The PhD degree programme enables students to study a chosen area of research with leading researchers in the Department. The degree is awarded in Music Technology following the successful submission of a thesis and subsequent oral examination. PhD students are required to submit a preliminary report on their research at the end of their first year and undergo an oral examination to confirm their aptitude to continue their PhD study. In addition, PhD students are required to give a 3 minute presentation in their first year, submit a poster in their second year and present a seminar on their research work to the Department during their third year. The overall intention is to give research students the opportunity to develop both oral and written communications skills which are essential in a modern engineering environment. The progress of all research students is continually guided by a supervisor and a thesis advisory panel. Students often have the opportunity to present their work at UK and overseas conferences and their work is frequently published in international journals. The department provides a conference travel fund to enable each PhD student to attend an international conference to present their work, during their period of registration with us.