About this course

This programme combines Mathematics and Music Technology as a Joint Honours programme.

Introduction

The Music and Technology programme allows you to specialise in the vocational areas of recording and production, electronic music, sound design and composition for film and video gaming. In year one, core modules look at the foundations of creative music technology, sound, and production. In your second and final years, you will have a free choice of modules in both subjects, but this will include an independent project in Creative Music Technology.

Year in industry

Undergraduate students in the Department of Music have the opportunity to spend a year in industry, either in their third year, or by adding a ‘follow-on year’ at the end of their academic studies. These are paid placements within an organisation in industry, broadly defined, and you will receive support from the Department and the School of the Arts to source and apply for opportunities. Find out more about the difference between these options, including how to apply.

What you'll learn

Advanced understanding of sound and music technology theory
Practical and vocational skills in sound recording and production
Academic research skills
Critical and cultural awareness
Written and oral communication and presentation
Creativity

Course content

Discover what you'll learn, what you'll study, and how you'll be taught and assessed.

Year one

You will take seven compulsory modules – four in Music Technology, and three in Mathematics – and choose one optional module in Mathematics.

Modules

Compulsory modules	Credits
CALCULUS I (MATH101)	15
CALCULUS II (MATH102)	15
INTRODUCTION TO LINEAR ALGEBRA (MATH103)	15
INTRODUCTION TO DIGITAL AUDIO WORKSTATIONS (MUSI109)	15
INTRODUCTION TO SOUND AND TECHNOLOGY (MUSI171)	15
INTRODUCTION TO SOUND RECORDING AND PRODUCTION (MUSI108)	15
THE HISTORY OF ELECTRONIC MUSIC (MUSI172)	15

Optional modules	Credits
INTRODUCTION TO STATISTICS USING R (MATH163)	15
NEWTONIAN MECHANICS (MATH122)	15
NUMBERS, GROUPS AND CODES (MATH142)	15

Programme details and modules listed are illustrative only and subject to change. The course content currently shown on this page reflects the programme as it is running in September 2026. The University is currently reviewing all of its programmes for 2027 entry. View the 2027 version of this course for more information.

Year two

In your second year, you will take entirely optional modules in both Music Technology and Mathematics.

You must take at least four of the following: MUSI205, MUSI208, MUSI209, MUSI213, MUSI214, MUSI243.
You must choose two from MATH225, MATH243, MATH244, MATH253.
You must choose two from MATH122, MATH142, MATH163, MATH221, MATH226, MATH228, MATH242, MATH247, MATH254, MATH260, MATH269.

Modules

Optional modules	Credits
CLASSICAL MECHANICS (MATH228)	15
COMMUTATIVE ALGEBRA (MATH247)	15
COMPLEX FUNCTIONS (MATH243)	15
COMPOSITION FOR FILM AND TELEVISION (MUSI205)	15
DIFFERENTIAL EQUATIONS (MATH221)	15
FINANCIAL MATHEMATICS (MATH260)	15
INTRODUCTION TO STATISTICS USING R (MATH163)	15
LINEAR ALGEBRA AND GEOMETRY (MATH244)	15
LIVE SOUND (MUSI214)	15
MAX AND ABLETON LIVE (MUSI209)	15
METRIC SPACES AND CALCULUS (MATH242)	15
MUSIC AND SPORT (MUSI222)	15
NEWTONIAN MECHANICS (MATH122)	15
NUMBERS, GROUPS AND CODES (MATH142)	15
NUMERICAL METHODS (MATH226)	15
OPERATIONAL RESEARCH: LINEAR AND CONVEX METHODS (MATH269)	15
PROFESSIONAL AND CAREER DEVELOPMENT (SOTA260)	15
SAMPLING AND REMIXING (MUSI213)	15
FOLEY AND SOUND DESIGN (MUSI208)	15
SOUND RECORDING AND PRODUCTION 2 (MUSI243)	15
STATISTICS AND PROBABILITY I (MATH253)	15
STATISTICS AND PROBABILITY II (MATH254)	15
VECTOR CALCULUS WITH APPLICATIONS IN FLUID MECHANICS (MATH225)	15

Final year

Your final year will include an independent project in Creative Music Technology, while your remaining modules will be taken from a selection.

