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Student experiences
Our current students reflect the positive experiences that committed and energetic study creates. They also show how varied and creative Edinburgh can be as your destination for postgraduate research.
Lauren Sarah Hayes
I first moved to Edinburgh in 1998 to study Mathematics and Philosophy at the University. I'd studied classical piano since I was four, so by the time I moved into student flats in my second year, I bought a semi-decent upright to keep up my playing. Even though I always thought I would move back to Glasgow, I fell in love with the city and ended up staying here for nine years before joining Music in 2007.
Between my undergraduate degree and the masters I'd found various music-related jobs and had gained a lot of experience in Edinburgh's wide and vibrant music scene. I took the MSc in Digital Composition and Performance part-time over two years, while also continuing to work part-time. I found this really beneficial as I got to fully absorb all the information and new ideas coming my way, as well as partake in the many workshops, concerts and other exciting opportunities that were connected with the University and the city.
Five years later, I'm half-way through my PhD in Creative Music Practice. I had such a positive experience of the department with my masters that I knew I wanted to stay here for the PhD. The staff are supportive and have interests covering a wide range of related subjects; the department is small enough to encourage collaborations and initiatives among those working in different areas (as well as interdisciplinary works) yet large enough to be able to offer the facilities and energy to help realize a diverse range of projects and musical works.
Joe Stroud
I came to the University of Edinburgh as an Undergraduate, for the Music BA (Hons) course. After that, I took on the taught Masters in Musicology, graduating with distinction, and I'm currently in the first year of my PhD study. I've been at Edinburgh throughout my student life; I know that some people prefer to try out different departments and institutions, but for me Edinburgh has always offered the best option at each stage of my academic development.
Having studied at Edinburgh in both taught and research programmes, I'm well aware of the vast spread of academic activity the department offers. Postgraduates can study a huge range of topics, thanks to the great diversity, knowledge and interests of the staff. There are also many opportunities to pursue your interests through seminars, societies and performing ensembles.
The sheer diversity of concert life in Edinburgh - I've never heard of a musical taste that isn't catered for - helps to show what a diverse city this is. Edinburgh has a long and fascinating history, as you can easily see by just strolling around its streets. That history, and Edinburgh's dramatic geographical setting, has helped to make it a vibrant, modern and pluralist place. I wholeheartedly recommend Edinburgh as a place to live and to study.
This article was published on Aug 1, 2011