Key information
Duration: 3 years full time
UCAS code: L1W3
Institution code: R72
Campus: Egham
The course
Economics with Music (BSc (Econ))
Studying Economics with Music at Royal Holloway means that you will learn from internationally renowned experts at one of the UK’s top ten economics teaching and research centres and one of the best Music departments in the UK. Economics is one of the most influential and liveliest disciplines in today's world, affecting the lives and fortunes of everyone on the planet. This course offers a complete education in the theories and methods of economics, with a strong focus on analytical methods combined with a quarter or your time spent expanding your knowledge of issues that shape music, including politics, urban development, gender and globalisation. The knowledge and skills gained will lead to excellent career prospects in public and private management, financial institutions and in government.
Through this course you will develop an in-depth understanding of economics at all levels – from the company to the state, and beyond; learn to appreciate and apply the core theories of micro and macroeconomics; gain important quantitative and computing skills that are widely applicable as well as skills in logical reasoning and gain experience in logical and philosophical reasoning. You will develop a deeper understanding of music through the detailed study of the contexts, histories, theories, and practices of music.
Our balanced approach to research and teaching guarantees high quality teaching from subject leaders, cutting edge materials and intellectually challenging debates. Our courses follow a coherent and developmental structure which we combined with an effective and flexible approach to study.
- In depth understanding of most recent economic theories.
- Combine your interests in Economics and Music.
- Problem-solving skills developed to make you ready for your chosen career.
From time to time, we make changes to our courses to improve the student and learning experience. If we make a significant change to your chosen course, we’ll let you know as soon as possible.
Course structure
Core Modules
Year 1
You will take the following Economics modules:
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Principles of Economics is a first-year undergraduate module in how the economy works. The module is suitable for students with or without A-Level economics or equivalent. We will cover the basic theories of macroeconomics (that of the economy as a whole) and microeconomics (the behaviour of individuals, firms and governments and the interactions between them).
The module adopts the state-of-the-art CORE approach (Curriculum Open-access Resources in Economics) to teaching Principles of Economics. The approach has three pillars which we rely on throughout the module:
- Formulate a problem that our society is facing now or has faced in the past;
- Build a theory to explain and solve the problem;
- Evaluate the usefulness of the theory by using data observations and more novel theories.
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Data Skills for Economists is about understanding the data we encounter constantly in everyday life and the data that social science researchers create as they explore and analyse the world around us. We'll endeavour to understand such questions as:
- Where does data come from and how can we harvest it?
- What useful information does the data contain?
- How can we create new data to generate useful insights?
Computers equipped with statistical software are a big part of the answer to the third question (above) so, accordingly, you'll spend much of your time learning to analyse and display data using the R statistical software package (R is the industry standard).
We'll develop an ethos of clear communication of numerical information that will be supported by our growing understanding of statistical concepts and our growing proficiency with computers.
Simultaneously, we'll delve into the seamy underside of the tricksters who try to fool you with falsified data. Understanding their game can provide at least some degree of inoculation against their attacks.
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The aims of the module are to cover the basic mathematical and quantitative tools used by economists every day. The module gives an emphasis to the mathematical tools, which are applicable to solving a wide range of economic problems. The first half of the module is devoted to linear algebra, specific functions of one and more variables used in economics, manipulating those functions and finding their minima and maxima. In addition, the first half of this module delivers the rules of integration and differentiation, which prepares the you to apply constrained and unconstrained optimisation techniques in their subsequent 2nd and 3rd year of studies. Constrained and unconstrained optimisation techniques are also discussed. The second half of the module is devoted to optimisation theory which in turn will use the concepts of vectors and matrices, drawn from linear algebra, and require the study of concave functions. The knowledge of matrices will help you solve systems of linear equations, which are used in both microeconomic and macroeconomic planning and forecasting.
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This module will be composed of an introduction to Employability, library resources, team building, and CV making. Career services will provide a session on self-awareness and decision making and library services will present their relevant resources. Finally, the Economics department will organise some team building exercises.