You must take either MUSI305 or MUSI308.
You must take two from MATH322, MATH323, MATH324, MATH325, MATH326, MATH343, MATH344, MATH362, MATH363, MATH365, MATH367, MATH399.
You must take three from MATH327, MATH331, MATH332, MATH336, MATH342, MATH345, MATH346, MATH349, MATH360, MATH361, MATH364, MATH366, MATH399.

Modules

Compulsory modules	Credits
INDEPENDENT PROJECT: CREATIVE MUSIC TECHNOLOGY (MUSI396)	30

Optional modules	Credits
APPLIED PROBABILITY (MATH362)	15
APPLIED STOCHASTIC MODELS (MATH360)	15
CARTESIAN TENSORS AND MATHEMATICAL MODELS OF SOLIDS AND VISCOUS FLUIDS (MATH324)	15
CHAOS AND DYNAMICAL SYSTEMS (MATH322)	15
COMPOSITION FOR DIGITAL GAMES (MUSI305)	15
COMBINATORICS (MATH344)	15
DIFFERENTIAL GEOMETRY (MATH349)	15
FURTHER METHODS OF APPLIED MATHEMATICS (MATH323)	15
GAME THEORY (MATH331)	15
GROUP THEORY (MATH343)	15
LINEAR STATISTICAL MODELS (MATH363)	15
MATHEMATICAL RISK THEORY (MATH366)	15
MEASURE THEORY AND PROBABILITY (MATH365)	15
MEDICAL STATISTICS (MATH364)	15
COMPOSING ELECTRONIC MUSIC (MUSI308)	15
NETWORKS IN THEORY AND PRACTICE (MATH367)	15
NUMBER THEORY (MATH342)	15
NUMERICAL METHODS FOR ORDINARY AND PARTIAL DIFFERENTIAL EQUATIONS (MATH336)	15
POPULATION DYNAMICS (MATH332)	15
PROJECTS IN MATHEMATICS (MATH399)	15
QUANTUM MECHANICS (MATH325)	15
RELATIVITY (MATH326)	15
MORE IS DIFFERENT: STATISTICAL MECHANICS, THERMODYNAMICS, AND ALL THAT (MATH327)	15
THE FILM MUSIC OF JOHN WILLIAMS (MUSI370)	15
THEORY OF STATISTICAL INFERENCE (MATH361)	15
THE MAGIC OF COMPLEX NUMBERS: COMPLEX DYNAMICS, CHAOS AND THE MANDELBROT SET (MATH345)	15
TOPOLOGY (MATH346)	15

Teaching and assessment

How you'll learn

Your learning activities will consist of lectures, tutorials, practical classes, problem classes, private study and supervised project work. In Year One, lectures are supplemented by a thorough system of group tutorials and computing work is carried out in supervised practical classes. Key study skills, presentation skills and group work start in first-year tutorials and are developed later in the programme. The emphasis in most modules is on the development of problem solving skills, which are regarded very highly by employers. Project supervision is on a one-to-one basis, apart from group projects in Year Two.

How you're assessed

Most modules are assessed by a two and a half hour examination in January or May, but many have an element of coursework assessment. This might be through homework, class tests, mini-project work or key skills exercises.

Liverpool Learning Framework

At Liverpool, we take a distinctive approach to education through the Liverpool Learning Framework. This means teaching that is engaging, inclusive and designed to help you succeed during your studies and beyond.

You’ll develop specialist subject knowledge alongside the skills employers value most, including:

Digital fluency
Confidence
Global citizenship

Our curriculum is characterised by the three Liverpool Hallmarks:

Research-connected teaching - learning informed by the latest ideas and discoveries
Active learning - taking part, applying knowledge and learning by doing
Authentic assessment - assessments designed around real-world tasks and challenges

We also embed key priorities across our curriculum, including AI literacy, employability, and sustainability, helping you prepare for the future and make a positive impact in the world.

We’re committed to creating a supportive and inclusive learning environment where every student can thrive.

Course options

Studying with us means you can tailor your degree to suit you. Here's what is available on this course.

Global opportunities

University of Liverpool students can choose from an exciting range of study placements at partner universities worldwide. Choose to spend a year at XJTLU in China or a year or semester at an institution of your choice.

Year in China

Immerse yourself in Chinese culture on an optional additional year at Xi'an Jiaotong Liverpool University in stunning Suzhou.

Learn Chinese
Study in a bustling world heritage city
Improve employment prospects
Study Chinese culture
30 minutes from Shanghai
Learn new skills

Where can I spend a year abroad on this course?

