School of Music Opportunity Research Scholarship

The School of Music invites applications for the School of Music Opportunity Research Scholarship from prospective postgraduate researchers who wish to commence study for a PhD in the academic year 2026/27.<br /> <br /> The scholarship is open to prospective postgraduate researchers from Black, Asian and other minoritised ethnic groups who are eligible for the Home/UK rate of tuition fees. One award is available each year for applicants who have been offered a PhD place in the School of Music.

<p>The School of Music at the University of Leeds has an international reputation for research, and we bring together a community of acclaimed scholars, composers and performers. We especially welcome applications that connect to the School of Music's core research areas:</p> <ul> <li><a href="https://ahc.leeds.ac.uk/music-research-innovation/doc/music-culture-1">Music as Culture </a>(musicology exploring the role of music within historical, theoretical, literary, aesthetic, technological, popular, and interdisciplinary contexts)</li> <li><a href="https://ahc.leeds.ac.uk/music-research-innovation/doc/music-science-1">Music, Science and Technology </a>(including music psychology, music and wellbeing, music technology, musical instrument studies, sound studies, and scientific perspectives on music) </li> <li><a href="https://ahc.leeds.ac.uk/music-research-innovation/doc/making-music-1">Making Music </a>(composition, performance, and practice-based research methodologies)</li> <li><a href="https://ahc.leeds.ac.uk/music-research-innovation/doc/pedagogic-research">Pedagogic Research in Music </a>(research regarding teaching and learning processes, experiences, and contexts in music)<br />  </li> </ul>

<p><strong>Duration and Value of the Award</strong></p> <ul> <li>The award provides full academic fees and a maintenance grant (£20,780 in Session 2025/26) for full-time study, part-time will be pro-rata.  This amount increases per annum in line with the UKRI rate.  Full-time awards provide full fees for 3 years and a maintenance award for 3.5 years (Part-time awards are pro-rata).</li> <li>Please be aware that any expenses related to the relocation of international students to the UK (visa, insurance, NHS fees, flights, etc) would be their responsibility and is not covered by this award.</li> </ul> <p><strong>Eligibility Criteria</strong></p> <ul> <li>Applicants must be eligible to pay fees at the Home (UK) rate. </li> <li>Applicants must also be prospective postgraduate researchers from Black, Asian and other minoritised ethnic groups.</li> </ul> <p><strong>Other Conditions</strong></p> <ul> <li>Awards must be taken up by 1^st October 2026.</li> <li>Candidates who have previously been awarded a PhD or are currently registered on a PhD are excluded from applying. Those who were previously studying for a PhD but did not complete may be considered.</li> <li>The awards are available for new Postgraduate Researchers undertaking full-time or part-time research study leading to the degree of PhD. </li> <li>Applicants must live within a reasonable distance of the University of Leeds whilst in receipt of this Scholarship.</li> </ul> <p><strong>Selection Process </strong></p> <ul> <li>The deadline to be considered for the School of Music Opportunity Research Scholarship is <strong>17:00 (UK Time) on Monday 1 June 2026</strong>. Before you can apply for this scholarship/studentship, you will need to apply for your study place and have your 9-digit student identification number. We strongly advise you to submit your study application at least 4 weeks before the scholarship deadline to allow the Admissions team time to process your application. </li> <li>All scholarship applications will be considered after the deadline. Only complete applications will be considered.</li> <li>The final list of awards are based on academic merit and no other factors such as financial hardship are taken into account.<br />  </li> </ul>

<p><strong>Stage 1</strong></p> <p>First, apply for a research place of study, through the<a href="https://prod.banner.leeds.ac.uk/ssb/bwskalog_uol.P_DispLoginNon"> online application form</a>. Please state clearly that the funding you wish to be considered for is the “<strong>School of Music Opportunity Research Scholarship</strong>”. You will be expected to meet our <a href="https://ahc.leeds.ac.uk/music-research-degrees/doc/doctor-philosophy-phd-1">eligibility criteria </a>for PhD candidates.</p> <p>In order to be considered for Scholarship you must submit all the required <a href="https://ahc.leeds.ac.uk/music-research-degrees/doc/apply-4">supporting documents</a> for your application for PhD study. Any study applications that are not accompanied by the documents requested by the deadline will not be considered for the award.</p> <p>Once you have received your student ID number (a 9-digit number) move onto stage 2.<br />  </p> <p><strong>Stage 2</strong><br /> Apply for the School of Music Opportunity Research Scholarship by completing the online <a href="https://app.onlinesurveys.jisc.ac.uk/s/leeds/school-of-music-opportunity-research-scholarship-2026">Scholarship Application Form</a>. You must submit your scholarship application by <strong>17:00 (UK Time) on Monday 1^st June 2026.</strong></p> <ul> <li>Please note that an unsuccessful application for this scholarship does not exclude you from applying for other research study opportunities or scholarships offered by the University of Leeds. </li> <li>Please note that, due to the large volume of applications, the University of Leeds will not enter into any correspondence regarding the progress of an application until the outcome is known. </li> <li>If English is not your first language, you must provide evidence that you meet the minimum English language requirements (below). </li> </ul> <p><em>As an international research-intensive university, we welcome students from all walks of life and from across the world. We foster an inclusive environment where all can flourish and prosper, and we are proud of our strong commitment to student education. Across all Faculties we are dedicated to diversifying our community and we welcome the unique contributions that individuals can bring, and particularly encourage applications from, but not limited to Black, Asian, people who belong to a minority ethnic community, people who identify as LGBT+ and people with disabilities. Applicants will always be selected based on merit and ability.</em></p>

Applicants to this scholarship in the School of Music should hold a good honours degree (upper second class or first class) in a related discipline. A Masters degree isn’t a requirement but your application is seen more favourably if you have one - ideally you will have achieved a distinction or at least a merit, especially in your Masters dissertation.

If English is not your first language, you will need an English language qualification. The minimum English language entry requirement for postgraduate research study in the School of Music is an IELTS of 6.5 overall with at least 6.0 in each component (reading, writing, listening and speaking) or equivalent. The test must be dated within two years of the start date of the course in order to be valid.

<p>For further information please contact the PGR Admissions team on ahcpgradmissions@leeds.ac.uk. </p>