School of Art, Design and Architecture

PhD Quantum Computing in the Arts, Music and Humanities

Studying this PhD will immerse you in a world of pioneering research under the umbrella of the Interdisciplinary Centre for Computer Music Research. Our research activity ranges from developing new music technologies for musical creativity to enhancing health and well-being through music, arts, and culture. The ICCMR team is pioneering quantum computing in the arts, music, and humanities, and is well-networked with key players in the quantum computing industry and associated technologies.

Course details

  • Overview

  • View further details about the University’s Research degree awards.

    Core modules

    • Research Quantum Computing in the Arts, Music and Humanities (GSRQCAMH1)

    • Research Skills in the Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences (DRTS800)

      This module provides research students the opportunity to explore the creation and interpretation of new knowledge within their field; develop the students’ ability to conceptualise, design and present their theses to merit publication; advance the students’ academic enquiry skills and techniques; and to generate and share the new knowledge within their academic discipline and professional practice.

  • Year 2

  • Core modules

    • Research Quantum Computing in the Arts, Music and Humanities (GSRQCAMH2)

  • Year 3

  • Core modules

    • Research Quantum Computing in the Arts, Music and Humanities (GSRQCAMH3)

  • Year 4

  • Core modules

    • Research Quantum Computing in the Arts, Music and Humanities (GSRQCAMH4)

  • Year 5

  • Core modules

    • Research Quantum Computing in the Arts, Music and Humanities (GSRQCAMH5)

  • Final year

  • Core modules

    • Research Quantum Computing in the Arts, Music and Humanities (GSRQCAMH6)

The modules shown for this course or programme are those being studied by current students, or expected new modules. Modules are subject to change depending on year of entry.

Entry requirements
Although candidates are expected to be conversant with music theory and/or practice and demonstrable experience on the topic of the envisaged research project, they are not required to have a music degree to join this programme. Applicants are expected to have completed a masters level qualification to a high standard as well as either a good 2:1 or first class honours undergraduate degree.
If English is not your first language, you must have proficiency in written and spoken English (normally a minimum test score of 6.5 for IELTS, or equivalent). Given the nature of the programme, you’ll be expected to read and engage with complex theoretical texts and debates for which fluency in English is essential.
For more general guidelines and application requirements, please visit the research degrees applicants page.

Fees, costs and funding
Please visit our page on fees and funding for information. PhD Performing Arts is in Band 2 for fees purposes.
If you are a full time student, you will pay full time fees for three years. If you have not submitted your thesis by the end of this period, then you may pay for an optional one year writing up period.
If you are a part time student, you will pay part time fees for four years. If you have not submitted your thesis by the end of this period, then you may pay for an optional 'writing up' period of up to two years.
You are responsible for meeting all of the costs related to your own research project, beyond the resources available in the department.
Please visit our money matters page to find out more about issues related to fees, funding, loans and paying for your programme of study.

How to apply
In addition to completing the online application form (which includes space for a personal statement), you must also upload a research project proposal of no more than 1000 words in total. Your research proposal should outline your general topic, your key aims and the research question/problem you are addressing, your proposed methodology, key definitions/thinkers/discourses/practitioners you are drawing upon and an explanation of why this topic is significant or important.
Your personal statement should briefly explain why you have chosen to apply to our programme and what you feel you can offer our research community. 
It is recommended that you contact a member of staff (see people below) to briefly discuss your research idea before you submit an application.
Submitting your application
Complete your application and upload supporting documents to the Doctoral College by completing our online application form.
Questions on the application process?
We're here to help. Please contact the Doctoral College and we'll be happy to assist you.
More information and advice for applicants can be referenced in our admissions policy which can be found on the student regulations, policies and procedures page. Prospective students are advised to read the policy before making an application to the University.
If you have a disability and would like further information on the support available, please visit Disability Services.
Support is also available to overseas students applying to the University from our International Office. 
Find more information about Apply for a postgraduate research programme.

Researchers to investigate Quantum Computing for the music industry

“The UK government has made clear its ambitions for a competitive quantum industry in our future economy. In order to realise this, however, it must enlarge the range of applications for the technology, forge new markets and develop a quantum-ready workforce. The music industry, which contributes more than £5bn to the UK economy, is heavily dependent upon computers and so the potential impact of next-generation quantum technology is likely to be profound.”
ICCMR
Our research

The Interdisciplinary Centre for Computer Music Research (ICCMR) develops research combining music, science and technology. Our research expertise ranges from musicology and composition, to biomedical applications of music and development of new technologies for musical creativity.

Quantum Computing for Music and Creativity

“Today, computers are absolutely essential for the development of music technology. Quantum Computing emerging as a technology game changer, which is built on the principles of subatomic physics. Forthcoming developments in Quantum Computing will definitely impact on the future of the music industry.” 
Professor Eduardo Miranda

A portrait of Beethoven by Joseph Karl Stieler Can quantum computers become composers?
 ICCMR teamed up with researchers at Quantinuum to develop a unique approach to program quantum computers to compose original music.

Eduardo Miranda Creating a unique experience for artists and listeners
 How Professor of Computer Music Eduardo Miranda is unlocking the potential of quantum computer music.

Eduardo Miranda ICCR STARTS prize Grand prize of the European Commission for Innovation in Technology, Industry and Society stimulated by the Arts, ICCMR award
 The composition Biocomputer Rhythms, by Eduardo Miranda, won an Honorary Mention at STARTS, an initiative of the European Commission to foster arts and sciences connections.

Dependent Origination: ICCMR post-graduate students perform at IKLECTIK, London. They make music with the sonification of quantum algorithms in a live-coding setting.
Sounding Qubits: On the 8th of December 2022, the Goethe-Institut, London, hosted a performance and book launch by Eduardo Miranda, editor of Quantum Computer Music: Foundations, Methods and Advanced Concepts.
 

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