thesis should demonstrate a good knowledge of the context surrounding the candidate's work, and in doing so should engage with history, criticism and theory relating to contemporary music. Progress will be reviewed after the first year’s study at the Ph.D. level. This review is very important and will involve submission of completed work (precise details to be agreed with the supervisor). The candidate may continue with the Ph.D. only if it is agreed at the review stage that the performance so far has been satisfactory. A candidate who has not qualified for continuation on the Ph.D. register may, at the discretion of the examiners, be allowed to continue on the Master's register.
Progress of Research
The minimum period of research before which a M.Litt. thesis can be submitted is one year from the date of registration, and the maximum period two years. In the case of part-time registration the minimum period of research before a thesis can be submitted is two years from the date of registration and the maximum period three years.
The minimum period of research before which a Ph.D. thesis can be submitted is two years from the date of registration, and the maximum period four years. When part-time registration is permitted, the minimum period of research before a thesis can be submitted is three years from the date of registration, and the maximum period six years (unless the student has changed over from the full-time register in which case the maximum combined period on the full-time and part-time register is five years in total).
Students are expected to complete their research and submit their theses within the prescribed time periods stipulated above. Appeals for an extension on a submission deadline but can be requested through the student's advisor to the School's Director of Teaching and Learning (Postgrad) and the Dean of Graduate Studies if necessary. Please note an appeal for an extension of the submission deadline is not automatic nor guaranteed. General note for the graduate composers
The graduate composition students are encouraged to arrange as many performances of their work as they can, both on and off campus. It is preferable, particularly in the case of a portfolio of mixed pieces, if the candidate can arrange some good-quality recordings of actual performances of the works to include as a reference in the portfolio submission. Graduate composition students are entitled to audit the undergraduate composer’s forum.
Who may apply?
Applicants with a primary degree in music are eligible for the M.Litt. Only students who have received a Master’s degree or higher will be considered for the Ph.D. Interested applicants should send the appropriate application package (details below) to the Dean of Graduate Studies at Trinity College, Dublin 2.
Application package should include the following:
- Not more than 4 scores and recordings (if available) Preferred format for the recordings is an audio CD
- An example of an academic paper, in order to demonstrate your ability for analytical and critical thinking
- Current Curriculum Vitae
- Transcripts from the academic institutions one has attended
- Three letters of recommendation
- A small essay (of not more than 2,000 words) outlining one’s compositional aesthetics and one’s reasons for wanting to study at Trinity College Dublin