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About the University of York Fully Funded PhD Studentship
Applications are now open for a fully funded PhD opportunity at the prestigious University of York, United Kingdom. This studentship, offered by the School of Arts and Creative Technologies, is part of the European Research Council (ERC) Synergy Project titled REM@KE (Reconstructing Embodied Musical Knowledge at the Keyboard). It presents a unique opportunity for outstanding students from around the world to pursue cutting-edge research in music cognition, historical performance, and digital humanities—while working alongside leading international experts.
This fully funded four-year PhD studentship focuses on the study of music cognition with a special emphasis on qualitative research and organology. It forms part of the interdisciplinary Horizon Europe – ERC Synergy Project “REM@KE,” which aims to reconstruct embodied musical knowledge associated with keyboard instruments throughout history.
The project is a collaborative effort between three leading institutions:
- University of York (UK)
- University of Pavia (Italy)
- University of Gothenburg (Sweden)
The selected candidate will have the opportunity to work at the intersection of empirical musicology, cognitive science, instrument-building, and historical performance practices, engaging in rich cross-border research collaborations.
Eligible Fields
The PhD research will cover a wide range of interdisciplinary themes, including:
- Embodied musical knowledge in historical keyboard performance
- How musicians, educators, and listeners interact with early keyboard instruments
- Practice-based research to inform the reconstruction (both physical and digital) of historical keyboards
- Qualitative interviews and data analysis on music cognition
- The evolution of organological techniques and their cultural significance
Eligibility Criteria
Essential Requirements:
- A Master’s degree in Music, Musicology, Cognitive Science, Psychology, Digital Humanities, or a closely related field
- Demonstrable experience with qualitative research methods
- Strong foundational knowledge in empirical musicology and embodied cognition
- Excellent communication and teamwork skills
- Ability to work independently and manage a sustained research project
Desirable Skills and Interests:
- Background in historical performance practices or organology
- Familiarity with psychoacoustics, digital humanities, or computational musicology
- Interest in instrument-making and practice-led methodologies
- Willingness to participate in collaborative research and fieldwork across Europe
Benefits of the University of York Fully Funded PhD Studentship
The studentship provides comprehensive support to enable focused research and development:
- Full tuition fee waiver (for both UK and international students)
- Annual tax-free stipend of £20,780 (for 2025/26), with increases in subsequent years
- Travel funding to support research activities, conference participation, and collaborative workshops
- Access to state-of-the-art research facilities and mentoring from a world-class academic team
- The opportunity to contribute to a pioneering European research initiative with real-world impact
How to Apply
Applicants must submit their application through the University of York online portal by the deadline. You will need to upload the following documents:
- A CV (maximum 2 pages)
- A personal statement (maximum 1,500 words) outlining your research interests and suitability for the project
- Degree certificates and academic transcripts
- Two academic references (or contact details for referees)
- Proof of English language proficiency (if applicable)
- Be sure to enter “REM@KE Studentship” in the funding section of the online form
Note: The deadline for this scholarship is Thursday, 8 May 2025, 12 noon (UK time)
Shortlisted candidates will be contacted and invited for an online interview after the deadline. Successful applicants will be notified and supported through the next steps of enrolment and research initiation.
Don’t miss this opportunity to be part of a groundbreaking international research team!
Apply now to take the next step in your academic journey and explore the depths of music cognition and historical keyboard practices.
CLICK HERE TO APPLY
See also:
Tokyo University Amgen Scholars Program 2025: Apply Now!
The Letten Prize 2025 for Researchers: Apply Now!
