Mathematics with Music BSc (Hons) – 2023 entry
Key information
Start date: October 2023
Why choose this course
This innovative BSc 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 essential modules offered on our other mathematics programmes – including pure and applied mathematics as well as mathematical statistics – while also pursuing your passion for composing or performing.
Joining Surrey’s Department of Mathematics puts you at the heart of a vibrant and friendly community. You’ll benefit from:
- A personal tutor, small group teaching and a lively, research-active learning environment
- Our award-winning Professional Training placements, which prepare students for roles in various sectors
- Enhanced employability. We were named University of the Year for Graduate Employment in The Times/Sunday Times Good University Guide for 2022.
What you will study
At Surrey, we make our courses as flexible as possible, meeting the needs of the individuals who apply. This BSc is at least one-quarter music and more than one-half mathematics. It includes a wide range of mathematics modules in topics such as algebra, analysis, geometry, mathematical biology, fluid mechanics and statistics.
These modules provide an in-depth overview of modern mathematics, and you’ll receive a thorough grounding in the main mathematical theories and techniques, 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 explore a wide range of the contemporary repertoire and learn to interact confidently with performers of their music, while performers can take advantage of opportunities within the University’s arts and music scene.
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 the door to a wide range of careers. Not only is mathematics central to science, technology and finance-related fields, but the logical insight and analytical skills you’ll gain 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 you’ll gain on this highly stimulating course will help you develop transferable skills which are also needed to excel in the music industry.
Over the last decade, our employment figures have been among the best in the UK. This was a key factor in Surrey being named University of the Year for Graduate Employment in The Times/Sunday Times Good University Guide for 2022.
Many start their careers with some of the most sought-after employers in the UK and further afield. Recent graduates are employed as:
- Assistant Producer, Perfect Pitch
- Assistant Studio Runner, The Crypt Studio
- Concerts and Projects Manager, London Sinfonietta
- Cyber Security Expert, IBM
- Digital Operations Executive, RMP Enterprise
- Graduate Banking Scheme, Lloyds Banking Group
- Graduate Trainee Tech Risk, KPMG
- Manager Research Analyst, Barnett Waddingham LLP
- Music Supervisor, PH Media
- Operational Research Graduate, British Airways
- Secondary Mathematics Teacher, Oxford University PGCE
- Studio Manager, Spitfire Audio.
As well as preparing you for employment, our course gives you a solid foundation to pursue further study in mathematics or research in science or music-related fields.
Staff
This course is taught by academic staff from the Department of Mathematics and the Department of Music.
Accreditation
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.
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.
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, 75 and 120 credits, and additionally for some masters dissertations, 90 credits.
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:
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.
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.
Optional modules for Year 3 - FHEQ Level 6
Students must choose two of MUS3065, MUS3066, MUS3049, MUS3050, and 90 credits of the remaining MAT modules. In total, students should study modules worth 120 credits at Level 6.
Optional modules for Year 1 (with PTY) - FHEQ Level 4
Choose ONE from four Optional modules. MUS1036 is strongly recommended in order to maximise choice in later years.
Optional modules for Year 2 (with PTY) - 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.
| Module title | Status | Semester |
|---|---|---|
| PROFESSIONAL TRAINING YEAR MODULE (FULL-YEAR WORK) | Core | Year-long |
Optional modules for Year 3 (with PTY) - FHEQ Level 6
Students must choose two of MUS3065, MUS3066, MUS3049, MUS3050, and 90 credits of the remaining MAT modules. In total, students should study modules worth 120 credits at Level 6.
Timetables
Course 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. View our Timetabling Policy (PDF).
Teaching
Teaching is provided through a mixture of lectures, seminars, tutorials, online learning and computer laboratory sessions.
In Year 1, you’ll have regular small group seminars for each mathematics module to reinforce the material covered. You’ll also have access to professional practice music sessions and engaging talks from guest speakers.
We anticipate 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.
There may be occasions when the delivery of your teaching is supported by graduate teaching assistants. The University has a set of procedures that govern the use of postgraduate research students in this way.
Assessment
We use a variety of methods to assess you, including:
- Coursework
- Examinations
- Practical sessions
- Presentations
- Reports.
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.
Entry requirements
Do I meet the requirements for this course?
We require you to submit a full application so that we can formally assess whether you meet the criteria published. Unfortunately, we are unable to provide an outcome based on an enquiry (via email, webform enquiry, phone or live chat).
Other international qualifications
If you are an international student and you don’t meet the entry requirements to this degree, we offer the International Foundation Year, run by the Surrey International Study Centre.
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 contact Admissions on +44 (0)1483 682222 with any queries.
Fees
The annual tuition fees for courses starting in October 2023
BSc (Hons)
UK To be confirmed
Overseas To be confirmed
BSc (Hons) (with professional training year)
UK To be confirmed
Overseas To be confirmed
Professional training £1,850
View a complete listing of all ongoing fees for our undergraduate courses.
- Fees for UK students: The University will apply annual regulated increases in the fee rates as set by Government each year, in order to maintain the same value in real terms.
- Fees for EU students: The UK is now no longer part of the EU, we are awaiting further instruction from the UK government and we will publish this as soon as it is provided. Find out more information about Studying in the UK and the Scholarships for EU students.
