PhD in Music Education

image of lecture

Admission Requirements

  • A Master's degree in Music Education (or equivalent)
  • Minimum 70% average in the Master's degree

Application Materials

  • Two essays (3,000-4,000 words) that demonstrate the ability to articulate and carry out research in music education
  • A statement of interest video (10 minutes)
  • A recent music teaching video (15-20 minutes) including a reflective running commentary (voice-over or subtitles)
  • A current resume or CV
  • Three confidential letters of reference
  • Transcripts from all institutions attended, uploaded in PDF
  • Proof of English language proficiency (if applicable)
  • Selected candidates will be invited for an interview

Application Deadline: December 1

The PhD in Music Education program challenges students to think critically and creatively, applying theoretical ideas to their experiences as musicians and educators. Pedagogical issues are explored through diverse lenses that consider the past, present, and future of music education. Our students actively present their research at conferences and workshops around the world.   

Xiao Dong

I think faculty members and also all my colleagues are very supportive, especially as an international student. My first year here [I] was overwhelmed not only because of the language barriers but also about a lot of academic things I was not so familiar with. And all of the faculty members and colleagues, they helped me a lot. And I felt like I'm in the family and everyone supports each other."
Xiao Dong, PhD Candidate

Video interview: Xiao Dong and our PhD in Music Education program. 


Program Requirements

Coursework

  • 4 required courses (2.0 credits): 
    9640 Theories of Music Education
    9641 Philosophical & Historical Inquiry
    9651 Qualitative Research
    9652 Quantitative Research
  • 3 electives (1.5 credits) 

(check timetable for details)

Milestones

  • Academic Integrity Module
  • Research Ethics Tutorial TCPS-2 CORE
  • Qualifying Examination
  • Doctoral Seminar in Music Education
  • Dissertation Proposal Defense
  • Dissertation and Oral Defense

Each PhD student in music education will have a Faculty Advisor at the outset of the program who will confirm the student's course selection and serve as a resource for the student. The dissertation proposal and dissertation itself will be written under the supervision of a dissertation supervisor and second reader. 

Timeline for Progression

Year 1 Year 2 Year 3 Year 4
Term
1
Term
2
Term
3
Term
4
Term
5
Term
6
Term
7
Term
8
Term
9
Term
10
Term
11
Term
12

9640a

9651a/
9652a

Seminar in Music Education

Elective*

Elective*

Seminar in Music Education

Preparation
for Qualifying
Exams

9641a

9651a/
9652a

Seminar in Music Education

Elective*

Seminar in Music Education

Qualifying
Examination

Dissertation Proposal Defence

Seminar in Music Education

Dissertation Research and Writing

Problems viewing on mobile? Click to view table

*Students are encouraged to take at least one of their electives outside of the Faculty of Music.

Notes:

  • Students are encouraged to develop their topics for each of the 2 Qualifying Examination papers (Literature/Theoretical Framework and Methodology) throughout Terms 3, 4 and 5. Consultation with faculty is highly encouraged.
  • By May 1 (start of Term 6), each student should have a confirmed dissertation supervisory committee (normally a dissertation supervisor and a second reader). The dissertation supervisory committee will determine a deadline for submission of the Qualifying Examination papers. The dissertation proposal should follow from the Qualifying Examination.
  • The Dissertation Proposal Defense should be completed as early as possible in Term 7, following successful completion of the Qualifying Examination.
  • This chart does not include the application for ethics approval (where applicable). The student and supervisor must plan accordingly. 

Directory of Current PhD Students

Recently Completed Dissertations 


Contact Info

Associate Dean (Graduate Studies) 
Kevin Mooney
TC 215
kmooney@uwo.ca

Graduate Program Assistant
Audrey Yardley-Jones
TC 216
519-661-2111 x85354
ayardley@uwo.ca