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BA Mathematics and Music

Start date
September
Duration
3 Years
UCAS code
GW13
Course Type
Undergraduate, Joint Honours combined
Fees

Annual tuition fees for 2025/26:
£9,535 (UK)
£24,470 (International)
More detail.

With our BA Mathematics and Music undergraduate degree, explore two interconnected disciplines as you study technical language and formulae alongside musical technique and practice. 

Mathematics and Music both involve patterns and structures; and notions such as octaves, chords, scales, and keys are all based in mathematics. 

Your Music degree will encompass musicology and performance, with opportunities to specialise in one of these disciplines. Composition is usually excluded in the first year, but may be taken without credit, providing a prerequisite to continue composition study in later years.

Meanwhile, your undergraduate Mathematics studies give you access to varied topics, developing skills such as the ability to formulate and tackle problems, to think logically, to use technical language and to express complex ideas clearly and accurately. 

International undergraduate scholarships available in the College of Arts and Law

We are proud to offer 10 scholarships to international students in the form of £3,000 tuition fee awards for year one entry only.

Learn more about our scholarships and apply

I’m loving my time on the Music programme at Birmingham, mainly due to the diverse range of module options. In particular, I have found the performance aspect of the course incredibly rewarding and it pairs so well with the many high-level ensembles, which you can also manage or conduct. This also makes it a really sociable course with a tight-knit cohort!

Beth

Why study this course?

BA Maths and Music is right for you if you want to... 

  •  Benefit from our links with industry – Forging a close connection with industry can help your career soar. The Mathematics department has strong links with a wide range of high profile companies, including E.ON, Caterpillar, Jaguar Land Rover, the Office for National Statistics, R&A, FDM Group, Barnett Waddingham and IBM. 
  • Enjoy a broad choice of modules  – The choice of Mathematics modules from your third year are very broad, ranging from the highly abstract to the highly applicable. Modules in year four are reflective of staff research interests and classes are often small and highly interactive. You can therefore specialise in the areas of Mathematics that interest you. 
  • Experience exceptional facilities – You will benefit from some of the best facilities for undergraduate music study and practice in the country, including state-of-the-art facilities in our Bramall Music Building and the magnificent Art Deco Concert Hall in the Barber Institute of Fine Arts. You will also have access to practice rooms, electro-acoustic music studios, computer workstations and early instruments. 
  • Have the opportunity to apply for a year in computer science – You can apply to take an intercalated year in computer science in-between the second and final years of your degree course to gain in-depth knowledge of computing and enhance your work-based skills. 
  • Live in the city of music – Get involved in running and promoting our ensembles as a member of the Music Society Committee and receive professional mentoring. At University of Birmingham you’ll work exciting performance and festivals - both on the stage and behind the scenes. 
  • Benefit from excellent employability development – 100% of our undergraduate Music students enter work or further study within 15 months of graduation (Graduate Outcomes Survey 2022). Our Music and Mathematics graduates have a range of transferable skills which are highly prized by graduate employers. 

Modules

Please note: You will take 120 credits of modules in each year of study. The modules listed on the website for this programme are regularly reviewed to ensure they are up-to-date and informed by the latest research and teaching methods. Unless indicated otherwise, the modules listed for this programme are for students starting in 2025. On rare occasions, we may need to make unexpected changes to compulsory modules; in this event we will contact offer holders as soon as possible to inform or consult them as appropriate.

Joint Honours flexibility for programmes involving Mathematics

Every degree programme at the University is divided into 120 credits of study for each year of the programme. In the first year and second year of a Joint Honours programme with Mathematics, you will study 60 credits in each subject as you learn the core elements of your disciplines. We recognise that students on Joint Honours programmes might come to favour one subject slightly more than another. To account for this, we have added more flexibility into the final year of our programmes involving Mathematics. In your third year, you can stick with the 60-60 split between the two subjects or shift to a 80-40 credit weighting, effectively a major/minor combination.

