Mathematics and Music

Our BSc Mathematics and Music course is designed to enable you to pursue dual specialisms in the areas of mathematics and music that interest and excite you.

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 experimental music, mathematics continues to impact music at every level. The core of the course provides a grounding in pure and applied mathematics, drawing on musics from a range of genres, styles, cultural and social contexts, and geographic locations to explore key concepts, theories and approaches.

You’ll develop your skills as a creative, critical and reflective thinker and problem solver, gaining the tools and experience needed to be an independent worker, ready for life after university. You can personalise your course by choosing optional modules from mathematics and a broad range of areas of music – including aesthetics, analysis, contemporary composition, film music, the music business, musicology, music psychology, music technology, performance (solo and collaborative) and popular music – enabling you to shape your degree to fit your interests and ambitions.

You’ll study with academics who are experts in their fields, receive support from a dedicated technical team, and take lessons with a visiting professional specialist if you study solo performance. Across your course you’ll engage with the latest research, explore a range of theoretical, creative, applied and practical aspects of mathematics and music, and develop a set of valuable subject-specific and transferrable skills. You’ll have opportunities to work independently and collaboratively, developing your skills and knowledge in contexts that extend beyond the university environment. All these elements combine to provide you with an exciting and dynamic educational experience that’s unique to Leeds.

The School of Music is one of the largest in the country, and the School of Mathematics is part of a large Engineering and Physical Sciences Faculty, each of which brings several benefits to our students. Our size enables us to attract a diverse body of students from across the UK and internationally, which gives the Schools vibrant communities and cultures. Decolonisation, equality and inclusivity are embedded within the curriculum, so all our students can feel a sense of belonging in both Schools and can thrive on their course, no matter what their background and prior experience. Additionally, the Faculty of Engineering and Physical Sciences has a specific commitment to supporting women in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM).