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.

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.