Applying for a PhD
All the key information about applying for a postgraduate research degree at Sheffield.
To apply to study for a PhD with us, we would like you to first get in touch with a potential supervisor, with whom you will develop the proposal, before you submit a formal application.
If you are unsure of who could act as your supervisor, please make sure you have viewed 'Find a supervisor', or you can send an inquiry to the department, so we can advise you about this.
Please include your research proposal and a brief CV when contacting a potential supervisor or the department.
A formal application is made using the University’s online application form. We will not be able to make a decision on an application until we receive all of the required details, including a research proposal, reference letters and supporting documents.
Application checklist
- I have a relevant merit MA degree or equivalent.
- I have an IELTS grade that meets the University's English language requirements for research degrees.
- My research proposal is ready to upload.
- My proof of previous degrees, academic references, English language certificates (if required), and CV are ready to upload.
- Sample of academic level work (e.g. Dissertation, Composition or recorded Performance).
- I have in-principle agreement from a supervisor to support my PhD proposal.
Our aim is to deal with your application promptly, although most applications are considered by at least two members of staff and the process can take several weeks.
For information on Remote Location options for PhD study please see the following page.
Research away from the University
You can contact us at any time if you want to know the progress of your application. You can email music-admissions@sheffield.ac.uk for information.
Recent applicants, please note:
Thank you for your recent application/enquiry. We wanted to inform you of some important updates regarding our admissions process.
From next September, we will be combining with other departments within the University under the name School of Languages, Arts and Societies. We will continue to have a dedicated unit for Music within the new school. While this exciting change is underway, students applying now will need to submit their applications under this new school name. Rest assured, your application has already been received and forwarded to the Music admissions team for processing.
Please do not hesitate to contact us if you have any questions or require further clarification regarding the changes. We look forward to continuing to support you throughout the admissions process and into your future studies with us.