Mathematics with Music BSc (Hons) – 2020 entry
Why choose this course
Surrey is one of the UK’s leading universities for mathematics and music, with our courses in music ranked 2nd by the Guardian University Guide 2020.
Our innovative BSc Mathematics with Music course – consisting of one-quarter music and three-quarters mathematics – enables you to study both subjects at degree level.
Taught by academics who are renowned in these subject areas, the course allows you to take core modules offered on our other mathematics courses while also pursuing your passion for composing or performing.
What you will study
At Surrey, we aim to make our courses as flexible as possible, meeting the needs of the individuals who apply. This course is one-quarter music and three-quarters mathematics.
It will give you a thorough grounding in the main theories and techniques of modern pure and applied mathematics, equipping you for a variety of rewarding careers.
You’ll also be able to mix and match performance and composition modules in Years 1 and 2. Composers will explore a wide range of contemporary repertoire and learn to interact confidently with performers of their music, while performers will be able to take advantage of opportunities within the University’s arts and music scene.
Key information
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BSc (Hons) UCAS: G1W3 3 years View KIS data set |
BSc (Hons) UCAS: G1WH 4 years with professional training View KIS data set |
Professional Training placements
A Professional Training placement provides you with the opportunity to develop your professional, academic and personal potential, equipping you to be adaptable, resilient, globally minded, confident, entrepreneurial and digitally savvy in the workplace. These qualities are widely recognised by employers and many of our students are offered employment on graduation by their placement provider.
The Professional Training placement year gives our students an insight into their subject and career potential, and early access to professional experience. It can be invaluable in developing work-based skills and helping them secure a graduate career.
Find out more about Professional Training placements and discover how these have transformed our students’ lives and career choices.
Mathematics with Music placements
Mathematicians are in demand in many areas of business and industry, and this breadth is reflected in the Professional Training placements that students can take up as part of their course.
You might choose to gain experience in financial services, including banking and insurance; computer programming; or logistics. You might even get involved with an internet start-up.
On placement, you’ll be periodically visited by a member of academic staff who will track your progress and help ensure that you have a successful experience.
Transfer between courses which do or do not include a Professional Training placement is possible during the first year, so a decision can always be changed after you apply.
Professional Training placements are an option for you, whichever course you choose to take. They provide you with an opportunity to enhance your academic studies, with practical experience to boost your knowledge and skills.
We have excellent links with an extensive portfolio of companies and organisations, including:
- BAE Systems
- Deloitte
- Intel
- AXA Actuarial
- Lloyds TSB
- GlaxoSmithKline
- Office for National Statistics
- NHS
- Department of Transport
- HM Revenue and Customs
- English National Opera
- London Sinfonietta
- London Symphony Orchestra
- Signum Records
- Faber Music Publishers.
Applying for placements
Professional Training placements are usually applied for and secured via our online placement opportunities platform called Surrey Pathfinder, within which students can select and apply for placement vacancies. Placement providers use their own recruitment and selection procedures and the majority of students will secure their placement in this way. However, support is also provided to students wishing to source their own placement, subject to university requirements being met.
Students are generally not placed by the University, however they are given thorough support and guidance alongside access to the vacancy portal representing thousands of placement opportunities each year. Please be aware there may be travel costs incurred when attending interviews and assessment centres at the placement provider’s premises.
Professional recognition
BSc (Hons) - Institute of Mathematics and its Applications (IMA)
This programme will meet the educational requirements of the Chartered Mathematician designation, awarded by the Institute of Mathematics and its Applications, when it is followed by subsequent training and experience in employment to obtain equivalent competences to those specified by the Quality Assurance Agency (QAA) for taught masters degrees.
Careers and graduate prospects
We offer careers information, advice and guidance to all students whilst studying with us, which is extended to our alumni for three years after leaving the University.
A degree in mathematics with music opens doors to a wide range of careers. Not only is mathematics central to science, technology and finance-related fields, but the logical insight, analytical skills and intellectual discipline gained from a mathematical education are also highly sought after in areas such as law, business and management. Additionally, there’s a strong demand for new mathematics teachers to meet the ongoing shortage in schools.
The breadth of experience gained on this highly stimulating course gives students the opportunity to gain numerous transferable skills which are also needed to excel in a wide variety of roles in the music industry.
Many of our graduates start their careers with some of the most sought after employers in the UK and further afield.
Recent graduates have entered employment in roles such as:
- Operational Research Graduate, British Airways
- Secondary Mathematics Teacher, Oxford University PGCE
- Manager Research Analyst, Barnett Waddingham LLP
- Music Supervisor, PH Media
- Cyber Security Expert, IBM
- Graduate Trainee Tech Risk, KPMG
- Assistant Studio Runner, The Crypt Studio
- Studio Manager, Spitfire Audio
- Graduate Banking Scheme, Lloyds Banking Group
- Digital Operations Executive, RMP Enterprise
- Concerts and Projects Manager, London Sinfonietta.
