Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) Music 48 months PHD Program By McGill University |Top Universities
Subject Ranking

# 18QS Subject Rankings

Program Duration

48 monthsProgram duration

Tuitionfee

9,119 CADTuition Fee/year

Application Deadline

01 Dec, 2025Application Deadline

Program overview

Main Subject

Music

Degree

PhD

Study Level

PHD

Study Mode

On Campus

The Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in Music offered by the Schulich School of Music is a research-intensive program that emphasizes dynamic and hands-on learning opportunities. The program's objective is to equip students with skills in literature review, original thinking, and knowledge synthesis to pursue professional opportunities in academia or industry.

The PhD in Music is offered in eight different topic areas: Musicology, Music Theory, Music Technology, Music Education, Sound Recording, Composition, Interdisciplinary Studies, and Applied Performance Sciences.

The program may also be taken as the Gender and Women's Studies option which focuses on issues centrally related to gender, sexuality, feminist theory, and/or women’s studies. This program is offered in collaboration with the McGill Institute for Gender, Sexuality, and Feminist Studies.

Keywords: digital studios, performance training, music teaching, physiology of performance, music technologies, computer music, new media, musical acoustics, digital signal processing, human-computer interaction, synthesis and gestural control, music information retrieval and music perception and cognition, analysis of music, history of music theory, meta-theoretical work, musical analysis, Tonmeister tradition, multichannel sound, virtual auditory environments, microphone techniques, automated mixing, advanced technical ear training, audio-visual correlation and internet music delivery.

Program overview

Main Subject

Music

Degree

PhD

Study Level

PHD

Study Mode

On Campus

The Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in Music offered by the Schulich School of Music is a research-intensive program that emphasizes dynamic and hands-on learning opportunities. The program's objective is to equip students with skills in literature review, original thinking, and knowledge synthesis to pursue professional opportunities in academia or industry.

The PhD in Music is offered in eight different topic areas: Musicology, Music Theory, Music Technology, Music Education, Sound Recording, Composition, Interdisciplinary Studies, and Applied Performance Sciences.

The program may also be taken as the Gender and Women's Studies option which focuses on issues centrally related to gender, sexuality, feminist theory, and/or women’s studies. This program is offered in collaboration with the McGill Institute for Gender, Sexuality, and Feminist Studies.

Keywords: digital studios, performance training, music teaching, physiology of performance, music technologies, computer music, new media, musical acoustics, digital signal processing, human-computer interaction, synthesis and gestural control, music information retrieval and music perception and cognition, analysis of music, history of music theory, meta-theoretical work, musical analysis, Tonmeister tradition, multichannel sound, virtual auditory environments, microphone techniques, automated mixing, advanced technical ear training, audio-visual correlation and internet music delivery.

Admission requirements

86+
6.5+
3+
01 Dec 2025
4 Years
Sep
  • Candidates are required to submit references or letter(s) of recommendation for acceptance
  • Candidates are required to submit an essay(s) for acceptance

Tuition fee and scholarships

Domestic Students

1,483 CAD
-

International Students

9,119 CAD
-

One of the important factors when considering a master's degree is the cost of study. Luckily, there are many options available to help students fund their master's programme. Download your copy of the Scholarship Guide to find out which scholarships from around the world could be available to you, and how to apply for them.

In this guide you will find:
opportunities

Where to look for scholarship opportunities

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How to apply to scholarships relevant to you

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A list of available scholarships around the world

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A scholarship application checklist

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McGill University offers over 400 Postgraduate programs, including master’s degrees, PhDs, MBAs and graduate certificate programs, across 10 faculties:

  • Agricultural and Environmental Sciences
  • Arts
  • Dentistry
  • Education
  • Engineering
  • Law
  • Managment
  • Medicine
  • Music
  • Science


Browse all graduate courses here.

Admitting only the best and the brightest to McGill University!
Postgraduate admission requirements include a bachelor’s degree in a subject related to the field of study at a recognised university, a GPA of 3.2 (or any foreign equivalent) and proof of proficiency in English. For more information of minimum entry requirements, contact a graduate program coordinator.


Funding for international students

Tuition fees at McGill University are on a per credit basis or a flat rate basis depending on your status, ranging between CA$16,000-19,000 (approximately US$19,900-15,300). Calculate your tuition fee estimate here. However, special funding is available. In fact, as a graduate student at McGill University, you’re very likely to qualify for external funding. Find out more about international fellowships here.

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