Australia
Canada
Hong Kong
Malaysia
Singapore
South Korea
USA

More about taking a year abroad

Semester abroad

Take a semester of your second year of study at one of our worldwide partner institutions.

Inspire your future career or studies
Improved prospects of earning a 2:1 or First
More likely to earn higher salary
More likely to be employed after graduating

More about taking a semester abroad

Summer abroad

Spend a summer abroad on a study placement or research project at one of our worldwide partner institutions.

Spend a summer abroad in addition to your degree programme
Study abroad without adding an extra year
Choose any summer between your first and final year of study
Get the chance to study subjects outside your discipline

Where can I spend a summer abroad on this course?

Hong Kong
Japan
South Korea

More about taking a summer abroad

Language study

Every student at The University of Liverpool can study a language as part of, or alongside their degree. You can choose:

A dedicated languages degree
A language as a joint or major/minor degree
Language modules (selected degrees)
Language classes alongside your studies

Your experience

Much of your teaching will take place in the Department of Music. Our recently renovated facilities include studios, teaching spaces and industry standard equipment, and we recently opened the Tung Auditorium: a 400-seat state of the art performance venue, which has been developed to support our requirements and to function as a public-facing space for concerts outside of teaching time.

Explore where you'll study

Studying Music at Liverpool

Meet Kate: studying Maths at Liverpool

Virtual tour

Supporting your learning

From arrival to alumni, we’re with you all the way:

Careers and employability support, including help with career planning, understanding the job market and strengthening your networking skills
A dedicated student services team can help you get assistance with your studies, help with health and wellbeing, and access to financial advice
Confidential counselling and support to help students with personal problems affecting their studies and general wellbeing
Support for students with differing needs from the Disability advice and guidance team. They can identify and recommend appropriate support provisions for you.

Why study Music at Liverpool?

We pride ourselves on being an innovative department that embraces the full spectrum of music, from the great works of the past to emerging trends such as sound for computer games
Our staff and students come from a variety of performance and non-performance backgrounds and share interests that span classical, popular, world and film music
Long established as a classical music department, in 1988 we created the Institute of Popular Music – the world’s first specialist centre for the study of Popular Music
Music placed in the top quartile for impact classified as outstanding (4*) (REF 2021)
Our recently refurbished facilities boast brand new studios, teaching spaces, and industry standard equipment. These include recording and production studios, an SSL studio, practice rooms with Yamaha pianos, a multipurpose rehearsal and performance space, iMac suites and a games research lab
In March 2022 we opened the Tung Auditorium, a new state-of-the-art performance venue seating up to 400 people, with space for a 70-piece orchestra.

Chat with our students

Want to find out more about student life?
Chat with our student ambassadors and ask any questions you have.

Match with an ambassador

Careers and employability

A mathematically-based degree opens up a wide range of career opportunities, including some of the most lucrative professions.

Recent employers of our graduates are:

Barclays Bank plc
Deloitte
Forrest Recruitment
Marks and Spencer
Mercer Human Resource Consulting Ltd.
Venture Marketing Group.
BAE Systems
BT
Guardian Media Group
Royal Bank of Scotland
Siemens
Unilever.

80% of music students will go on to work and/or further study 15 months after graduation.

(Discover Uni, 2018-19.)

My qualifications are from United Kingdom.

Fees and funding

Your tuition fees, funding your studies, and other costs to consider.

Tuition fees

UK fees (applies to Channel Islands, Isle of Man and Republic of Ireland)

Full-time place, per year - £9,790
Year in industry fee - £1,955
Year abroad fee - £1,465 (applies to year in China)

International fees

Full-time place, per year - £29,500
Year in industry fee - £1,955
Year abroad fee - £14,750 (applies to year in China)

The fees shown are for the academic year 2026/27. Please be advised that tuition fees may increase each year for both UK and international students. For UK students, this will be subject to the government’s regulated fee limits.

Tuition fees cover the cost of your teaching and assessment, operating facilities such as libraries, IT equipment, and access to academic and personal support. Learn more about paying for your studies.

Additional costs

We understand that budgeting for your time at university is important, and we want to make sure you understand any course-related costs that are not covered by your tuition fee. This could include buying a laptop, books, or stationery.

Find out more about the additional study costs that may apply to this course.

We’re showing the scholarships available to students from United Kingdom.