- Assistant Producer, Perfect Pitch.
As well as being designed to meet the needs of employers, our courses give you a solid foundation from which to pursue further study in mathematics or research in science or fields related to music.
Around a quarter of our recent graduates have gone into postgraduate education, either to obtain a teaching qualification or to study for a higher degree, such as an MSc or PhD.
Study and work abroad
We give our students the opportunity to acquire international experience during their degrees by taking advantage of our exchange agreements with overseas universities or by completing a Professional Training placement abroad.
In addition to the hugely enjoyable and satisfying experience, time spent abroad adds a distinctive element to your CV.
View our study and work abroad exchange information to find out more and see where you can go.
Please note: the status of the Erasmus+ scheme is dependent on the outcome of the Brexit negotiations.
In your second year, you may have the option of spending one or two semesters abroad at one of our partner universities, including:
- Brock University, Canada
- California State University, US
- George Mason University, US
- Nanyang Technological University, Singapore
- North Carolina State University, US
- Texas Tech University, US
- University of Central Florida, US
- University of Cincinnati, US
- University of North Texas, US
- University of Queensland, Australia
- University of Sydney, Australia
- University of Virginia, US.
International experiences expose you to a new cultural environment that develops your adaptation and communication skills, as well as your ability to deal with unfamiliar situations. This really strengthens your academic and professional profile.
Terms and conditions
When you accept an offer of a place at the University of Surrey, you are agreeing to comply with our policies and regulations, and our terms and conditions. These terms and conditions are provided in two stages: first when we make an offer and second when students who have accepted their offers register to study at the University. View our offer terms and conditions and our generic registration terms and conditions (PDF) as a guide as to what to expect.
Please note: our offer terms and conditions will be available in the September of the calendar year prior to the year in which you begin your studies. Our registration terms and conditions will vary to take into account specifics of your course.
Disclaimer
This online prospectus has been prepared and published in advance of the academic year to which it applies. The University of Surrey has used its reasonable efforts to ensure that the information is accurate at the time of publishing, but changes (for example to course content or additional costs) may occur given the interval between publishing and commencement of the course. It is therefore very important to check this website for any updates before you apply for a course with us. Read more.
Academic year structure
The academic year is divided into two semesters of 15 weeks each. Each semester consists of a period of teaching, revision/directed learning and assessment.
The University operates a credit framework for all taught programmes based on a 15-credit tariff. Modules can be either 15, 30, 45 or 60 credits.
Modules
Modules listed are indicative, reflecting the information available at the time of publication. Please note that modules may be subject to teaching availability, student demand and/or class size caps.
Please note: If there is an optional Professional Training placement as part of your course you can view the full module listing for this on the relevant programme specification.
The structure of our programmes follows clear educational aims that are tailored to each programme. These are all outlined in the programme specifications which include further details such as the learning outcomes:
Year 1
Optional modules for Year 1 - FHEQ Level 4
Choose ONE from four Optional modules. MUS1036 is strongly recommended in order to maximise choice in later years.
Year 2
Optional modules for Year 2 - FHEQ Level 5
Students must choose one of the modules from the set {MUS2049,MUS2035} and one of the modules from the set {MUS2050, MUS2036}. Not more than 4 modules may be taken in any one Semester.
Year 3
Optional modules for Year 3 - FHEQ Level 6
Students must choose at least two of MUS3065, MUS3066, MUS3049, MUS3050, and at least 60 credits of the remaining MAT modules.
In total, students should study modules worth 120 credits at Level 6.
Timetables
Timetables are normally available one month before the start of the semester. Please note that while we make every effort to ensure that timetables are as student-friendly as possible, scheduled teaching can take place on any day of the week (Monday–Friday). Wednesday afternoons are normally reserved for sports and cultural activities. Part-time classes are normally scheduled on one or two days per week, details of which can be obtained from the course administrators. View our Timetabling Policy (PDF).
Teaching
Teaching is provided through a mixture of lectures, seminars and computer laboratory sessions. In Year 1, you’ll have regular small group seminars for each mathematics module to reinforce the material covered. You will also have access to professional practise music sessions and engaging talks from guest speakers.
We anticipate that each academic year will involve roughly 1,200 hours of study time, with contact hours occupying between a third and a quarter of this. The remaining time is used for independent study, completion of coursework and revision.
Assignments include exercises, case studies and projects, carried out either as individual work or within small groups. We make imaginative use of state-of-the-art IT, and general and specialist software which further enriches and enlivens the learning experience.
Research students will sometimes help to deliver your modules. These students will be researching in a similar subject to the module, and will have undertaken training prior to being invited to teach. The University has a set of procedures that govern the use of postgraduate research students in this way.
