Best Music Doctoral Degree Programs for 2025 - WeUni

Graduate School of Music – Doctoral Course

Kyoto City University Of Arts

Japan

Music

PhDs (Doctor of Philosophy)

Students are expected to acquire either advanced composition or advanced conducting techniques by composing works or by conducting, and studying theory. In order to achieve this, students have to do practical and theoretical research in both areas, because these areas are closely related to each other.

English

Ph.D. in Historical Musicology

University of Wisconsin-Madison Mead Witter School of Music

United States of America (USA)

Music, Humanities

PhDs (Doctor of Philosophy)

Diversity of approach and breadth of expertise distinguish graduate study in musicology (music history) at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. Our small and flexible program provides a supportive environment to pursue imaginative research grounded in close interaction and cooperation among graduate students and their faculty colleagues.

English

Musicology (Research)

Cardiff University

United Kingdom

Music, History, Humanities

PhDs (Doctor of Philosophy)

English

Doctor of Musical Arts (D.M.A.)

James Madison University

United States of America (USA)

Music

PhDs (Doctor of Philosophy)

The Doctor of Musical Arts (D.M.A.) program is the most advanced course of study offered in the School of Music at James Madison University. The program has been designed to make graduates more marketable in higher education by emphasizing pedagogy and literature along with advanced performance or conducting skills.

English

3 Years

Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D) in Performing Arts

Selinus University of Sciences and Literature

Online

United Kingdom, Italy

Film Studies, Fine Arts, Arts, Music

PhDs (Doctor of Philosophy)

A research thesis in this specific field should offer an overview of forms of artistic expression, in particular cinema, theatre, music, dance and visual art. Each student will explore how the performing arts reflect the social, political and religious aspects of many cultures and civilizations. In this programme the candidate, through his thesis, should provide a theoretical exposition of the content and processes inherent in the creative and artistic experience of performance.

English

2 Years

Composition (Research)

Cardiff University

United Kingdom

Fine Arts, Creative Writing, Arts, Music

PhDs (Doctor of Philosophy)

English

Doctor of Philosophy in Visual and Performing Arts

The University of Texas at Dallas

United States of America (USA)

Industrial Design, Graphic Design, Film Studies, Arts, Fashion Design, Design, Photography, Fine Arts, Interior Design, Music

PhDs (Doctor of Philosophy)

The Ph.D. in Visual and Performing Arts degree program is designed primarily for individuals who wish to conduct advanced research and to teach at the college level and can lead to a wide variety of non-academic careers as well. Visual and Performing Arts is an interdisciplinary program of study, so students take the majority of their coursework in Visual and Performing Arts courses, but must also take two seminars each in both History of Ideas and Literature.

English

4 Years

Doctoral Degrees, Music

Doctoral degrees, also known as PhDs, are the highest level of academic achievement. They require original research and the completion of a dissertation. Doctoral programs offer specialized knowledge in a specific field, preparing students for careers in academia, research, or leadership roles in various industries.

The field of Music encompasses the study of various aspects of music, including theory, history, performance, composition, and technology. Students in this field develop their musical skills, knowledge, and creativity, preparing for careers as musicians, composers, music educators, music therapists, sound engineers, and more.

7 Best Music Doctoral Degree Programs for 2025

Graduate School of Music – Doctoral Course

Ph.D. in Historical Musicology

Musicology (Research)

Doctor of Musical Arts (D.M.A.)

Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D) in Performing Arts

Composition (Research)

Doctor of Philosophy in Visual and Performing Arts

Doctoral Degrees, Music