- Mathematics with Music
BSc (Hons) — 2024 entry Mathematics with Music
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.
As a mathematics undergraduate at Surrey, you’ll be part of a vibrant and friendly community. You’ll benefit from a personal tutor, small group teaching, and a lively, research-active learning environment.
You can also take part in our award-winning Professional Training placements scheme, which prepare students for roles in various sectors.
Accreditation
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, geometry, mathematical modelling, and statistics. You will also develop your mathematical programming skills using Python.
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.
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 structure of our programmes follow 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.
Please note: The full module listing for the optional Professional Training placement part of your course is available in the relevant programme specification.
Teaching and learning
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.
You will have approximately 20 contact hours each week. The remaining time is used for independent study, completion of coursework and revision. We encourage peer-to-peer learning and have many study spaces available for you to meet with friends and work on problems together.
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.
Assessment
We use a variety of methods to assess you, including:
- Coursework
- Examinations
- Practical sessions
- Presentations
- Reports.
General course information
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.
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.
Timetable
New students will receive their personalised timetable in Welcome Week. In later semesters, two weeks before the start of semester.
Scheduled teaching can take place on any day of the week (Monday – Friday), with part-time classes normally scheduled on one or two days. Wednesday afternoons tend to be for sports and cultural activities.
View our code of practice for the scheduling of teaching and assessment (PDF) for more information.
Location
Stag Hill is the University's main campus and where the majority of our courses are taught.
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.
Many students 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.
In the Graduate Outcomes survey 2023), results show that 93 per cent of Surrey's undergraduate mathematics students and 100 per cent of Surrey's undergraduate music students go on to employment or further study.
Learn more about the qualifications we typically accept to study this course at Surrey.
Overall: ABB.
Required subjects: Mathematics at grade A and Music.
Please note: A-level General Studies and A-level Critical Thinking are not accepted.
Applicants taking the Science Practical Endorsement are required to pass.
GCSE or equivalent: English Language and Mathematics at Grade C(4) (or equivalent).
Overall: DDD and A-level Mathematics grade A.
Required subjects: BTEC must be in a relevant subject.
GCSE or equivalent: English Language and Mathematics at Grade C(4) (or equivalent).
Overall: 33.
Required subjects: HL6 in Maths (Analysis and approaches) and HL5/SL6 in Music.
GCSE or equivalent: English HL4/SL4 and Mathematics or Mathematics studies HL4/SL4.
Overall: 78%.
Required subjects: Grade 8.5 in Mathematics (5 Period) and grade 7.5 in Music.
GCSE or equivalent: English Language (1/2) - 6 English Language (3) - 7.
Overall: QAA recognised Access to Higher Education Diploma with 45 level 3 credits overall including 30 at Distinction and 15 at Merit.. Also A-level Mathematics grade A.
Required subjects: Modules must be in relevant subjects.
GCSE or equivalent: English Language C(4) and Mathematics C(4).
Overall: AABBB.
Required subjects: Grade A in Mathematics and Music.
GCSE or equivalent: English Language - Scottish National 5 - C Mathematics - Scottish National 5 - C.
Overall: Pass overall with ABB from a combination of the Advanced Skills Challenge Certificate and two A-levels.
Required subjects: Grade A in A-level Mathematics and grade B in Music.
GCSE or equivalent: English Language and Mathematics – Numeracy as part of the Welsh Baccalaureate. Please check the A-level drop down for the required GCSE levels.
Please note: A-level General Studies and A-level Critical Thinking are not accepted.
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.
International Foundation Year
If you are an international student and you don’t meet the entry requirements for this degree, we offer the International Foundation Year at the Surrey International Study Centre. Upon successful completion, you can progress to this degree course.
Selection process
We normally make offers in terms of grades. If you are a suitable candidate you will be invited to an offer holder event. During your visit to the University you can find out more about the course and meet staff and students.
Recognition of prior learning
We recognise 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, the recognition of prior learning (RPL) process may allow you to join a course without the formal entry requirements or enter your course at a point appropriate to your previous learning and 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.
Contextual offers
Did you know eligible students receive support through their application to Surrey, which could include a grade reduction on offer?
Fees
Explore UKCISA’s website for more information if you are unsure whether you are a UK or overseas student. View the list of fees for all undergraduate courses.
Payment schedule
- Students with Tuition Fee Loan: the Student Loans Company pay fees in line with their schedule.
- Students without a Tuition Fee Loan: 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 on invoices. Students on part-time programmes where fees are paid on a modular basis, cannot pay fees by instalment.
- Sponsored students: must provide us with valid sponsorship information that covers the period of 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.
Additional costs
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 PHY3063 STEM Education and Public Engagement module).
Scholarships and bursaries
We're committed to making sure that we offer support for students who might need it.
Our award-winning Professional Training placement scheme gives you the chance to spend a year in industry, either in the UK or abroad.
We have thousands of placement providers to choose from, most of which offer pay. So, become one of our many students who have had their lives and career choices transformed.
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
Students are generally not placed by the University. But we offer support and guidance throughout the process, with access to a vacancy site of placement opportunities.
Find out more about the application process.
Discover, develop and dive in
Find out how students at Surrey developed their skills in industry by undertaking a placement year.
Discover, develop and dive in
Find out how students at Surrey developed their skills in industry by undertaking a placement year.
Study and work abroad
Studying at Surrey opens a world of opportunity. Take advantage of our study and work abroad partnerships, explore the world, and expand your skills for the graduate job market.
The opportunities abroad vary depending on the course, but options include study exchanges, work/research placements, summer programmes, and recent graduate internships. Financial support is available through various grants and bursaries, as well as Student Finance.
Perhaps you would like to volunteer in India or learn about Brazilian business and culture in São Paulo during your summer holidays? With 140+ opportunities in 36+ different countries worldwide, there is something for everyone.
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.
Apply for your chosen course online through UCAS, with the following course and institution codes.
About the University of Surrey
Need more information?
Contact our Admissions team or talk to a current University of Surrey student online.
Terms and conditions
When you accept an offer to study at the University of Surrey, you are agreeing to follow our policies and procedures, student regulations, and terms and conditions.
We provide these terms and conditions in two stages:
- First when we make an offer.
- Second when students accept their offer and register to study with us (registration terms and conditions will vary depending on your course and academic year).
View our generic registration terms and conditions (PDF) for the 2023/24 academic year, as a guide on what to expect.
Disclaimer
This online prospectus has been published in advance of the academic year to which it applies.
Whilst we have done everything possible to ensure this information is accurate, some changes may happen between publishing and the start of the course.
It is important to check this website for any updates before you apply for a course with us. Read our full disclaimer.