Year 1

Compulsory Modules

Music: 

  • Music and its Cultures I (20 credits) and II (20 credits)
  • Tonal Harmony and Counterpoint I (10 credits) and II (10 credits)

Detailed descriptions of first year Music compulsory modules

Optional unassessed Instrumental or Vocal Performance (9 hours) is also available. 

Mathematics:

  • Real Analysis (20)
  • Sequences and Series (10)
  • Vectors, Geometry and Linear Algebra (20)
  • Mathematical Modelling and Problem Solving (10)

Year 2

Compulsory Modules

Music: 

  • Music Analysis (20) OR Critical Musicology (20)

Detailed descriptions of second year Music compulsory modules

You will also take 40 credits of optional modules.

List of second year Music optional modules

Mathematics:

  • Probability and Statistics (10)
  • Mechanics (10)
  • Algebra and Combinatorics 1 (20)
  • Real and Complex Analysis OR Multivariable & Vector Analysis  

Year Abroad

You can apply to study abroad for a year in an approved university around the world. If you achieve a grade of 2.1 or above in your first year, you will be eligible to apply for a Year Abroad in your second year. If your application is successful, you will go abroad in your third year and return to us for your final year.

More about a Year Abroad

Final year

Compulsory Modules

Music

  • 80 credits - Independent Study Module (20 or 40 credits)
  • 60 credits - Independent Study Module (20 or 40 credits - if not taken in Mathematics)
  • 40 credits - No compulsory modules, students will use their Music credits in optional modules

Students may take one Independent Study OR one Special Subject OR one of each if not in the same discipline.

You will spend your remaining Music credits on optional modules.

List of final year Music modules

Mathematics

  • 80 credits - Independent Study in Mathematics (20)
  • 60 credits - Independent Study in Mathematics (20 - if not taken in Music)
  • 40 credits - No compulsory modules, students will use their Mathematics credits in optional modules

You will fill your remaining Mathematics credits with optional modules. As you will have gained a thorough grounding in many aspects of Mathematics during Years 1 and 2, you will be able to choose from an incredibly wide range of final year modules. Modules may include topics such as 'Research Skills in Mathematics', 'Mathematical Finance', 'Differential Equations' and 'Computability and Logic'.

Fees

The University will charge the maximum approved tuition fee per year. If your offer is for 2025 year of entry, we expect that the tuition fee for your first year of study will be £9,535. If Parliament agrees on an increase in tuition fees, the University will increase fees for each year of study normally in line with these changes and will communicate any change in the fees to you without delay. If you are applying for 2026 year of entry, you will be advised of the annual tuition fee closer to the time. Visit our tuition fees page for more information.

Fees for 2025/26 are as follows:

  • UK: £9,535
  • International: £24,470

Eligibility for fees can be verified with Admissions. Learn more about fees for international students.

For further information on tuition fees, living costs and available financial support, please see our pages on undergraduate fees and funding.

Tuition fees when studying abroad

For those spending a whole academic year abroad (where available):

  • Students who are classed as UK for fees purposes are required to pay 15% of their normal annual tuition fee
  • Students who are classed as International for fee purposes are required to pay 50% of their normal annual tuition fee

For those studying abroad for just one semester (where available), normal annual tuition fees apply.

Note - Study abroad opportunities vary between courses; please see the course description for details of study abroad options offered.

Additional Course Costs

Students who choose to study Music will be expected to purchase a pad of music manuscript paper. For the compulsory Studio Composition module headphones are required for work in the cluster both during class and independently.

How To Apply

Standard offer

International Requirements



Number of A levels required:
3
Typical offer:
AAB
General Studies:
Not accepted.

Required subjects and grades

AAB with A level Music grade A and A level Maths grade A. Where applicants are not taking Music at A level then ABRSM Grade 6 Theory or Grade 8 Performance is acceptable, in addition to the three A levels at AAB. Applicants with equivalent Trinity or LCM music theory qualifications are still considered.  Music Technology A Level or any Music BTEC qualifications will not be accepted as a substitute for Music A level (however, they will be accepted as part of your wider offer providing all other requirements are met).