Scholarships and bursaries

We offer a range of scholarships and bursaries that could help pay your tuition and living expenses.

Whiteley Award

This award offers £3,000 per year for a UK undergraduate student from an under-represented background who has successfully completed the Liverpool Scholars or Pathways to Medicine programme.

The Liverpool Bursary

If you’re a UK student joining an undergraduate degree and have a household income below £35,000, you could be eligible for a Liverpool Bursary worth up to £2,000 for each year of undergraduate study.

Asylum Seekers Scholarship

Apply for an Asylum Seekers Scholarship and you could have your tuition fees paid in full and receive help with study costs. You’ll need to have applied for asylum in the UK, or be the dependant of an asylum seeker, and be joining an eligible undergraduate degree.

Care Leavers’ Opportunity Bursary

If you’ve spent 13 or more weeks in Local Authority care since age 14, you could be eligible for a bursary of £3,000 per year of study. You’ll need to be a UK student joining an eligible undergraduate degree and be aged 28 or above on 1 September in the year you start.

Cowrie Foundation Scholarship

Are you a UK student with a Black African or Caribbean heritage and a household income of £25,000 or less? You could be eligible to apply for a Cowrie Foundation Scholarship worth up to £8,000 for each year of undergraduate study.

Estranged Students Bursary

If you’re a UK student identified as estranged by Student Finance England (or the equivalent UK funding body), you could be eligible for a bursary of £1,000 for each year of undergraduate study.

Genesys Life Sciences Scholarship

Joining a School of Biosciences degree and have a household income of less than £25,000? If you’re a UK student, you could apply to receive £4,500 per year for three years of your undergraduate course.

Nolan Scholarships

Do you live in the Liverpool City Region with a household income of £25,000 or less? Did neither of your parents attend University? You could be eligible to apply for a Nolan Scholarship worth £5,000 per year for three years of undergraduate study.

Rigby Enterprise Award

Are you a UK student with a household income of £25,000 or less? If you’ve participated in an eligible outreach programme, you could be eligible to apply for a Rigby Enterprise Award worth £5,000 per year for three years of your undergraduate degree.

ROLABOTIC Scholarship

Are you a UK student with a household income of £26,500 or less? Did neither of your parents attend University? You could be eligible to apply for a ROLABOTIC Scholarship worth £4,500 for each year of your undergraduate degree.

Sport Liverpool Performance Programme

Apply to receive tailored training support to enhance your sporting performance. Our athlete support package includes a range of benefits, from bespoke strength and conditioning training to physiotherapy sessions and one-to-one nutritional advice.

Technetix Broadhurst Engineering Scholarship

Joining a degree in the School of Electrical Engineering, Electronics and Computer Science? If you’re a UK student with household income below £25,000, you could be eligible to apply for £5,000 a year for three years of study. Two awards will be available per academic year.

Young Adult Carer’s (YAC) Bursary

If you’re a young adult and a registered carer in the UK, you might be eligible for a £1,000 bursary for each year of study. You’ll need to be aged 18-25 on 1 September in the year you start your undergraduate degree.

Discover our full range of scholarships and bursaries.

My qualifications are from United Kingdom.

Entry requirements

The qualifications and exam results you'll need to apply for this course.

Qualification	Details
A levels	ABB Including A level Mathematics at grade A and A level Music or Music Technology at grade B (or ABRSM Grade 8 in Music Theory at Distinction). Applicants with the Extended Project Qualification (EPQ) are eligible for a reduction in grade requirements. For this course, the offer is ABC from A levels, with A in the EPQ. You may automatically qualify for reduced entry requirements through our contextual offers scheme. Based on your personal circumstances, you may automatically qualify for up to a two-grade reduction in the entry requirements needed for this course. When you apply, we consider a range of factors – such as where you live – to assess if you’re eligible for a grade reduction. You don’t have to make an application for a grade reduction – we’ll do all the work. Find out more about how we make reduced grade offers.
T levels	T levels are not currently accepted.
GCSE	4/C in English and 4/C in Mathematics
Subject requirements	For applicants from England: Where a science has been taken at A level (Chemistry, Biology or Physics), a pass in the science practical of each subject will be required.
BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma	D*DD in relevant diploma, when combined with A Level Mathematics grade A
International Baccalaureate	32 points overall with no score less than 4 and including 6 in HL Mathematics and 5 in HL Music, or pass the IB Diploma plus 6,5,5 in 3 HL subjects including 6 in HL Mathematics and 5 in HL Music.
Irish Leaving Certificate	H1, H2, H2, H2, H3, H3 including Mathematics at H1 and Music at H2
Scottish Higher/Advanced Higher	Advanced Highers accepted at grades ABB including grade A in Mathematics and grade B in Music
Welsh Baccalaureate Advanced	B in the Welsh Baccalaureate, plus AB at A level to include Mathematics at grade A and Music or Music Technology at grade B.
Access	Pass relevant Access to HE Diploma with 45 Level 3 credits with 33 at Distinction (including 15 in Mathematics) and 12 at Merit. A Level grade B in Music or Music Technology also required.
International qualifications	Many countries have a different education system to that of the UK, meaning your qualifications may not meet our direct entry requirements. Although there is no direct Foundation Certificate route to this course, completing a Foundation Certificate, such as that offered by the University of Liverpool International College, can guarantee you a place on a number of similar courses which may interest you.

