Mathematics and Music BSc

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.

Course highlights

• Our courses are shaped by our leading research in areas such as probability and financial mathematics, modern applied statistics, and analysis.

• Learn from world-renowned experts at the School of Music, ranked top 10 in the UK for Music (Complete University Guide 2021)

• Access to modern facilities and computing equipment throughout the school, complemented by social areas, communal problem-solving spaces and quiet study rooms

• Enjoy a programme of performances, concerts and cultural events throughout the year

• Small tutorial groups to support the teaching, so you get regular feedback from the academic staff helping you solve any problems that you might have with a particular topic.

On this course, you will study in-depth modules in both subjects side by side, developing an appreciation for the ways mathematics and music complement and interact with one another. Your time will be divided roughly equally between modules from both subjects.

Discovery modules are available in all years of your degree, as long as you are taking enough credits of your own subject for that year.

Year one

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.

Year two

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.

At the end of year two, you will have the opportunity to complete an industrial placement or study abroad, which will extend your degree by 12 months.

Year three

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.

See examples of recent projects on our Research-based degrees webpage.

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

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

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). We will accept Level 2 Functional Skills English in lieu of GCSE English.

Other course specific tests:

Extended Project Qualification and International Project Qualification: Whilst we recognise the value of these qualifications and the effort and enthusiasm that applicants put into them, we do not currently include them as part of our offer-making. We do, however, encourage you to provide further information on your project in your personal statement.

• 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 17 at Higher Level including 6 in Higher Level Mathematics (Mathematics: Analytics and Approaches is preferred).

• 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 about UK and Republic of Ireland accepted qualifications or contact the School’s 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.

Read our general admissions guidance.

We may consider applications submitted after the deadline. Availability of courses in UCAS Extra will be detailed on UCAS at the appropriate stage in the cycle.

Read our guidance about applying and writing your personal statement.

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: £23,000 (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.

Scholarships are available.

Careers support

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.

The optional study abroad year takes place between years two and three and will extend your studies by 12 months. You will return to Leeds to complete your final year of study.

Work placements

Practical work experience can help you decide on your career and improve your employability. On this course you have the option to apply to take a placement year module with organisations across the public, private and voluntary sectors in the UK, or overseas.

Find out more about work experience on the Careers website.

An industrial placement year is a great way to help you decide what kind of career you might like when you graduate. As well as giving you the opportunity to develop your skills, you’ll gain a real insight into working life in a particular company or sector.

With the help and support of our dedicated Employability team, you can choose to undertake a salaried industrial placement year at one of the 100+ companies that we work with. If you decide to undertake a placement year this will extend your period of study by 12 months and, on successful completion, you will be awarded the ‘industrial’ variant in your degree title to demonstrate your added experience to future employers.

Below are examples of placements Mathematics students have recently completed:

• Analytical Officer – NHS England & NHS Improvement

• Modelling & Simulation Section Head – Covance

• Credit Risk Analyst – Lloyds Banking Group

• Finance Director – The Walt Disney Company

• Business Relationships Manager – Network Rail

• Aftersales Planning Manager – Volkswagen Group UK

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.

Find out more about Industrial placements.