 We will also consider applications from candidates who do not meet the standard requirements for A Level Music, graded Theory or Performance exams on a case-by-case basis. Following your application you may be invited to an interview/audition.

IB Diploma

 6,6,5 in Higher level subjects plus 32 points overall including HL 6 in Maths / Further Maths + HL 6 in Music.

BTEC qualifications:

  • BTEC Extended Diploma: DDM, plus AA at A-level in the required subject/s mentioned above.
  • BTEC Diploma: DD, plus AA at A-level in the required subject/s mentioned above.
  • BTEC Subsidiary Diploma: D, plus AA at A-level in the required subject/s mentioned above.

Other qualifications are considered - learn more about entry requirements.

Alternative offers through our Pathways to Birmingham programmes and our Contextual Offer scheme

Students who are eligible and successfully complete a Pathways to Birmingham programme will receive special consideration from admissions tutors and an alternative offer (typically two grades below the standard offer). In addition, our Contextual Offer Scheme recognises the potential of students whose personal circumstances may have restricted achievement in school or college. If you are eligible to benefit from the contextual offer scheme, you will receive an offer which is one grade lower than the standard offer.

International Students

We welcome applications from international students and invite you to join our vibrant community of over 4500 international students who represent 150 different countries. We accept a range of qualifications, our country pages show you what qualifications we accept from your country.

Depending on your chosen course of study, you may also be interested in one of our foundation pathways, which offer specially structured programmes for international students whose qualifications are not accepted for direct entry to UK universities. Further details can be found on Birmingham International Academy web pages.

Support

You will have access to a comprehensive support system to help you make the transition to higher education when you start at Birmingham. 

Personal tutors – You will be assigned your own personal tutor who will get to know you as you progress through your studies. They will provide academic support and advice to enable you to make the most of your time here at Birmingham.

Wellbeing Officers –You will also have access to dedicated wellbeing officers who provide professional support, advice and guidance to students across a range of issues. They can meet with you to discuss extensions, disabilities, reasonable adjustments, extenuating circumstances, or to talk through any problems you might be experiencing, and help you access wider support on campus and beyond if you need it.

Our Academic Skills Centre helps you to become a more effective and independent learner through a range of high-quality support services. The centre offers workshops on a range of topics, such as note-taking, reading, academic writing and presentation skills.

The Academic Writing Advisory Service (AWAS) provides guidance on writing essays and dissertations if you need it. You can receive individual support from an academic writing advisor and meet with postgraduate tutors who specialise in particular subjects too.

Our Student Experience Team will help you get the most out of your academic experience. They offer research opportunities, study skills support, and help you prepare for your post-university career. They also organise social events, including trips.

Teaching staff

Students at the University of Birmingham are taught by a mixture of professors, senior lecturers, lecturers and doctoral researchers, thereby receiving a rich diversity of academic knowledge and experience. Many of our teaching staff have published important works about their areas of expertise, whilst others have taught at international institutions and can offer unique perspectives of their subjects.

You can find out more about the members of staff (including their qualifications, publication history and specific areas of interest) in their academic profiles linked below.

Seminars, workshops and studio work are interactive sessions that develop subject-specific skills such as harmony, counterpoint, composition, analysis and historical understanding, as well as generic skills such as communication and essay writing.

Instrumental and vocal lessons are one-to-one and usually take place at the Birmingham Conservatoire.

Contact Hours

All Birmingham degrees are set within a credit framework designed to measure your academic achievements. We expect all students to accumulate 120 credits in each full year of study which is equivalent to 40 hours of learning a week. Learning is considered to include contact learning (lectures and seminars), private study, revision and assessment.

For this programme, those 40 hours are estimated to be broken down and split into lectures, seminars and other guided teaching opportunities and independent study. This is a general rule across the entire academic year and may change week by week. 

