Research topics for MPhil/DPhil by thesis may be proposed in any area closely related to the research interests of current members of staff (see staff profiles). Students work independently with regular supervision from their research supervisor, and attend research seminars (normally four each term). Thesis titles from recent years include:

Music and Language in the Works of Samuel Beckett

Beyond Simplicity: Approaches to the Analysis of Contemporary Music

Melodic Oganisation and Improvisation in Thai Music with Special Reference to the Thaang Ranaat Eek

A Ghanaian Perspective on the Changing Role of Traditional African Music in a Contemporary Society

Passion and Persuasion: The Art of Rhetoric and the Performance of Early 17th Century Solo Sonatas

The Community Education Work of Orchestras and Opera Companies: Principles, Practice and Problems

Gesture and Affekt in the Performance of Baroque Vocal Music

3 Masses by Frangiskos Leondaritis c1516 - c1572

Interpreting Music: contemporary performance practice on the violin