Alternative entry requirements

If your qualification isn't listed here, or you're taking a combination of qualifications, contact us for advice
Applications from mature students are welcome.

English language requirements

You'll need to demonstrate competence in the use of English language, unless you’re from a majority English speaking country.

We accept a variety of international language tests and country-specific qualifications.

International applicants who do not meet the minimum required standard of English language can complete one of our Pre-Sessional English courses to achieve the required level.

Qualification	Details
IELTS	6.5 overall, with no component below 5.5
TOEFL iBT	If you took a TOEFL test on or before 20 January 2026, you’ll need 88 overall, with minimum scores of listening 17, writing 17, reading 17 and speaking 19. If you took a TOEFL test from 21 January 2026 onwards, when a new scoring system was introduced, you’ll need 4.5 overall, with 4 or above in all components. TOEFL Home Edition not accepted.
Duolingo English Test	115 overall, with speaking, reading and writing not less than 105, and listening not below 100
Pearson PTE Academic	61 overall, with no component below 59
LanguageCert Academic	65 overall, with no skill below 60
Cambridge IGCSE First Language English 0500	Grade C overall, with a minimum of grade 2 in speaking and listening. Speaking and listening must be separately endorsed on the certificate.
Cambridge IGCSE First Language English 0990	Grade 4 overall, with Merit in speaking and listening
Cambridge IGCSE Second Language English 0510/0511	0510: Grade B overall, with a minimum of grade 2 in speaking. Speaking must be separately endorsed on the certificate. 0511: Grade B overall.
Cambridge IGCSE Second Language English 0993/0991	0993: Grade 6 overall, with a minimum of grade 2 in speaking. Speaking must be separately endorsed on the certificate. 0991: Grade 6 overall.
Cambridge ESOL Level 2/3 Advanced	176 overall, with no paper below 162
International Baccalaureate English A: Literature or Language & Literature	Grade 4 at Standard Level or grade 4 at Higher Level
International Baccalaureate English B	Grade 6 at Standard Level or grade 5 at Higher Level

Pre-sessional English

Do you need to complete a Pre-sessional English course to meet the English language requirements for this course?

The length of Pre-sessional English course you’ll need to take depends on your current level of English language ability.

Pre-sessional English in detail

If you don’t meet our English language requirements, we can use your most recent IELTS score, or the equivalent score in selected other English language tests, to determine the length of Pre-sessional English course you require.

Use the table below to check the course length you're likely to require for your current English language ability and see whether the course is available on campus or online.

Your most recent IELTS score	Pre-sessional English course length	On campus or online
6.0 overall, with no component below 5.5	6 weeks	On campus or online
5.5 overall, with no more than one component at 5.0	10 weeks	On campus or online
5.5 overall, with no component below 5.0	12 weeks	Online
5.0 overall, with no component below 5.0	20 weeks	On campus
5.0 overall, with no component below 4.5	30 weeks	On campus
4.5 overall, with no more than one component at 4.0	40 weeks	On campus

If you’ve completed an alternative English language test to IELTS, we may be able to use this to assess your English language ability and determine the Pre-sessional English course length you require.

Please see our guide to Pre-sessional English entry requirements for IELTS 6.5 overall, with no component below 5.5, for further details.

Contact us

Have a question about this course or studying with us? Our dedicated enquiries team can help.

Send us a message Phone: +44 (0) 151 794 5927

Last updated 21 April 2026 / / Programme terms and conditions