Combine precision and creativity. Explore two interconnected disciplines as you study technical language and formulae alongside musical technique and practice.
Develop your musical craft, learning from world-leading music tutors, and develop your critical thinking and independent learning skills while exploring the advanced study of mathematics.
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in the UK for Music
Guardian University Guide 2026
Get involved with over 40 different ensembles alongside competitions, concerts, and a health and wellbeing programme. From orchestras to choirs, folk music to jazz and brass bands, and extensive early music provision, you’ll find community and performance opportunities with like-minded musicians.
From podcasting to brain monitoring, our state-of-the-art facilities empower our students to create, perform, collaborate and explore in new and exciting ways.
Hear more about studying at Birmingham. Chat to one of our friendly students to find out more about your favourite course, our beautiful campus and life in our vibrant and cultural city.
Study at the University of Birmingham and learn from world-class experts—authors of key works and leaders with global teaching and research experience.
At Birmingham, you’ll have plenty of support to help you adjust to university life:
Your degree is designed to help you achieve 120 credits per year, which equals about 40 hours of learning each week. This includes lectures, seminars, workshops, independent study, revision, and assessments.
You’ll be assessed in different ways to suit each module. At the start of a module, you’ll be told how and when you’ll be assessed. Methods will vary but may include coursework (e.g., essays), group or individual presentations and projects, exams, reports or computer-based assignments.
Feedback: You will receive timely feedback on each assessment, so you can learn from it and improve your performance in future assessments.
The modules listed for this programme are regularly reviewed to ensure they are up-to-date and informed by the latest research and teaching methods.
The optional module information listed for this programme is intended to be indicative, and the availability of optional modules may vary from year to year. Where a module is no longer available, we will let you know as soon as we can and help you to make other choices.
2026/27 Session
The following must be taken:
| Module title | Credits |
|---|---|
| Music and Ideas I | 10 |
| Music and Ideas II | 10 |
| Mathematical Foundations, Calculus and Linear Algebra | 40 |
| Probability, Data and Statistics | 20 |
| Techniques of Tonal Music 2 | 10 |
| Techniques of Tonal Music 1 | 10 |
Students must take two of the following modules:
Either
| Module title | Credits |
|---|---|
| Composing with Technology (semester 2) | 10 |
| Instrumental Composition (semester 1) | 10 |
Or
| Module title | Credits |
|---|---|
| Introduction to Music and its Cultures I | 10 |
| Introduction to Music and its Cultures II | 10 |
2027/28 Session
Students must take at least one of the following modules. Students can take both modules if they wish.
| Module title | Credits |
|---|---|
| Analysis of Music | 20 |
| Critical Musicology | 20 |
Students may not take more than 40 credits of performance-based modules.
Students taking 60 credits of Music and 60 credits in Mathematics
Music: Students must take one 20 credit compulsory module. Students must take 40 credits of optional modules.
Mathematics: Students must select 60 credits of optional modules.
Students choose additional Level I modules provided annually by the department. The following is an indicative list from Music:
| Module title | Credits |
|---|---|
| Conducting I | 10 |
| Conducting II | 10 |
| Orchestration I | 10 |
| Orchestration II | 10 |
| Advanced Performance Skills | 20 |
| British Music Renaissance 1880 - 1914 | 20 |
| Film Music Techniques and History | 20 |
| Free Composition | 20 |
| From Glinka to Glazunov | 20 |
| Introduction to Jazz Styles: 1920 to 1980 | 20 |
| Music Festivals | 20 |
| Music Year Abroad | 120 |
| Music and Emotion | 20 |
| Music and Gender | 20 |
| Music for Games | 20 |
| Music, Nations and Nationalism 1789 - 1945 | 20 |
| Solo Performance | 20 |
| The Broadway Musical from Show Boat to Sondheim | 20 |
| The Hybrid Sound Lab: Acoustic and Electronic Composition | 20 |
| The Symphony: Prestige and Politics | 20 |
| Traditional Music in Britain and Ireland | 20 |
The following is an indicative list from Mathematics:
Students must choose 60 credits from the following:
Students may also apply to undertake a Professional Skills module. If successful this will be taken in place of 20 credits of taught modules in Music only.
2028/29 Session
Students may apply to undertake either an optional year abroad or an optional year in Computer Science between years 2 and 3.
Students must take 40 credits of independent study selected from the modules below.
Students may take two 20 credit Independent Study modules in Music OR one 40 credit Special Subject module in Music.
OR
Students can take the 40 credit project module in Mathematics.
Students choose additional modules provided annually by the departments.
Optional modules offered by Mathematics (indicative)
The following is an indicative list from Music:
Students may also apply to undertake a Professional Skills module. If successful this will be taken in place of one of their semester 1 taught modules in Music only.
You can apply to study abroad for a year in an approved university around the world. If you achieve a grade of 2.1 or above in your first year, you will be eligible to apply for a Year Abroad in your second year. If your application is successful, you will go abroad in your third year and return to us for your final year.
To secure a place at Birmingham, you'll need to meet our general entry requirements as well as those specific to your course.
AAB with A level Music grade A and A level Maths grade A. See below for full information.
6,6,5 32 points overall. See below for full information.
BTEC Extended Diploma: DDM, plus AA at A-level in the required subject/s mentioned below. See below for full information.
Number of A levels required: 3
Required subjects and grades:
AAB with A level Music grade A and A level Maths grade A. Where applicants are not taking Music at A level then ABRSM Grade 6 Theory or Grade 8 Performance is acceptable, in addition to the three A levels at AAB. Applicants with equivalent Trinity or LCM music theory qualifications are still considered. Music Technology A Level or any Music BTEC qualifications will not be accepted as a substitute for Music A level (however, they will be accepted as part of your wider offer providing all other requirements are met).
