Physics with Music

Choose Physics with Music at Royal Holloway, University of London and you'll combine two of the subjects you love across three years of study. You’ll develop a wide range of skills including mathematics, experimental skills, computing, communication, composition and historical musicology, all while maximising your graduate employability with a desirable honours degree.

You'll study in one of the University of London's major centres for physics teaching and research, with research strengths including Quantum physics, condensed matter and particle physics informing our teaching. Physics is studied as the major subject, and you'll learn the mathematical, conceptual and experimental skills expected of a graduate physicist.

This degree is run jointly with the Department of Music, where our expert academics have worked hard to build excellent industry connections. You'll learn about music composition, theory and analysis, together with historical musicology, and issues that shape contemporary music, including politics, urban development, gender and globalisation.

You'll graduate with excellent employability prospects across a range of sectors, with employers valuing graduates with the diverse skillset offered by this degree.
Physics is studied as the major subject with the addition of music as a significant component.

This degree is run jointly with the acclaimed Department of Music at Royal Holloway (no. 5 in the UK, Complete University Guide, 2018).

You will learn about music composition, theory and analysis together with historical musicology and issues that shape contemporary music.

Course Modules

Core Modules

Year 1

• Mathematics for Scientists 1

• Mathematics for Scientists 2

• Scientific Skills

• Classical Mechanics

• Classical Matter

• Physics of the Universe

• Theory and Analysis

Year 2

• Fields and Waves

• Mathematical Methods

• The Solid State

• Scientific Computing Skills

• Quantum Mechanics

• Classical and Statistical Thermodynamics

Year 3

• Advanced Skills in Physics

• Experimental or Theoretical Project

• Optics

• Electromagnetism

Optional Modules

Below is a taster of some of the exciting optional modules that students on the course could choose from during this academic year. Please be aware these do change over time, and optional modules may be withdrawn or new ones added.

Year 1

• Theory and Analysis

• Fundamentals of Music Theory

• Creative Composition Techniques

• Practical Composition Skills

• A Very Short History of Music

• Introduction to Historical Musicology

• Introduction to World Music

• Contemporary Debates in Music

Year 2

• Composition Portfolio

• Practical and Creative Orchestration

• Practical Conducting (Choral and Orchestral)

• Composing with Technology 1

• Introduction to Jazz: Theory, Practice and Contexts

• Popular Music and Musicians in Post-War Britain and North America

• Korean Percussion Performance

• Musical Aesthetics

• Mozart's Operas

• Issues in Sound, Music and the Moving Image

• Music and Society in Purcell's London

• Music, Power and Politics

• Ideas of German Music from Mozart to Henze

• Music and Gender

• Hearing the Orient: Critical and Practical Approaches to the Middle East

Year 3

• Energy and Climate Science

• Advanced Classical Physics

• Further Mathematical Methods

• Nonlinear Dynamical Systems

• Quantum Theory

• Particle Physics

• Metals and Semiconductors

• Superconductivity and Magnetism

• General Relativity and Cosmology

• Particle Astrophysics

• Special Study: Dissertation

• Special Study: Theory and Analysis

• Special Study: Composition

• Musical Aesthetics

• Mozart's Operas

• Issues in Sound, Music and the Moving Image

• Music and Society in Purcell's London

• Music, Power and Politics

• Ideas of German Music from Mozart to Henze

• Music and Gender

• Composing with Technology 2

• Atomic Physics

https://www.royalholloway.ac.uk/studying-here/undergraduate/physics/physics-with-music/

The course has a modular structure, whereby students take 24 course units at the rate of eight per year. Some course units are compulsory while others are elective thereby offering flexibility and choice.

Teaching in the Physics department takes place in lectures, seminars, laboratory practical classes and problem-solving sessions. Outside class-time students participate in group projects and guided independent study and have access to the college’s comprehensive e-learning facility, ‘Moodle’ where there is a variety of resources available for students.

Physics assessment is usually by two-hour examination at the end of the year. Coursework and in-class tests also contribute to the assessment of many course units. Experimental work is generally assessed by written reports or oral presentation. A minimum of six of the eight course units must be passed with a minimum score of 40 per cent each year.

Teaching in the Music department is through a combination of lectures, seminars, tutorials, or group instrumental/vocal lessons - performance modules that include individual instrumental or vocal lessons are not available on this course.

You will also have the opportunity to take part in a wide variety of musical activities supported by the department, including performances by orchestras, choirs and other ensembles. Private study and preparation are essential parts of every course, and you will have access to many online resources through Moodle. When you start with us, you are assigned a Personal Advisor to support you academically and personally.

Music assessment is carried out by a combination of examinations, which take place in the summer term, along with written papers, extended essays, assessed coursework, and a portfolio of practical work.