Mathematics and Music Bachelor of Arts (with Honours) - BA (Hons)
Course Overview - Mathematics and Music Bachelor of Arts (with Honours) - BA (Hons)
“There is geometry in the humming of the strings. There is music in the spacing of the spheres.” – Pythagoras
Looking to keep your love of music alive whilst exploring the true breadth of mathematical ideas and methods? Since Pythagoras developed his theory of the unity of arithmetic, geometry and music around the fundamental laws of proportion and harmony, in the 6th century BC, the two disciplines have influenced and informed each other. They are both concerned with the creation, appreciation and analysis of abstract patterns and logical ideas. Our joint honours degree al...
“There is geometry in the humming of the strings. There is music in the spacing of the spheres.” – Pythagoras
Looking to keep your love of music alive whilst exploring the true breadth of mathematical ideas and methods? Since Pythagoras developed his theory of the unity of arithmetic, geometry and music around the fundamental laws of proportion and harmony, in the 6th century BC, the two disciplines have influenced and informed each other. They are both concerned with the creation, appreciation and analysis of abstract patterns and logical ideas. Our joint honours degree allows you to keep your career options open and pursue your mathematical and musical interests in a 50/50 split, under the guidance of inspiring teachers from both departments.
Throughout your course, you will have the flexibility to tailor your studies to your own particular interests. Alongside our core Mathematics modules in year 1, which will give you a thorough grounding in all the key methods and concepts that underpin the subject, we offer a wide range of practical and academic modules from one of UK's top music departments (Complete University Guide 2015). In years 2 and 3 this flexibility increases, allowing you to specialise in the areas of mathematics and music that interest you the most. You will develop your musicianship and mathematical skills to an advanced level, and gain a host of transferable skills such as data handling and analysis, logical thinking, communication, creativity and problem-solving.
Our Department of Mathematics is internationally renowned for its work in pure mathematics, information security, statistics and theoretical physics, and our joint BA programme spans pure and applied mathematics, statistics and probability. It also offers you to chance to carry out project work on chosen topics. Meanwhile, in the Department of Music, you will be able to pursue performance and composition whilst exploring the broader historical, sociological, ethnographic and philosophical elements of music. For keen singers and instrumentalists, we offer a wide range of exciting and diverse performance opportunities and you will have access to our well-equipped studios, practice rooms and recording facilities.
We offer a friendly and motivating learning environment and a strong focus on small group teaching and academic support. You will take part in group tutorials, problem-solving sessions, practical workshops and IT classes, as well as practical music lessons and lectures. You will also benefit from generous staff office hours and a dedicated personal adviser to guide you through your studies, plus a CV writing workshop and competitive work placement scheme.
Combine your love of mathematics and music and benefit from a varied and flexible, modular curriculum.
We are a friendly department with a strong focus on small group teaching.
Course Information
1 option available
Some courses vary and have tailored teaching options, select a course option below.
Course Details
Information
Study Mode
Full-time
Duration
3 Years
Start Date
2027-09-20
Campus
Main Site
Application Details
Provider Details
Codes/info
Course Code
A17-E58
Institution Code
R72
Points of Entry
Year 1
Entry Requirements
A level
A,B,B
A,B,C
Where an applicant is taking the EPQ alongside A-levels, the EPQ will be taken into consideration and result in lower A-level grades being required. Socio-economics factors which may have impacted an applicant's education will be taken into consideration and alternative offers may be made to these applicants. Required subjects: A in Mathematics and A-level Music or pass in grade 7 Music Theory. Applicants without A-level Music or pass in grade 7 Music Theory may be eligible for the Intensive Theory entry. This requires Music GCSE grade A/7 or equivalent, plus performance at ABRSM Grade 7 level. In term 1 you will be required to take Fundamentals of Music Theory, an intensive music literacy course. Students wishing to take Solo Performance options will need to be of Grade 8 ABRSM level, or equivalent, on the selected instrument at point of entry.
UCAS Tariff
Not accepted
Scottish Higher
Including A in Maths and Music or pass Grade 7 in Music Theory and Grade 7 ABRSM in performance.
Access to HE Diploma
offer-distinction: 27.0
A pass in a relevant subject with at least 27 level 3 credits at Distinction,15 of which must be in Maths units at Distinction, and the remaining level 3 credits at Merit, plus A-level Maths grade A and A- level Music grade B or Grade 7 Music Theory at Pass plus Grade 7 Music Performance.
GCSE/National 4/National 5
GCSE Maths at Grade 4 (C) GCSE English Language at Grade 4 (C)
Scottish Advanced Higher
A,B,B
A,B,C
Including A in Maths and Music at Advanced Higher or pass Grade 7 in Music Theory and Grade 7 in Music performance
Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Diploma (first teaching from September 2016)
Distinction, Distinction plus A-level Maths grade A and A-level Music grade B or Grade 7 Music Theory at Pass plus Grade 7 Music Performance
International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme
6,5,5 at Higher Level or 32 points overall, including 6 HL Maths: Analysis and Approaches and Music or Grade 7 Music Theory at Pass plus Grade 7 Music Performance
Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma (first teaching from September 2016)
Not accepted
Leaving Certificate - Higher Level (Ireland) (first awarded in 2017)
Including H2 in Maths and Music at Higher Level or pass Grade 7 in Music Theory and Grade 7 ABRSM in performance.
Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Certificate (first teaching from September 2016)
Plus A-level Maths grade A and A-level Music or pass Grade 7 in Music Theory and Grade 7 ABRSM in performance
Welsh Baccalaureate - Advanced Skills Challenge Certificate (first teaching September 2015)
Requirements are as for A-levels where one non-subject-specified A-level can be replaced by the same grade in the Welsh Baccalaureate - Advanced Skills Challenge Certificate.
Cambridge International Pre-U Certificate - Principal
Applicants with the Cambridge Pre-U are strongly encouraged to apply to Royal Holloway. Offers will be made on the basis of equivalent A-Level grades as can be found on the Royal Holloway website.
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Fees and funding
| Region | Costs | Academic Year | Year | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Northern Ireland, England, Channel Islands, Wales, Scotland | £9,790 | 2026/27 | Year 1 | |
| International, EU | £28,500 | 2026/27 | Year 1 |
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