Year 1: 25% Lectures, Seminars or similar, 75% Independent study
Year 2: 15% Lectures, Seminars or similar, 85% Independent study
Year 3: 15% Lectures, Seminars or similar, 85% Independent study

Assessment Methods

Assessments - you will be assessed in a variety of ways to help you transition to a new style of learning. At the beginning of each module, you will be given information on how and when you will be assessed. Assessments methods will vary with each module and could include:

  • coursework, such as essays
  • group and individual presentations
  • and exams

Feedback - you will receive feedback on each assessment within three weeks, so you can learn from each assignment. You will also be given feedback on any exams that you take. If you should fail an exam, we will ensure that particularly detailed feedback is provided to help you prepare for future exams.

To test your knowledge and develop your core skills we use a range of different assessment methods, including essays, compositions (on paper and in electronic files), teacher reports, instrumental/vocal recitals, end-of-year examinations, listening tests, critical reports on concerts and programme notes

Our Mathematics and Music graduates have a range of skills that are highly prized by graduate employers. 

The study of musical performance and musicology develops analytical skills, lateral thinking and your creative imagination. The process of performing itself helps to develop skills in personal organisation, event management, teamwork and entrepreneurship to succeed in a competitive field. Your mathematics studies develop skills in the application of logical thinking, statistical or strategic analysis. You will also acquire skills such as analytical thinking, problem solving, independent research, report writing and the use of technical language.

Employers include:

  • City of London Sinfonia
  • CBSO
  • Pricewaterhouse Coopers
  • Deloitte
  • HSBC
  • Purcell School
  • KPMG
  • Cartwright Communications
  • Royal Opera House
  • Royal Academy of Music
  • local and central government
  • Schools, colleges and universities both in the UK and internationally

Specific job titles include:

  • Accompanist Composer;
  • International Events Manager;
  • Actuary
  • Associate Auditor
  • Financial Analyst
  • Lecturer Music Teacher;
  • Orchestra Administrator;
  • Trainee Orchestra Manager;
  • Performance Music Assistant;
  • Piano Teacher;
  • Film Composer;
  • Marketing Assistant;

Events are organised whereby graduates return to campus to talk to current students about their careers, how to find opportunities and the wide variety of roles available to both Mathematics and Music graduates.  The annual Mathematics Careers Fair involves employers coming to campus who are specifically interested in mathematics graduates. 

Developing your career

The University of Birmingham is the top choice for the UK's major employers searching for graduate recruits, according to The Graduate Market 2024 report. Our Careers Network are here to offer you tailored, expert advice on your career plans and support you with finding and applying for jobs, internships and further study. There are hundreds of events to help you meet potential employers and learn more about the breadth of opportunities and career sectors available to you.

Support will be offered to you covering the whole job application process, including CVs, LinkedIn, application forms, interviews and assessment centres.  You can also email our experienced Careers Advisors and College Teams to review your applications or answer any careers related question, alongside our on campus and online 1:1 appointments.

We have a number of exclusive work experience programmes such as our B-Experienced programme, which will give you professional experience to set you apart in the graduate market. We also offer work experience bursaries, which allow you to apply for funding to support you during any unpaid internships in the UK and rest of the world.

First years can take part in The Birmingham Project, with themes including celebrating arts and culture and shaping a global society. There’s also a successful Mentoring Programme, where you can gain access to experienced Mentors who can empower, inspire and inform you about their experiences.  As a University of Birmingham student you will also be given access to LinkedIn Learning giving free access to real world training courses to kick-start your careers.

If you want to earn money WorkLink advertises convenient part-time job opportunities on campus to fit round your studies.  

Extra-curricular activities

To enhance your career prospects even further, you may want to engage in extra-curricular activities to broaden your skills and your network of contacts. The Birmingham Award is the University of Birmingham’s employability programme, supporting you to develop and recognise the attributes you gain through extra-curricular activities. The award is supported by graduate employers and offers you an opportunity to showcase participation in activities outside of your degree programme.’

There are 300+ student groups and volunteering opportunities offered by the Guild of Students (our Students’ Union) so you’re bound to find activities that you want to be involved in whilst meeting friends who share your interests.