Postgraduate Research

Guildhall School’s research programme is distinctive in that it is dedicated to the performing arts. Researchers pursue self-directed projects that connect creative practice with scholarly enquiry in an outstanding conservatoire with world-class facilities.  

Research degrees are awarded for an independent research project that contributes to existing knowledge. Guildhall School’s Postgraduate Research Programme has a distinctive focus on research in, through and for the performing arts. As a world-leading conservatoire, we are well equipped to support research projects that integrate creative practice with scholarly enquiry. A unique aspect of the researcher experience at Guildhall is our year-long training programme during your first year of study which gives you the tools to vision and realize your project, as well as helping you negotiate the various stages and milestones of a research degree. Offering up to 120 hours a year, this provides some of the most comprehensive training in the sector. This is in addition to your supervisory team, a bespoke set of advisors who have the appropriate combination of academic and artistic expertise to supervise your work as it develops. 

In recent years, the School’s research has attracted increasing external recognition. In the latest Research Excellence Framework (REF2021), the national assessment of research in UK universities, the School was rated top music conservatoire for research in the UK. The School was found to have the highest percentage of world-leading research amongst its music conservatoire peers and the second-highest of all conservatoires across Drama, Music and Production Arts. 

Postgraduate work is the foundation of Guildhall School’s flourishing research culture, which encompasses more than 70 postgraduate researchers and around 75 research-active staff and associates. Opportunities to engage in this community include our regular ResearchWorks series (with a postgraduate researcher panel each term), conferences, a vibrant events programme, including those run by the School’s Practice Research Network and the Guildhall De-Centre for Socially Engaged Practice & Research, which explores how creative arts practices can contribute to positive social change. We understand the importance of in-person opportunities for researchers to network and socialise with their peers as an integral part of their studies and support our research community to develop new opportunities for research sharing and collaboration. 

Research is also supported by specialist libraries at Guildhall School, Barbican and City, University of London; comprehensive support services; outstanding facilities; strong relationships with external bodies such as the Theatre and Performance Research Association, the Capital Culture Exchange, and the Institute of Musical Research. 

Structure & assessment 

A research degree is a largely independent endeavour: you pursue a self-directed research project that culminates in the submission of a thesis (which may include elements of practice). As outlined above, a postgraduate research degree will normally be completed within three years of full-time study, followed by either a one-year period of ‘writing-up’ or a further year of supervision. The degree is also available on a part-time basis.  

There are two formal assessment points: the ‘upgrade’ and the final examination. You will initially register for the MPhil degree, transferring to DMus/PhD status through the ‘upgrade’ which occurs around 16 months from registration (or part-time equivalent). For this examination, you will submit a sample of your research and undergo a viva. The final examination involves the submission of a thesis, potentially including practice elements, and a viva. The format of your final submission will vary according to your research, but it will be the include a written element (of between 13,000 and 80,000 words) and, in some cases, practical elements such as recitals, performances, scores and recordings. The submission will form the equivalent of 80,000 words in total. The format of the submitted material will be agreed with supervisors and the postgraduate research team as you progress through your final year. 

Guildhall School provides a comprehensive package of support to ensure that you prepare well for these assessment points and keep on track with your studies. 

Our induction programme welcomes you to the postgraduate research community and to the wide range of facilities and services provided by the School. This is followed by a weekly programme of specialist research training. 

There are ‘core’ sessions which take place Monday mornings are compulsory for first year researchers and cover a range of topics including working with supervisors, using research tools, key methodologies such as practice-based research, writing workshops, preparing for assessment and transferable skills such as inter-personal skills and wellbeing. 

The core programme also includes a day-long symposium at the end of each term which are opportunities for you to share your research with your peers. In addition to the core training, there is also a rich menu of sessions available to all postgraduate researchers. These include sessions on exam preparation and professional development, special interest groups and guest speakers.