- Fees for international students: Annual fees will increase by 4% for each subsequent year of study, rounded up to the nearest £100, subject to any overriding applicable legislative requirements.
- Fees for international students with an integrated foundation year: The programme fee for Year 0 will match the lowest Year 1 overseas fee rate from across the substantive programmes for that year of entry. Students subsequently progressing into Year 1 will be liable for the same fee as overseas students joining at Year 1 for the same programme in that year. Annual fees after Year 1 will increase by 4% for each subsequent year of study, rounded up to the nearest £100, subject to any overriding applicable legislative requirements.
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.
Payment schedule
- Students in receipt of a Tuition Fee Loan: will have their fees paid by the Student Loans Company in line with their schedule.
- International students, or UK/EU students who have not taken out a Tuition Fee Loan: are required to pay their fees either in full at the beginning of the programme or in two instalments as follows:
- 50% payable 10 days after the invoice date (expected to be early October of each academic year)
- 50% in January of the same academic year.
The exact date(s) will be detailed on invoices. Students on certain part-time programmes, where fees are paid on a modular or stage basis, are not eligible to pay their fees by instalment.
If you are sponsored: you will provide us with valid sponsorship information that covers the period of your study.
Professional Training placement fees
If you are studying on a programme which contains a Professional Training placement year there will be a reduced fee for the academic year in which you undertake your placement. This is normally confirmed 12 to 18 months in advance, or once Government policy is determined.
See the information about 2022/23 academic year Professional Training placement fee.
Additional costs
There are associated costs with this course:
- Commuting (local travel expenses): £60 – travel costs may be incurred in order to attend the placement school (please note this is only applicable if you take the MAT3017 Mathematics Education module).
Grand total: £60
Placements
You have the option to complete a Professional Training placement as part of this course. This will give you the opportunity to develop your professional, academic and personal potential, helping to prepare you for your future career.
A significant proportion of placement students at Surrey are offered graduate-level jobs or go onto postgraduate study.
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. This breadth is reflected in the award-winning Professional Training placements students take 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.
Over the years, we’ve placed our students with many big-name companies and organisations. These include:
- BAE Systems
- Deloitte
- English National Opera
- Faber Music Publishers
- GlaxoSmithKline
- Intel
- Lloyds
- London Sinfonietta
- London Symphony Orchestra
- NHS
- Office for National Statistics
- Signum Records.
Applying for placements
You can apply for numerous opportunities via an open and free-to-all process. Placement providers use their own recruitment and selection procedures and the majority of students will secure their placement in this way.
Students are generally not placed by the University, however we offer support and guidance throughout the process alongside access to a vacancy portal representing thousands of placement opportunities each year. We also provide support if you wish to source your own placement.
Find out about more about the application process.
Please be aware there may be travel costs incurred when attending interviews and assessment centres at the placement provider’s premises.
Mathematics student Rory discusses his placement at IBM and Wimbledon.
Study and work abroad
We give our students the opportunity to acquire international experience during their studies by taking advantage of our exchange agreements with overseas universities or by completing a Professional Training placement abroad.
Want to study at an overseas institution as part of your degree or work abroad during your Professional Training year? Perhaps you would like to volunteer in India or learn about Brazilian business and culture in São Paulo during your summer holidays? With more than 200 partnerships, from 50 different countries worldwide, there is something for everyone.
Not only is the opportunity to go abroad a hugely enjoyable experience, you will develop key skills and knowledge that will strengthen your CV and increase your employability.
For the 2021/22 academic year, students have access to Turing funds to assist in student exchange, work placements abroad and summer schools abroad. These funds can make a significant contribution to these exciting opportunities during your time at the University.
View our study and work abroad exchange information to find out more and see where you can go.
Partner institutions
In your second year, you’ll have the option of spending two semesters abroad at one of our partner universities. Students have gone to study in:
- America
- Australia
- Canada
- Singapore.
Find out more about our international partner institutions.
Students share their experiences of going on an international exchange to Hong Kong.
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 procedures, the student 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 an example of our offer terms and conditions and our registration terms and conditions (PDF) from the 2020/2021 academic year as a guide as to what to expect.
Please note: our offer terms and conditions will generally 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 and changes for the specific academic year.
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 and before you accept an offer. Read more.
In particular we wish to draw your intention to the following matters affecting the academic year 2021/2022:
- Covid-19 - In light of the Covid-19 pandemic, the University has had to change the delivery (and in some cases the content) of its programmes, together with certain University services and facilities for the 2020/2021 academic year. These changes include the implementation of a hybrid teaching approach, details of which can be found here [link]. It is anticipated that these programme changes and the hybrid learning approach will be adopted throughout the academic year 2021/2022, however, given the changing nature of the pandemic, this is being kept under continuous review. Detailed information on all changes as a result of the Covid-19 pandemic is available at the coronavirus course changes page. The linked pages set out information relating to general University changes and will also direct you to consider additional information relating to specific programmes.
- Brexit - The UK is now no longer part of the EU. We are awaiting further information and instruction from the UK government and we will publish this as soon as it is provided. EU students applying for programmes in the academic year 2021/2022 and students applying for courses with placements abroad should visit our dedicated webpages for the latest information on how the UK’s departure from the EU will affect their courses.
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
University of Surrey
Guildford
Surrey GU2 7XH