Mathematics and Music Technology
UCAS code G1W3
- Study mode
- Full-time
- Duration
- 3 years
- Start date and application deadlines
-
- Start date
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
| 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.
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
Programme details and modules listed are illustrative only and subject to change.
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 |
Programme details and modules listed are illustrative only and subject to change.
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 Hallmarks
We have a distinctive approach to education, the Liverpool Curriculum Framework, which focuses on research-connected teaching, active learning, and authentic assessment to ensure our students graduate as digitally fluent and confident global citizens.
The Liverpool Curriculum framework sets out our distinctive approach to education. Our teaching staff support our students to develop academic knowledge, skills, and understanding alongside our graduate attributes:
- Digital fluency
- Confidence
- Global citizenship
Our curriculum is characterised by the three Liverpool Hallmarks:
- Research-connected teaching
- Active learning
- Authentic assessment
All this is underpinned by our core value of inclusivity and commitment to providing a curriculum that is accessible to all students.
Entry requirements
The qualifications and exam results you'll need to apply for this course.
| Qualification | Details |
|---|---|
| A levels |
BBC (including Mathematics: B and Music: B) |
| BTEC Level 3 national extended diploma |
DDM including B in Mathematics and B in Music or Music Technology |
| BTEC combinations |
BTEC National Diploma DM plus B in Mathematics at A level; BTEC National Extended Certificate M plus BB at A level including Mathematics at grade B and Music at grade B. We cannot accept Rockschool Popular Music Theory in lieu of ABRSM Music Theory. ABRSM Grade 8 in Music Theory acceptable in lieu of Music A level (this is in addition to three A levels). |
| Welsh Baccalaureate Advanced |
B in the Welsh Baccalaureate, plus BB at A level to include Mathematics and Music. ABRSM Grade 8 in Music Theory acceptable in lieu of Music A level (this is in addition to three A levels). This should also include the text: We cannot accept Rockschool Popular Music Theory in lieu of ABRSM Music Theory. |
| Access |
Pass relevant Access to HE Diploma with 45 Level 3 credits with 27 at Distinction (including 15 Mathematics credits) and 18 at Merit. Not acceptable without A level Music or Music Technology or Grade 8 Theory. We cannot accept Rockschool Popular Music Theory in lieu of ABRSM Music Theory. |
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
Year abroad
Broaden your world by spending an additional year of study at a partner university abroad following your second year of study.
- Choose from up-to 26 countries
- Experience another way of life
- 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
Where can I spend a year abroad on this course?
- Australia
- Canada
- Hong Kong
- Malaysia
- Singapore
- South Korea
- USA
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
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
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.
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.