Individuals who enjoy learning about music and understanding its influence on culture and history may be interested in studying musicology. Musicologists learn about music analysis, music theory, music cognition, and music aesthetics as they gain a deeper understanding of the importance of music.

Requirements for the PhD program often involve the student having already obtained a Master’s degree. Additionally, a thesis or dissertation primarily consisting of original academic research must be submitted. In some countries, this work may even need to be defended in front of a panel.