School of Music Opportunity Research Scholarship

The School of Music at the University of Leeds 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. 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. The School of Music at the University of Leeds has an international reputation for research, bringing together a community of acclaimed scholars, composers and performers. The scholarship especially welcomes applications that connect to the School's core research areas: Music as Culture (musicology exploring the role of music within historical, theoretical, literary, aesthetic, technological, popular, and interdisciplinary contexts); Music, Science and Technology (including music psychology, music and wellbeing, music technology, musical instrument studies, sound studies, and scientific perspectives on music); Making Music (composition, performance, and practice-based research methodologies); and Pedagogic Research in Music (research regarding teaching and learning processes, experiences, and contexts in music). The award provides full academic fees and a maintenance grant (£20,780 in Session 2025/26) for full-time study, with part-time options available on a pro-rata basis. 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. Awards must be taken up by 1st October 2026, and applicants must live within a reasonable distance of the University of Leeds whilst in receipt of this scholarship. Applicants should hold a good honours degree (upper second class or first class) in a related discipline. A Masters degree is not a requirement but applications are viewed more favourably if candidates have achieved a distinction or at least a merit, especially in their Masters dissertation. The final list of awards is based on academic merit and no other factors such as financial hardship are taken into account.