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PhD programs in Music & Performing Arts from 1 universities · updated for 2026
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A PhD in Music & Performing Arts in Europe is a 3–5 year research degree — and one of the most financially accessible doctoral paths in the world. In Northern and Western Europe, PhD positions are typically employment contracts: you receive a monthly stipend (commonly €1,200–€2,500 depending on country) plus social security and healthcare, rather than paying tuition or taking on debt. You begin original research immediately, without the coursework years required by the US system.
Dedicated funding programs strengthen that picture: the EU's Marie Curie Doctoral Networks offer stipends above €3,000/month to cohorts of early-stage researchers; the European Research Council (ERC) backs individual projects at leading universities; and national schemes — Germany's DFG, France's CIFRE, the Netherlands' NWO — fund doctoral researchers directly. Many Music & Performing Arts PhD programs run entirely in English, and some offer cotutelle agreements allowing joint supervision with a university in your home country.
Explore the Music & Performing Arts doctoral programs below to find research groups, supervisors, and funding packages that match your academic profile. PhD applications typically require a research proposal and a CV — reaching out to a potential supervisor before applying is strongly recommended.
Featured PhD Programs in Music & Performing Arts
A selection of programs available across Europe — explore details, fees, and requirements.
PhD program in Artistic Research
University of Agder Kristiansand, Norway
PhD English 3 years
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PhD program in Artistic Research University of Agder
This PhD program in artistic research spans three years and totals 180 ECTS credits, combining academic research training (30 ECTS) and a major artistic development project (150 ECTS). The coursework includes mandatory training through a national research school and an elective, focusing on high-level artistic practice and critical reflection. Candidates produce an original artistic result accompanied by a documented and reflective component, demonstrating both artistic innovation and scholarly insight. The degree is awarded upon successful coursework, artistic production, a reflective essay, and a public defense. The program emphasizes national and international relevance and encourages international collaboration and mobility.
To qualify for this PhD program in artistic research, applicants must have completed a master's degree in a relevant performing or creative discipline from a recognized institution. In exceptional cases, equivalent artistic competence may be accepted if it matches the scope and level of a master's degree. Admission follows national PhD regulations and requires full financial backing, either through a university fellowship or external funding from an employer or organization. This funding must cover salary, project costs, and workspace for the full duration of the program. Personal or family financial support is not accepted as a valid basis for admission
This master's program offers five specialization tracks within popular music: Performing Music, Electronic Music, World Music, Songwriting, and Music Business and Management. Four of these tracks focus on performance and creativity, combining practical training in music interpretation with courses in aesthetics, audience development, and arts entrepreneurship. The Music Business and Management track is theory-based, covering music industry topics such as business strategies, new technologies, and management projects. All students complete core studies in musicological theory and methods, and each track includes a master's thesis or management project. The program encourages collaboration, innovation, and the opportunity for an exchange semester.
To apply for this master's program, all applicants need a bachelor's degree or equivalent education of at least three years (180 credits). For performing specializations such as Performing Music, World Music, and Songwriting, applicants must have at least 80 credits in performing music or an equivalent area. The selection process includes submitting a proposed thesis project, an audition (scored 10-20, minimum 10 to pass), and an interview; both the audition and interview count equally toward admission. For the Electronic Music specialization, candidates need 80 credits in performing or electronic music, a degree in music technology, or similar, with the same audition and interview requirements. The Music Business and Management specialization accepts candidates with 80 credits in music, music education, musicology, cultural studies, or a bachelor's degree in economics, requiring a grade average of C or better. Other relevant qualifications may be considered on a case-by-case basis.
This PhD program offers advanced academic and artistic research training within two specializations: Popular Music Performance and Arts in Context. The program includes 30 ECTS of coursework and 150 ECTS for the doctoral thesis, completed over three years. Candidates may choose between a purely scholarly thesis or a combined artistic-scholarly format. The Popular Music Performance track emphasizes research in popular music through analytical and methodological studies, while the Arts in Context track integrates interdisciplinary research in music, theater, and visual arts with a focus on societal and cultural relevance. Coursework includes philosophy of science, methods, and electives tailored to each specialization.
To be admitted to this PhD program, applicants must hold a master’s degree or equivalent in a relevant field from a recognized institution, including at least 90 ECTS in the subject area of the proposed project. Alternatively, relevant professional experience may be considered equivalent. The relevance of the degree is evaluated in relation to the specific doctoral project. Admission is granted through one of the two specializations or directly into the program and must follow institutional PhD regulations. Applicants must have confirmed funding either via a university PhD position or an external employer guarantee covering salary, project costs, and workspace. Private financial support is not accepted.
