Mathematics and Music

Mathematics has often been considered an arts subject, with many studying it for the beauty of the subject. Likewise, although a very creative subject, music has many links to mathematics and can be studied as a scientific subject.

On this joint honours programme, you will study elements of mathematics and music and explore the historical connection between these two disciplines. You will split your time evenly between the two subjects over the entire programme.

Areas of study

You will take compulsory mathematics courses, and study the theoretical and cultural aspects of music, such as:

• listening and musicianship

• music technology

• composition

Later in the programme, you can choose to:

• specialise in particular aspects of mathematics

• specialise in particular aspects of music

• examine the links between the two subjects

• study a broad range of topics across the two subjects

Music performance

Studying music performance is not possible as part of this degree. However, we strongly encourage our students to pursue performance opportunities through the University's societies and ensembles.

Programme benefits

• Enhance your knowledge of both mathematics and music by studying them together in this joint degree programme.

• Our teaching fosters interactive engagement that promotes long-term understanding. It is enhanced by technology, including voting systems and online quizzes, and we actively encourage collaborative learning.

• Our programmes focus on employability skills. Our Student Development team and the University's Careers Service give students employability support. This includes presentations from industry employers and alumni career showcases, which demonstrate the range of careers open to mathematics graduates.

• We host regular workshops to help you prepare for applying to internships, jobs and further study.

• Both schools have expertise in a variety of research areas, allowing you to tailor your degree programme to your area of interest.

• You will also be part of a rich community of musicians, and creative artists, designers, filmmakers, animators and others in the Edinburgh College of Art.