BSc Physics with Music
Royal Holloway, University of London
About this course
BSc in Physics and Music, combining physics with musical studies. Core topics include Mathematical Modelling, Programming, Data Analysis, Statistics, Laboratory Techniques and Historical Research. The degree is run jointly with the Department of Music. Final-year students undertake an Experimental or Theoretical Project in physics, electronics or astrophysics.
Written by AI from the university's course page and module list. It can get details wrong, so check the official course page before you rely on it.
Entry requirements
A level: AAA-ABB (Required subjects: A-levels in Mathematics and Physics, plus a pass in the practical element of all science A-levels being taken A-level Music or Grade 7 Music Theory at pass Applicants without A-level grade A in Music or pass in Grade 7 Music Theory may be eligible for the Intensive Theory entry. This requires Music GCSE grade A/7 or equivalent, plus performance at Grade 7 level. In term 1 you will be required to take Fundamentals of Music Theory, an intensive music literacy course. We require English and Mathematics GCSE at grade 4(C)) IB: 6,6,6 at Higher Level or 36 points overall including 6 in Higher Level Maths and Physics and with HL Music or pass Grade 7 in Music Theory. Plus Grade 7 ABRSM in performance
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What students say
Based on about 44 final-year students who answered, across similar courses at this university
- Teaching on my course: 94%
- Learning opportunities: 90%
- Assessment and feedback: 90%
- Academic support: 94%
- Organisation and management: 86%
- Learning resources: 92%
- Student voice: 90%
Do students stay on the course?
Based on about 85 students who started, across similar courses at this university
- Continued on course: 92%
- Left higher education: 8%
What graduates do next
Based on about 13 graduates who answered, across similar courses at this university (a small group: a rough guide only)
- Working: 70%
- Working and studying: 15%
- Further study: 10%
Most common jobs
- Natural and social science professionals: 20%
- Information Technology Professionals: 20%
- Sales occupations: 15%
- Business and public service associate professionals: 15%
- Engineering professionals: 15%
- Find their work meaningful: 90%
- Feel on track for their future plans: 75%
- Use what they learnt on the course: 50%
Where graduates work (5 years on)
Based on about 135 graduates, across similar courses at this university
- North West: 3%
- Yorkshire and the Humber: 3%
- East Midlands: 3%
- West Midlands: 2%
- East of England: 12%
- London: 38%
- South East: 27%
- South West: 7%
- Wales: 3%
- Scotland: 2%
Who gets in
Based on about 70 students who started, across similar courses at this university
- A levels: 94%
- Baccalaureate: 3%
- Access course: 1%
- Other HE qualification: 1%
Accreditation & quality ratings
- Accredited by the Institute of Physics (IOP) for the purpose of partially meeting the educational requirement for Chartered Physicist.
TEF 2023 (whole university): Silver overall, Silver for student experience, Silver for student outcomes.
Modules
- Mathematics for Scientists 1
- Mathematics for Scientists 2
- Scientific Skills
- Classical Mechanics
- Classical Matter
- Physics of the Universe
- 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
- Fields and Waves
- Mathematical Methods
- The Solid State
- Scientific Computing Skills
- Quantum Mechanics
- Classical and Statistical Thermodynamics
- 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
- Advanced Skills in Physics
- Experimental or Theoretical Project
- Optics
- Electromagnetism
- 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
- Composing with Technology 2
- Atomic Physics
Questions about this course
How much do graduates of BSc Physics with Music at Royal Holloway, University of London earn?
The median salary is £25,000 after 15 months, £22,500 after 3 years, £28,000 after 5 years. After five years the middle half of graduates earn between £23,000 and £34,500. The £28,000 median after five years is £10,500 less than the UK median for Physics.
What do graduates of BSc Physics with Music at Royal Holloway, University of London do next?
95% were in work or further study 15 months after finishing (Graduate Outcomes 2023-24).
Are students happy with the teaching on BSc Physics with Music at Royal Holloway, University of London?
94% of final-year students were positive about the teaching in the National Student Survey 2025-26.
What grades do I need for BSc Physics with Music at Royal Holloway, University of London?
The typical offer is AAA at A level, or 36 points in the IB. The average entrant had 148 UCAS points.
Is BSc Physics with Music at Royal Holloway, University of London accredited?
Yes. Accredited by the Institute of Physics (IOP) for the purpose of partially meeting the educational requirement for Chartered Physicist.
Does BSc Physics with Music at Royal Holloway, University of London include a placement year or year abroad?
The course has an optional placement year and an optional year abroad.
How many students continue on BSc Physics with Music at Royal Holloway, University of London?
92% of students continued into their second year, and 8% left higher education.