With Divine Schism: The Art of Community in DIY Music
MA by Research: The art of community in the DIY music scene through the lens of Divine Schism
The School of Arts at Oxford Brookes University is inviting applications for theory-based or practice-based projects to complete an MA by Research in association with Oxford-based music label, Divine Schism.
Divine Schism is one of the leading grassroots live music promoters in the UK. Since starting out in 2012, they’ve grown year upon year running over 80 shows across the city annually, releasing records through their label and book tours for acts around the UK. Over 13 years they have built an inclusive and welcoming community of artists, musicians and gig-goers from around the world – you can expect anything from experimental, left-field electronica through to classic 3-piece pop-punk and everything in between, with all the shows promoted through their much loved and renowned hand-painted posters which has in-turn become their unique aesthetic.
We are seeking MA by Research projects that will help to uncover and document the rich tapestry of the DIY UK music scene, including the work of Divine Schism. The precise topic for the MA by Research will be agreed between the successful applicant and their supervisory team, however possible suggestions for projects include:
● An analysis of DIY live music in and around Oxford, for instance in the light of accessibility and participation.
● The development of the DIY live music scene, and its impact, across local, regional, national or international lenses.
● The collection and curation of archival materials and live events from interviews to photographs and film of Divine Schism events over the past 13 years.
● Collecting and analysing oral histories of Divine Schism audience and/or staff members.
● Creative responses to Divine Schism’s history (e.g. live events, short films, audio compositions, gallery work).
● Archival research and collection of the social history of Oxford’s underground music scene through the grassroot music venues Divine Schism have used from past to present. Investigating potential new sources of data (e.g. amateur photography and film, local newspapers).
The School of Arts is able to support a diverse range of practice-based projects, which could include event- or music-based projects, film, photography, performance, or other disciplines across the arts. In these instances, applicants may propose a final outcome for the project, which could be developed and agreed through discussions with the supervisory team.
This project will likely be co-supervised by Kate Mahony and Aiden Canaday.
This opportunity may especially suit candidates with an interest in:
- starting gigs/starting a label/networking
- curating/documenting/writing about happenings and/or events
- exploring digital archiving strategies and methodologies
- the social history of Oxford’s underground music scene
- collecting and analysing oral histories of Divine Schism audience and/or staff members.
Start Date: September 2025
Duration: 12 months
Applicants should hold an undergraduate degree (first or upper second class) in a subject broadly relevant to their proposed project. We are also able to consider applicants with professional experience in place of formal academic qualifications. Please see the Oxford Brookes website for full details of eligibility. This opportunity is open to Home and International applicants.
In addition, applicants should be able to demonstrate experience in the discipline relevant to their proposed project. For project proposals relating to organising live events, previous experience in happening, events and music may be an advantage but full training and supervision in these areas will also be available.
To apply for this MA by Research project, please apply directly through the Oxford Brookes website, selecting the option ‘Arts – MA (Research)’. In the box for ‘Area or Topic of Research’, please indicate that you are applying for the ‘MAO collaboration’.
You will be invited to provide:
- A Summary of your Research Proposal (1500 characters) outlining how you would approach the project. This should give an idea of your intended approach and research interests. You will be supported to develop this fully during the early period of Registration.
- An expanded research plan (? characters)
- A Personal Statement (6000 characters) detailing your qualifications and/or relevant experience for the project.
- A short Curriculum Vitae (max. 2 pages)
- Either a sample of writing, or a portfolio of practice – as most relevant to your proposed project. (We would anticipate a writing sample for a theory-based project, and a portfolio of work for a practice-based project).
- References
For an informal discussion about this research project, please contact Dr Alex Bickley Trott: atrott@brookes.ac.uk
The initial deadline for applications is 25th May 2025. Late applications can be accepted at the discretion of the programme team, so please contact us to discuss any late applications you wish to have considered.