We will also consider applications from candidates who do not meet the standard requirements for A Level Music, graded Theory or Performance exams on a case-by-case basis. Following your application you may be invited to an interview/audition.
General Studies is not accepted.
6,6,5 in Higher level subjects plus 32 points overall including HL 6 in Maths / Further Maths + HL 6 in Music. Where applicants are not taking HL Music, similar alternatives as in A level option will be accepted (ABRSM/equivalent grades or an interview).
Where applicants are not taking A level Music, similar alternatives as in A level option will be accepted (ABRSM/equivalent grades or an interview).
Applicants who take the EPQ and meet our offer criteria will be made the typical offer for their programme of choice, plus an alternative offer which will be one grade lower plus a grade A in the EPQ. This offer would apply if you make Birmingham your firm choice.
If you are an international student, you will need to demonstrate you have a suitable level of English proficiency, usually through the form of an IELTS or equivalent qualification or a Presessional English course.
If you have a conditional offer for Birmingham where English is a requirement, you can take a Presessional English course as an alternative to retaking IELTS or a similar qualification. We offer on-campus courses all year round starting from September, including additional online courses in the summer term. Teaching takes place in small classes with no more than 18 students to maximise class participation.
Stay up-to-date with news and updates from the University of Birmingham including events, our courses and studying with us by registering your details. If you do so, you will be able to use our Offer Calculator.
Students who are eligible and complete a Pathways to Birmingham programme will receive an alternative offer, which is typically two grades below the standard offer.
Our Contextual Offer scheme recognises the potential of students whose personal circumstances may have restricted achievement in school or college. If you are eligible to benefit from the Contextual Offer scheme, you will receive an offer which is one grade lower than the standard offer. You don’t need to apply for this – it will be assessed and applied at the point of application if you’re eligible.
ABC with A level Music grade B and A level Maths grade A
ABB with A level Music grade B and A level Maths grade A
The University tuition fee covers the cost of your tuition, examination and graduation, and includes membership of the Guild of Students.
per year for domestic (UK) students for 2026/27
*The University will charge the maximum approved tuition fee per year. If Parliament agrees on an increase in tuition fees, the University will increase fees for each year of study, normally in line with these changes and will communicate any change in the fees to you without delay. The fee for September 2026 entry is £9,790 for UK students. If you are applying for 2027 entry, you will be advised of the annual tuition fee once it is confirmed by the Government.
To help with the cost of studies, undergraduate students from the UK can apply for student finance through the Student Loans Company. The support available is made up of a tuition fee loan and a maintenance loan which helps to cover living costs.
At Birmingham, we believe that financial worries should not be a barrier to accessing higher education. That’s why we offer a range of additional financial support for students through scholarships, bursaries and other awards.
If you're a UK student and starting university in September 2026, find out more about what financial support is available to you.
We want to help you reach your full potential. Explore our wide variety of scholarships available for international students.
£3,000 awards for international students applying for entry to an undergraduate programme starting September 2026.
Whatever your journey to university looks like, we’re here to support you every step of the way. For all undergraduate courses at Birmingham, you apply online through UCAS. The UCAS website has lots of information and advice around the process.
Application deadline for September 2026 entry. Applications close at 18:00 GMT.
View further information on how to apply for undergraduate courses, including advice for UK and overseas applicants.
If you have a question about our admissions process, including how to apply, your offer and how to track your application, please speak to our team.
Mathematics and Music graduates have a range of knowledge and skills that are highly prized by graduate employers, such as:
Example Employers include:
Many take management jobs in orchestras, music venues and other arts and performance organisations. Job titles include:
Famous alumni include:
The University is the top choice for the UK's major employers searching for graduate recruits.
The Graduate Market in 2025, High Fliers report
Receive one-to-one careers advice, including guidance on your job applications, writing your CV and improving your interview technique.
Meet employers face-to-face at on-campus recruitment fairs and employer presentations.
Our aim is to make sure that success in your studies leads you on to a fulfilling career. Whatever you plan to do after your degree, the Careers Network offer support to help you identify your options, develop your skills and gain access to opportunities that propel you towards your career goal.
Hear from some of our inspiring alumni who have gone on to work for leading employers such as the UK Space Agency and BBC Sport.
Your experience studying at Birmingham will give you the opportunity to discover new experiences, develop different skills and make friends for life.
Our bustling campus with its beautiful grounds, friendly community, and excellent facilities will quickly make you feel at home. We offer you a huge variety of accommodation options in the UK’s second city, exciting activities to get involved in outside your studies, as well as all the support and advice you need.
Coming to Birmingham to study might be your first time living away from home. In our student accommodation, you can enjoy your independence in safe, welcoming and sociable surroundings.
Our cosmopolitan city has a unique history and so much to see and do. With an ever-changing food and drink scene, a vibrant nightlife and plenty of culture, our city is more than somewhere to study.
Whoever you are and wherever you come from, we are committed to providing the best possible support to our students, both before you start and throughout your time on campus.
Our beautiful campus is the place where our diverse community comes together to learn and socialise. Like a town of its own, it’s just minutes from the hustle and bustle of the UK’s second city.
Explore your options for combining subjects and shape your degree around your interests, whilst developing key skills for the world of work.
Explore our beautiful campus from wherever you are. Get a feel for the wide range of historic and modern spaces and state-of-the-art facilities.
