Mathematics and Music (BA)

at Cardiff University

Course structure

 

We are currently working with our students to update and improve the content of this course. The information shown below reflects the current curriculum and is likely to change. The review of the course is expected to be completed by August 2022 and this page will be updated by end of October 2022 to reflect the changes.

 

This is a three-year full-time degree, consisting of 120 credits a year, split equally between the two Schools.

 

The modules shown are an example of the typical curriculum and will be reviewed prior to the 2022/2023 academic year. The final modules will be published by September 2022.

 

Year one
In Music, year one provides you with the foundations to take advantage of the creative and intellectual benefits of higher education. You will receive instruction in analysis, harmony and counterpoint, history of music, composition and practical musicianship.

 

To complement your academic study, you are actively encouraged to join the University Choir or Orchestra and other ensembles.

 

In Mathematics, year one currently consists of four compulsory modules. These are Foundations of Mathematics I, Vectors and Matrices, Foundations of Mathematics II and Elementary Differential Equations.

 

Note that in both subjects some modules are 'prerequisites', providing essential preparation for more advanced modules if you wish to pursue them in later years.

 

Year two
In Music, courses are more advanced and you will focus on more specialist topics, choosing from four groups: Composition and Electroacoustic Studies, Written and Practical Musicianship, Analytical and Critical Skills, and Historical Studies.

 

Our year two modules on the Business of Music I/II are designed to help you better understand different branches of the music profession and give an opportunity for a short placement in an area related to music or the arts, either in one block or as a series of regular workplace visits.

 

In Mathematics, please see the module list to see the specifics of individual modules available.

 

Note that Statistics as a subject area is not available to students taking Music.

 

Year three
In Music, you choose again from the four subject groups, and may one of the three major academic projects: Dissertation, Project in Ethnomusicology, or Project in Music Analysis.

 

You may complete a short composition portfolio (Composition IV) and/or an ‘open’ recital in front of examiners and an invited audience only (Practical Musicianship IV).

 

There are no core modules for Mathematics in year three.

GCSE
Grade C or grade 4 in GCSE English Language.

 

IELTS (academic)
At least 6.5 overall with a minimum of 5.5 in each subskill.

 

TOEFL iBT
At least 90 overall with minimum scores of 17 for writing, 17 for listening, 18 for reading and 20 for speaking.

 

PTE Academic
At least 62 overall with a minimum of 59 in all communicative skills.

 

Trinity ISE II/III
II: at least two Distinctions and two Merits.
III: at least a Pass in all components.

Tuition fees for 2022 entry

Fees for home status

• £9,000    

 

Fees for overseas status

• £23,450

​School of Music

 

The skills developed within a music degree help our students to progress to a wide range of careers, both within and beyond the music profession.

 

Employability skills are embedded in modules at the School of Music so that you will learn both music-specific and academic skills that are transferable to other domains, especially the workplace. Our second-year modules on the Business of Music are designed to help you better understand different branches of the music profession and provide an opportunity to undertake a short placement in a music-related or arts-related area.

 

Our annual series of talks on Careers in Music offer a great chance to meet professionals active in a range of fields such as performance, music education, music journalism, arts and artist management, production and licensing, and composing for media.

 

​School of Mathematics

 

The Mathematics degree programmes will equip you with specialist numerical skills and develop your capacity for logical and analytical thought. These are qualities which are in demand across a broad range of stimulating and rewarding careers.

 

In addition to the formal teaching on the programme the School of Mathematics also has significant engagement with the Careers Service and Employers. This includes a Careers Management Skills Programme, numerous company presentations held in the School, presentations by students returning from industry, and a range of sponsored prizes awarded for academic achievement.