(Full time) 2021 start
Mathematics and Music BSc
Overview
Links between mathematics and music have been known since the time of Pythagoras. From the vibration of a guitar string and the analysis of a rhythmic pattern to the use of randomness in 20th-century experimental music, mathematics continues to impact music at every level. This course provides a thorough grounding in mathematics, music, and the deep connections between them.
Your time will be divided roughly equally between the School of Mathematics and the School of Music. The School of Music is home to internationally recognised scholars and composers, first-class resources, and extensive facilities. It also has a very active performance life, with a free lunchtime concert series and formal collaborations with external organisations such as Opera North. The School of Mathematics has extensive research interests, allowing you the freedom to study modules across statistics, applied mathematics and pure mathematics.
Specialist facilities
The School of Music has its own purpose-built facilities complete with rehearsal, performance, and practice spaces and lecture theatres. At the heart of the School is the Clothworkers Centenary Concert Hall, a beautiful performance space with a multi-channel sound system for the live projection of electronic music, comprising a large array of top-of-the-range Genelec loudspeakers. Our entire international concert series programme is free to students.
Enhancing your degree
This course offers you the opportunity to spend a year working in industry or studying at a university abroad, both of which provide valuable experience and help your personal development. Both of these schemes add an additional year to your course, taking the total course length to 4 years.
Watching in China? View this video on YouKu
Course content
Your time will be divided roughly equally between modules from mathematics and music.
During the first year, you will study key mathematics topics, including calculus, differential equations and linear algebra, plus you’ll have the option to study geometry or probability and statistics. Your studies in music will develop your awareness of the academic research skills necessary to study music at degree level. You'll have optional modules in music from which to choose.
Progressing into the second year, you’ll study the mathematics of music, vector calculus and music in context, as well as the optional modules that you select. You’ll have the freedom to study optional modules from a wide range in both subjects. Your music studies could explore the psychology of listening and performance or interpreting music. In mathematics, modules are available across the major branches of the subject.
In your final year, you’ll have the chance to undertake a project, which could be focused on mathematics or music. You’ll have a great deal of independence in shaping your studies due to the variety of optional modules available to you, allowing you to specialise in your particular areas of interest.
Course structure
The list shown below represents typical modules/components studied and may change from time to time. Read more in our terms and conditions.
Discovery modules
Throughout your degree you will benefit from a range of opportunities to expand your intellectual horizons outside or within your subject area.
This course gives you the opportunity to choose from a range of discovery modules. They’re a great way to tailor your study around your interests or career aspirations and help you stand out from the crowd when you graduate. Find out more about discovery modules on our Broadening webpages.
Learning and teaching
You’ll be taught through lectures, tutorials, workshops and practical classes. You’ll enjoy extensive tutorial support and have freedom in your workload and options.
The School of Mathematics offers a variety of welcoming spaces to study and socialise with your fellow students. There’s a café, social and group study areas, a library and a seminar room, as well as a Research Visitors Centre and a Mathematics Active Learning Lab.
On this course you’ll be taught by our expert academics, from lecturers through to professors. You may also be taught by industry professionals with years of experience, as well as trained postgraduate researchers, connecting you to some of the brightest minds on campus.
Assessment
You’re assessed through a range of methods, including formal exams and in-course assessment.
Entry requirements, fees and applying
Entry requirements
A-level: AAB including Music and grade A in Mathematics.
Where an A-Level Science subject is taken, we require a pass in the practical science element, alongside the achievement of the A-Level at the stated grade.
As standard, we expect that you’ll have studied Music to A level or equivalent. However, if you haven’t we may still be able to consider your application providing you have, as a minimum, ABRSM Grade 8 practical qualification and evidence of musical literacy (e.g. Grade 5 music theory or equivalent). You should also have studied A level or equivalent at least one essay-based subject.
GCSE: You must also have GCSE English at grade C (4) or above (or equivalent).
-
Access to HE Diploma
Normally only accepted in combination with grade A in A Level Mathematics or equivalent. -
BTEC
BTEC qualifications in relevant disciplines are considered in combination with other qualifications, including grade A in A-level mathematics, or equivalent -
Cambridge Pre-U
D3/M1/M1 or D2/M1/M2, including Music, and where the first grade quoted is in Mathematics. -
International Baccalaureate
35 points overall with 16 at Higher Level including 6 in Higher Level Mathematics and 5 in Higher Level Music
-
Irish Leaving Certificate (higher Level)
H1 in Mathematics, H2 grades in three other subjects including Music, and H3 grades in two further subject in your Irish Leaving Certificate. If you have not taken Music at Higher Level (especially if it isn't taught at your school or college), you should have at least one essay-based subject, as well as a minimum ABRSM Grade 5 music theory and Grade 8 practical qualifications.
-
Scottish Highers / Advanced Highers
Suitable combinations of Scottish Higher and Advanced Highers are acceptable. A typical offer is AAABB including Advanced Higher Music and grade A in Advanced Higher Mathematics. If you have not taken Music (especially if it isn’t taught at your school or college), you should have at least one essay-based subject, as well as a minimum ABRSM Grade 5 music theory and Grade 8 practical qualifications. -
Other Qualifications
We also welcome applications from students on the Northern Consortium UK International Foundation Year programme, the University of Leeds International Foundation Year, and other foundation years with a high mathematical content. Read more on the School Foundation year programmes page.
Read more about UK and Republic of Ireland accepted qualifications or contact the Schools Undergraduate Admissions Team.
Alternative entry
We’re committed to identifying the best possible applicants, regardless of personal circumstances or background.
Access to Leeds is a contextual admissions scheme which accepts applications from individuals who might be from low income households, in the first generation of their immediate family to apply to higher education, or have had their studies disrupted.
Find out more about Access to Leeds and contextual admissions.
Typical Access to Leeds offer: ABC including A in Mathematics, B in Music, and C in a third A-level, plus successful completion of Access to Leeds scheme.
If you do not have the formal qualifications for immediate entry to one of our degrees, you may be able to progress through a foundation year. We offer a Studies in Science with a Foundation Year BSc for students without a science background at A-level and an Interdisciplinary Science with Foundation Year BSc for applicants who meet specific widening participation criteria.
International
We accept a range of international equivalent qualifications. Contact the Undergraduate Admissions Office for more information
International Foundation Year
International students who do not meet the academic requirements for undergraduate study may be able to study the University of Leeds International Foundation Year. This gives you the opportunity to study on campus, be taught by University of Leeds academics and progress onto a wide range of Leeds undergraduate courses. Find out more about International Foundation Year programmes.
English language requirements
IELTS 6.5 overall, with no less than 6.0 in any component.. For other English qualifications, read English language equivalent qualifications.
Improve your English
If you're an international student and you don't meet the English language requirements for this programme, you may be able to study our undergraduate pre-sessional English course, to help improve your English language level.
How to apply
Apply to this course through UCAS. Check the deadline for applications on the UCAS website.
International students apply through UCAS in the same way as UK students. Our network of international representatives can help you with your application. If you’re unsure about the application process, contact the admissions team for help.
Read about visas, immigration and other information in International students. We recommend that international students apply as early as possible to ensure that they have time to apply for their visa.
Applicant days
Suitable applicants will be invited to an applicant day, which is not mandatory, but for which we strongly encourage attendance, as this gives you the opportunity to meet our staff and students, explore the School and University and find out more about your course.
After you apply we will send you a link to book your place on the applicant day, but please let us know as soon as possible if you cannot attend, so your place can be allocated to another applicant.
If you have non-standard qualifications, or when there is no evidence of recent mathematical study, a 30-minute interview and/or a 90-minute test covering the core A-level Mathematics syllabus may be part of the selection procedure. This is to ensure that the course is suitable for you and that your current studies have prepared you for the curriculum at Leeds. If you are unable to attend, a telephone or Skype interview may be arranged. For further information, read our admissions policy.
Admissions policy
University of Leeds Taught Admissions Policy 2024
Fees
UK: See fees section below
International: £22,500 (per year)
Tuition fees for UK undergraduate students starting in 2024/25
Tuition fees for UK full-time undergraduate students are set by the UK Government and will be £9,250 for students starting in 2024/25.
The fee may increase in future years of your course in line with inflation only, as a consequence of future changes in Government legislation and as permitted by law.
