The PIMS Doctorate degree is obtained after the presentation of original research on a topic related to Sacred Music.
Currently, the Doctorate foresees the choice of one of three formative channels:
Gregorian Chant
Musicology
Applied Musicology
In particular, the Doctorate in Gregorian Chant envisages research in the tradition of Latin Catholic liturgical chant, from its origins to the present day. The doctorate in Gregorian Chant dates back to the establishment of the Pontifical Institute of Sacred Music by Pope St Pius X in 1911. It remains the only doctoral programme of its kind in the world.
The Doctorate in Musicology envisages research into Catholic liturgical and religious music from its origins to the present day, whether of Latin of Eastern tradition or related to more recently established local churches.
The Doctorate in Applied Musicology foresees the pursuit of original research into issues of performance practice and the interpretation of notation and scores. The research pursued by students is linked to the courses in musical performance offered at the Pontifical Institute for Sacred Music.