Frequently asked questions
Do I need to be a UK national in order to apply for the programme?
Can I study for only the MPhil stage of the programme?
Must I have a Masters level degree in my specialisation field?
What evidence of my ‘ability to pursue study at MPhil/PhD level’ is deemed appropriate?
Do I need prior research training and/or research experience?
In which research areas does the programme specialise? Are there any areas that it does not cover?
What if my proposed methodology is not covered by the available supervisors to the programme?
Can I use my own research supervisor (with whom I’m working on an informal research project now)?
Can I do the programme as a full-time candidate?
How much time will the course-work aspects of the programme take?
Can I continue working and living somewhere else (perhaps another country)?
Is any financial help available from Nordoff Robbins?
What do I do first? Arrange the research, or apply to the programme?
How difficult will it be to get onto the programme?
For which award title do I qualify?
Do I need to be a UK national in order to apply for the programme? (back to top)
The programme is open to anyone of any nationality who has completed a professionally recognised training. You should, however, consider the additional time, expense and commitment that this will entail if you live outside the UK. Certain aspects of the programme require attendance at the Nordoff Robbins Centre in London. Please note that we are currently working to achieve Tier 4 recognition. Until then we can’t sponsor non-EU students for visas. If you already have a visa of any kind, you don’t need a Tier 4 visa. Find out about the Tier 4 system.
Students from EU countries do not need a visa to study in the UK.
Can I study for only the MPhil stage of the programme? (back to top)
The title ‘MPhil/PhD’ represents a single study programme (the norm in UK research degrees format). There is a required transfer process after some time between the MPhil status (to which you initially register) and the full PhD status (see Progression through the programme). However, we have designed this programme for candidates intending to work for full PhD status. If your final thesis is not considered PhD standard you may be offered an MPhil as the final award.
Must I have a Masters level degree in my specialisation field? (back to top)
The entry criteria (see Selection and Admission) state that ‘Candidates will normally be required to hold a Masters degrees in their disciplinary field’. Should you not have a qualification at this level it will be your responsibility to provide appropriate evidence that you are capable of working at the academic level of the programme.
What evidence of my ‘ability to pursue study at MPhil/PhD level’ is deemed appropriate? (back to top)
You may, for example, be able to show evidence of designing and carrying out an informal pilot project related to the research area you now wish to pursue within the MPhil/PhD programme. Ideally this evidence would be substantiated by research or theoretical publications in a peer-reviewed journal or book. You may also be able to secure a recommendation of your suitability for the programme from a co-professional you have worked with on a research-oriented project.
Do I need prior research training and/or research experience? (back to top)
The programme is designed for candidates who have already developed a level of awareness and competence concerning basic research issues in the disciplinary fields covered by music therapy and music, health, society. However, in certain circumstances it may be possible for you to build up this necessary foundational level by other means of study prior to being accepted onto the programme. The programme would not be responsible for providing this, but could advise you on this area.
Can I use research I’ve already done (or publications I have already written) as part of the programme? (back to top)
No. The programme requires that you develop a newly-established research initiative (though of course this is very likely to build on your past clinical / practical, theoretical and research achievements). However, no formal credit will be given for previous publications or completed research projects.
In which research areas does the programme specialise? Are there any areas that it does not cover? (back to top)
The programme promotes a range of approaches to music therapy / music and health research. However, as we state in Personnel and resources, the limits of the programme are determined by the theoretical and methodological expertise of the three primary supervisors. These supervisors cover a wide range of practical, theoretical and research interests in the music therapy / health / society field. If your areas of interest overlap with theirs, then this is probably a suitable choice for you.
What if the clinical area I’m involved in (interested in) is not covered by the available supervisors to the programme? (back to top)
It is likely that in research terms one of the available supervisors will be able to help you despite not necessarily having worked extensively in your specific area. In circumstances where this is not possible we will tell you.
