The University of British Columbia - Vancouver - Faculty of Graduate Studies

Ethnomusicology (PhD) - Doctor of Philosophy in Music, Emphasis Ethnomusicology

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Program Information

School:The University of British Columbia - Vancouver - Faculty of Graduate Studies
Faculty:Faculty of Arts
Degree:Doctorate
Field of Study:Music, Other
Musicology and Ethnomusicology
Description:

The program can accommodate interests in ethnomusicology’s wide range of geographic areas and intellectual issues. We strongly encourage performance, close interaction with related disciplines (anthropology, area studies, sociology, linguistics, etc.), as well as border crossing within music (composition, theory, and historical musicology).



We balance diverse aspects of ethnomusicology by stressing performance, music transcription, theory and analysis, and social and intellectual history equally. We collaborate regularly with music theory, historical musicology, and composition divisions in the School of Music, and are linked to Area Studies and other departments across the university. Our goal for every student is to communicate our dedication to and love for the musics of the world, and to encourage original, critical, and constructive writing on music that will enable graduates to contribute actively to scholarship, education, and the cultures of world musics around us. The ethnomusicology students and faculty comprise a small community, but our time together is intense and vibrant, and excellent work is being done.
URL:Ethnomusicology (PhD) - Doctor of Philosophy in Music, Emphasis Ethnomusicology at The University of British Columbia - Vancouver - Faculty of Graduate Studies
Thesis Based:Yes
Cost per year:*
National: $5,302
International: $9,314
Careers:Musicians and Singers

Admission Requirements

Grade for Entrance Previous Year (%)*76
Prerequisites:*These courses are intended as guidelines. Speak to your guidance counsellor to see what courses are offered at your school.

    Applicants must have completed a master's degree (or equivalent) from an approved institution with clear evidence of research ability or potential, or a bachelor's degree with one year of study in a master's program with 9 credits at the 500-level or above and of first class standing, or in exceptional cases, applicants who hold a bachelor's degree with an overall average in the A grade range and who demonstrate advanced research ability may be granted direct admission to a doctoral degree program on recommendation of the admitting graduate program and approval of the Dean of the Faculty of Graduate Studies.


    Test Scores:
    • Test of English as a Foreign Language (Internet Based) [min. 93] or International English Language Testing System (academic or immigration) [min. 6.5]
    Application Notes :

    Take the General Graduate Record Examination (GRE) and request that your scoring report be forwarded to the School of Music using University of British Columbia's institution code 0965 along with department code 2302 (for Music History, Musicology, and Theory). Note: UBC graduates within 3 years prior to application are exempt from this requirement. Note: Some applicants, especially those whose first language is not English, may request an exemption from this requirement. Please submit a request and explanation in writing, leaving sufficient time to take the GRE if your petition is denied. Submit one or more writing samples that demonstrate substantial prior training in ethnomusicology. Submit a statement of your research interest, such as proposed culture area to be examined and particular approach (e.g., social, historical, analytic, etc.) A transcription exercise will be required of all applicants to the program. This exercise will become available on the ethnomusicology page the first or second weekend after the deadline for the application. Applicants will be contacted by the department with further instructions. Most students will use standard Western notation, but modified Western notation or other systems are acceptable. Contact: Dr. Michael Tenzer (Tel: 604-822-3405)



    All applicants must complete an online application form and pay the application fee to be considered for admission to UBC.

    All applicants have to submit transcripts from all past post-secondary study.

    Applicants from a university outside Canada in which English is not the primary language of instruction must provide results of an English language proficiency examination as part of their application.
    Additional Admission Requirements:
    • Letter(s) of Reference
    • Statement of Research Interests

    Admission to the PhD program is by application and requires an evaluation of the applicant’s previous work and capacity to pursue and complete original research.



    A minimum of three references are required for application to graduate programs at UBC. References should be requested from individuals who are prepared to provide a report on your academic ability and qualifications.

    * The entrance grade may change from year to year. Please contact the school for further information.

    * We make every attempt to provide accurate information on prerequisites, programs, and tuition. However, this information is subject to change without notice and we highly recommend that you contact the school to confirm important information before applying.

    Modified on September 09, 2022