Fully Funded PhD in Reimagining Music Venues: Spatial, Digital & Experiential Innovation in Live Music University of Liverpool in United Kingdom

Fully funded PhD opportunity in Reimagining Music Venues: Spatial, Digital & Experiential Innovation in Live Music at the University of Liverpool, based in the School of Architecture and linked with CAVA | Centre for Architecture and the Visual Arts and the Institute of Popular Music.

This interdisciplinary studentship sits at the intersection of architecture, music, creative technologies, and digital culture. The project explores how AI, real-time systems, responsive digital environments, spatial audio, immersive media, and hybrid physical-digital experiences can reshape live music venues and performance spaces. It is especially relevant for applicants interested in venue design, experiential innovation, audience interaction, accessibility, sustainability, and the future of live music ecosystems.

The call highlights two main thematic pathways: (1) spatial, digital & experiential innovation in live music, including adaptive and inclusive venue models, immersive environments, and architectural interventions; and (2) technology and product development for future live music venues, including hardware, software, digital twins, venue analytics, AI-driven systems, and deployable real-world solutions. The studentship welcomes proposals that connect music with adjacent creative industries such as film, gaming, and XR.

Funding: full financial support is provided. The post also notes an expected commitment of research assistance work across MusicFutures workstreams and engagement with the delivery team at the LEX offices. No stipend amount is stated in the post.

Eligibility: applicants should normally hold an MA or equivalent, preferably with distinction, in a creative industry field such as Architecture, Music, Communication Studies, or a cognate field including Computer Science. The project is suitable for candidates with creative practice and digital production skills, experiential/live innovation interests, software/hardware development experience, or a focus on accessibility and sustainability in venue design.

Deadline: 10 July 2026.

How to apply: submit an online application to the PhD programme in Architecture at the University of Liverpool. In the funding section, indicate that you are applying for the “Reimagining Music Venues: Spatial, Digital & Experiential Innovation in Live Music” studentship. The call also instructs applicants to contact the supervisors as part of the application process.