Tuition fees for UK undergraduate students starting in 2025/26
Tuition fees for UK full-time undergraduate students starting in 2025/26 have not yet been confirmed by the UK government. When the fee is available we will update individual course pages.
Tuition fees for international undergraduate students starting in 2024/25 and 2025/26
Tuition fees for international students for 2024/25 are available on individual course pages. Fees for students starting in 2025/26 will be available from September 2024.
Tuition fees for a study abroad or work placement year
If you take a study abroad or work placement year, you’ll pay a reduced tuition fee during this period. For more information, see Study abroad and work placement tuition fees and loans.
Read more about paying fees and charges.
There may be additional costs related to your course or programme of study, or related to being a student at the University of Leeds. Read more on our living costs and budgeting page.
Financial support
If you have the talent and drive, we want you to be able to study with us, whatever your financial circumstances. There is help for students in the form of loans and non-repayable grants from the University and from the government. Find out more in our Undergraduate funding overview.
The School of Mathematics awards a range of scholarships.
Career opportunities
A mathematics degree can take you down many career paths into some of the highest paid and most satisfying roles in employment. University of Leeds students are among the top 5 most targeted by top employers according to The Graduate Market 2021, High Fliers Research.
In virtually all areas of life, mathematical skills are highly valued. The numerical, analytical and problem solving skills you will develop, as well as your specialist subject knowledge and your ability to think logically, are highly valued across sectors, including financial services, IT, software design, data analysis, engineering, and teaching. This course also allows you to develop the transferable skills that employers seek, particularly your communication skills which studying music can help you improve.
Careers support
Throughout your degree course we will make sure that you have the support and opportunity to develop the skills and experience you’ll need to make the most of your career choices. The students’ union also provides volunteering opportunities which can help you in your personal development.
We teach problem-solving and high level thinking at all stages of your degree. We also provide modules that are specifically designed to boost your employability. The second year module “maths at work” engages you in group-based project. At the start of the module, you’ll undertake a skills audit, then prepare a CV, research a company for a mock interview, and participate in an interview workshop. Depending on the nature of your specific project, you may produce a report for a client or deliver a piece of software or webpage. Throughout the module, you’ll develop team work, communication, and presentation skills.
If you’re considering a career in teaching, you can gain experience of working in a local school or college through either our “music students into schools” or “mathematics into schools” modules. You’ll prepare teaching materials, deliver mathematics or music activities through lessons or a club, and organise a project that shows students how exciting the subject you’re teaching can be.
We encourage you to prepare for your career from day one. That’s one of the reasons Leeds graduates are so sought after by employers.
Leeds for Life is our unique approach to helping you make the most of University by supporting your academic and personal development. Find out more at the Leeds for Life website.
The Careers Centre and staff in your faculty provide a range of help and advice to help you plan your career and make well-informed decisions along the way, even after you graduate. Find out more about Careers support.
Study abroad and work placements
Study abroad
On this course you have the opportunity to apply to spend time abroad, usually as an extra academic year. We have over 300 University partners worldwide and popular destinations for our students include Europe, the USA, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Singapore, Hong Kong, South Africa and Latin America.
Find out more at the Study Abroad website.
Spending a year living and studying in another country is a unique experience. Unlike the passing tourist, you have the chance to totally immerse yourself in another culture. You will gain unforgettable experiences and memories that you will draw upon in your working and personal life for years to come. In addition to this, the proven ability to live and work in an international context is an asset that many employers actively seek.
On this course, your year abroad adds an additional year to your studies. During your year abroad, you will study mathematics and music at your host institution.
Our industrial Year in Industry scheme provides you with the opportunity to experience salaried work before you graduate. Employers actively seek graduates who already have work experience and it can make all the difference in interviews.
On this course, your industrial placement adds an additional year to your studies.
An industrial placement will boost your self-confidence, not only in your chosen subject area but in the marketplace generally. You will be able to choose from a range of mathematics or music-related organisations in which to work. In previous years, students have worked at many prestigious companies.
During your industrial placement, you will have an industrial supervisor from within the company, plus an academic supervisor who will keep in touch throughout your placement.
If you are not sure right now whether or not an industrial placement is right for you, don't worry - you will not have to start applying for placements until the beginning of your second year.