University of Aberdeen - Derek Ogston Postgraduate Music Scholarship

What the Derek Ogston Music Scholarship gives you

For the three-year full-time PhD programme in Music at the University of Aberdeen in Scotland, you will receive about 2,300 EUR per year (£2,000). The amount is paid out annually in two instalments: one at the start of the academic year and one at the start of the second semester. Each year, the university will assess whether your research is progressing satisfactorily before the next instalment is paid out. The scholarship is awarded by the University’s Department of Music, and only one scholarship is awarded each year.

Who can apply

• Degree level: You are starting a full-time PhD programme (research doctorate) at the Institute of Music in Aberdeen.
• Field of study: Every aspect of music, whether you’re composing or studying music history and theory (musicology).
• Grades: You hold an outstanding bachelor’s degree: a degree awarded with a ‘First Class’ or ‘Upper Second Class’ classification, or an equivalent qualification.
• Nationality: Any country. There are no restrictions on place of residence.
• Selection basis: You were chosen because of your work and your musical talent.

How to apply

Please email your application to the Department of Music. Please include your Aberdeen application number, at least one example of your recent work (a composition or an essay) and a short cover letter outlining your proposed research project.

How realistic are your chances?

Only one scholarship is awarded, and applications are open exclusively to those commencing a PhD programme in music within this particular department. This keeps the group small, but competition is nevertheless fierce due to there being only one place available. If you can demonstrate excellent academic results and a clear, compelling research proposal, backed up by a strong sample of your work, you stand a real chance. A well-thought-out research proposal is what will set you apart from the rest.