What if my proposed methodology is not covered by the available supervisors to the programme? (back to top)
Our response is the same. If we cannot provide the necessary level of expertise you require then we will tell you and advise where possible on alternative programmes that may be more suitable for your needs.
Can I use my own research supervisor (with whom I’m working on an informal research project now)? (back to top)
No. Only the three supervisors listed in Personnel and resources are approved by City University London to supervise students registered on the programme. However, it may be possible to use additional research advisors for specialist areas of your research. This aspect would be open to discussion with your primary supervisor.
Can I do the programme as a full-time candidate? (back to top)
Although in principle the programme can be taken as both a full-time and part-time candidate we encourage you to take the part-time track in order to combine research with your ongoing clinical work as a practitioner or trainer.
How much time commitment will the programme entail as a part-time candidate, both at home in private study, and on the required attendance aspects at the Nordoff Robbins Centre, London? (back to top)
City University expects full-time candidates to devote five days a week for 48 weeks a year to research degrees programmes. For part-time status you normally need to spend a minimum of two days per week on your research (in addition to any clinical work you do as part of the research study). Additionally, you are normally required to attend the taught components at the Nordoff Robbins Centre (two sessions per year, ranging from 2 to 5 days) and to have at least one supervision per term.
How much time will the course-work aspects of the programme take? (back to top)
The necessary work on research methodology, methods and techniques should fit into the designated two days per week commitment to the programme.
Can I continue working and living somewhere else (perhaps another country)? (back to top)
We encourage you to continue your clinical / practical work – in a way that your research remains informed by practice, but which does not leave you with too little time or energy to pursue the research programme! If you are living in another country you must demonstrate that your plan to study on the programme is realistic and that you can be available to attend required seminars and supervisions in the UK along with other students.
See also Do I need to be a UK national in order to apply for the programme? (above).
Is any financial help available from Nordoff Robbins? (back to top)
We have kept the fees for the programme very modest. There are no additional bursaries or scholarships available. There will, however, be the possibility for applying for financial assistance for the additional expenses incurred as part of the programme requirements.
English is not my first language – what problems will I have pursuing this programme? Is any language help provided by the programme? (back to top)
As part of your application you will need to demonstrate your ability to pursue the programme in English – both written and spoken. In addition to the spoken interview, we may ask for appropriate evidence of this. In addition to showing us some of your publications in English you will need to demonstrate a minimum IELTS score of 7.5. Whilst the training gives as much help as is possible to enable you to get the most from the programme, it is not able to address problems of speaking / understanding / writing in English.
How much of City University’s student resources will be available to me on this validated programme? (back to top)
Nordoff Robbins is a validated institution of City University London but not a faculty of that university. Consequently, only the resources that we have negotiated for use as part of the validation of the Nordoff Robbins Research Degrees Programme will be available for use by students. Ask the Programme Director for more information about this if necessary.
What do I do first? Arrange the research, or apply to the programme? (back to top)
We strongly advise that you first come and talk about your plans informally to the Programme Director. It would be unwise to begin planning your research in any practical way before this (e.g., putting a proposal through a Local Research Ethics Committee). The Programme Director and the Research Degrees Programme Committee will advise you on the best course of action.
How difficult will it be to get onto the programme? (back to top)
City University requires that we take no more than six candidates onto this programme at any one time. This means that applications are competitive. We are committed to ensuring that the selection process will be as fair and transparent as possible. In addition, should your proposal be turned down, we are happy to provide feedback, should you ask for this.
For which award title do I qualify? (back to top)
The degree title is determined by two factors: one is the subject research area of your PhD work and the second is your professional qualification (see table below). Thus, a registered music therapist has two exit title possibilities, depending on the research subject area. This means that a music therapist undertaking research in the subject area of music, health, society leads to the degree title of PhD in Music, Health Society; whereas research in the music therapy subject leads to a PhD in Music Therapy. The same does not hold for a student with a non music therapy entry qualification. Here, whatever the subject area, only one exit title route is available, which is the PhD in Music, Health, Society.