Staff
This course is taught by academic staff from the Department of Mathematics and the Department of Music.
Programme leader
BEVAN JJ Dr (Maths)
Personal tutor
All taught students are assigned a personal tutor before beginning a programme of study. Personal tutors offer support and advice to students in the areas of:
- Academic progress
- Pastoral/welfare issues
- Personal/professional development and employability.
Assessment
Modules are assessed individually and credits are awarded for the successful completion of each one. Assessment takes place through a combination of examination and/or coursework, practical examinations and reports. Check individual module information to see full details at a module level.
Contact hours
Contact hours can vary across our modules. Full details of the contact hours for each module are available from the University of Surrey's module catalogue. See the modules section for more information.
Learning and disability support
We have two services, Academic Skills and Development and the Disability and Neurodiversity Service which can help develop your learning.
Academic Skills and Development
Academic Skills and Development is a learning space in the Library where our learning development team is based. It comprises dedicated Student Learning Advisers and Information Skills Librarians who can help you develop your academic and research skills, including writing, presenting, revision and critical thinking.
Find out more about the study support available.
Disability and Neurodiversity Service
The University’s Disability and Neurodiversity Service supports students with disabilities, long-term health conditions, specific learning differences (such as dyslexia and dyspraxia) and other neurodiverse conditions (including autism spectrum and attention deficit disorder).
If you tell us about any conditions and register with us, we can give you appropriate support during your studies.
We can arrange exam and learning support adjustments, give advice on applications for the Disabled Students' Allowance, and test you for dyslexia and dyspraxia. We can also offer regular study skills and mentoring support.
Find out more about the support available or contact the team directly for further information.
English language support
Our English Language Support Programme (ELSP) provides tailored English language support during your studies. It is particularly valuable to students who speak English as a second or additional language, but native speakers are also welcome.
What qualifications do you need?
English language requirements
IELTS Academic: 6.0 overall with 5.5 in each element.
View the other English language qualifications that we accept.
If you do not currently meet the level required for your programme, we offer intensive pre-sessional English language courses, designed to take you to the level of English ability and skill required for your studies here.
Selection process
We normally make offers in terms of grades. If you are a suitable candidate you will be invited to an Applicant Day.
During your visit to the University you can find out more about the course and meet staff and students.
Recognition of prior learning
The University of Surrey recognises that many students enter their higher education course with valuable knowledge and skills developed through a range of professional, vocational and community contexts. If this applies to you, a process called recognition of prior learning (RPL) may allow you to enter your course at a point appropriate to your previous learning and experience, or to join the start of a course without the formal entry requirements. This means that you may be exempt from certain elements of study in the course for which you have applied and be awarded credit based on your previous qualifications/experience. There are restrictions on RPL for some courses and fees may be payable for certain claims.
Please see the code of practice for recognition of prior learning and prior credit: taught programmes (PDF) for further information. Please email Admissions with any queries.
Fees
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BSc (Hons) UK and EU To be confirmed Overseas To be confirmed |
BSc (Hons) (with professional training year) UK and EU To be confirmed Overseas To be confirmed Professional training To be confirmed |
View a complete listing of all ongoing fees for our undergraduate courses.
Overseas students: please note that annual fees will rise by four per cent (rounded up to the nearest £100) for each year of study.
The University will assess your fee status. If you are unsure whether you are likely to be considered a home, EU or overseas student for fees purposes, the UKCISA website offers more information.
Additional costs
There are associated costs with this BSc (Hons) course:
- Commuting (local travel expenses) - £60 - travel costs of up to £60 may be incurred in order to attend the placement school
Grand total - £60
Please note this is only applicable if you take the MAT3017 Mathematics Education module.
How to apply
Learn how to apply for an undergraduate course, see details about the UCAS application process and determine the steps you need to take if you receive an offer to study.
Admissions information
Our undergraduate admissions policy provides the basis for admissions practice across the University and gives a framework for how we encourage, consider applications and admit students.
Our students
Student
Dominic Meyer
"While an increasing number of universities offer a similar opportunity, in my opinion Surrey is the best in that it provides a lot of help in finding a placement and has an excellent relationship with many companies."
Find out more
Student
Samuel Phillips
"I was awarded with the Department Prize for Excellence at the end of my third year which was a definite personal highlight as it felt like recognition of all my hard work and good results."
Find out more
Our graduates
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Course location and contact details
Campus location
Stag HillStag Hill is the University's main campus and where the majority of our courses are taught.
Placement location
As part of this course you have the option to complete a Professional Training placement which would require attendance off campus, depending on where you secure your placement.
- Phone: +44 (0)1483 682222
- Email: admissions@surrey.ac.uk
University of Surrey
Guildford
Surrey GU2 7XH