You will take the following Music module:
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This course aims: 1. to develop basic music-analytical literacy, 2. to introduce basic concepts concerning counterpoint, harmony, melody and form that underpin the analysis of music, 3. to put these concepts into practice in the analysis of pieces from a variety of repertories. The course addresses the contrapuntal, melodic, harmonic and formal elements of tonal music. Weekly lectures, in which students are introduced to analytical concepts and then practise deploying them, through listening, score study and the completion of practical exercises, are supplemented by private study based on Moodle and recommended readings, to consolidate concepts learnt in the lectures and provide further opportunities to practise new skills.
Year 2
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In this module you will develop an understanding of macroeconomics and macroeconomic policy-making. You will look at a variety of contemporary and historical macroeconomic events, and the differences between the short, medium and long run. You will consider why some countries are rich and some are poor, why different economies grow at different rates, and what determines economic growth and prosperity. You will examine the role of monetary and fiscal policy, its impact on the economy and its limitations. You will also analyse how taxation, budget deficits, and public debt affect the economy.
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Career services will provide a session on how to be ready to apply for an internship at the end of the second year. Students will prepare for a psychometric test and will undertake a series of a mock interviews in order to improve their interview technique. Finally, students will attend at least one Econ@Work talk to be aware of professional life and challenges.
You will take one of the following modules:
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In this module you will develop an understanding of the models of individual optimisation and their applications. You will look at the key determinants of an individual’s behaviour in a variety of circumstances and the behaviour of firms in different market environments, such as perfect competition, monopoly and oligopoly. You will consider how changing circumstances and new information influences the actions of the economic agents concerned, and examine the properties of competitive markets and the need for government intervention to correct market failures.
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In this module you will develop an understanding of the behaviour of individuals and firms in the economy. You will look at models of individual optimisation and their applications, considering the key determinants of an individual’s behaviour in a variety of circumstances. You will examine the behaviour of firms in different market environments such as perfect competition, monopoly and oligopoly, and the factors which are important in shaping the decisions that firms make in each market environment. You will learn to manipulate and solve diagrammatic and algebraic models of microeconomics, analysing the properties of competitive markets and assessing the role of government intervention in correcting market failures.
You will take one of the following modules:
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The aim of this module is to provide you with a solid understanding of the essentials of empirical research techniques (i.e. econometrics) used by applied economists. The module will cover core econometric topics that are needed by all wishing to undertake econometric analysis, with a particular focus on topics in both time series and cross section econometrics that can be used by students of industrial, business and finance.
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The aim of this module is to offer students a more advanced, deeper understanding of the essentials of the theory and practice of econometrics. The module will address many of the topics covered in Econometrics 1 but using more mathematical and statistical rigour, including an introduction to econometric computer coding, with an aim to increase understanding of the concepts, theories and techniques that underlie applied econometric research.
You will take one of the following modules:
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The aim of this module is to extend your knowledge of the essentials of empirical research techniques (i.e. econometrics) used by applied economists. The module will build on the topics covered in Econometrics 1.
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The aim of this module is to extend and deepen your knowledge of the essentials of econometric theory and practice. This module will build on the topics and techniques covered in Econometrics A looking at extensions of techniques and estimation methods to address more complex problems.
Year 3
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This third-year course will deepen the elements covered previously in Employability 1 and 2. Career services will provide a session on how to be ready for employment at the end of the year. Students will prepare for a psychometric test and undertake a series of mock interviews in order to improve their interview technique. Finally, students will attend at least one Econ@Work talk to be aware of professional life and challenges.
Optional Modules
There are a number of optional course modules available during your degree studies. The following is a selection of optional course modules that are likely to be available. Please note that although the College will keep changes to a minimum, new modules may be offered or existing modules may be withdrawn, for example, in response to a change in staff. Applicants will be informed if any significant changes need to be made.
Year 1
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All modules are core
Year 2
Optional modules in Music may include:
- Music of the Andes
- Introduction to Jazz: Theory, Practice and Contexts
- Popular Music and Musicians in Post-War Britain and North America
- Issues in Popular Music: Bollywood, Bhangra and The Beatles
Year 3
Optional modules in Economics may include:
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This module provides students on the BSc Economics, BSc Economics and Data Science, BSc Financial and Business Economics, BSc Finance and Mathematics courses with an optional course in macroeconomic time series analysis. The module material will focus on Bayesian time series analysis and will include examples of how to use Python via Jupyter Notebooks to implement the analysis in the course. The content will be useful for any student aiming to begin a MSc in Economics or macroeconomics. Upon completion of the module, students will be able to draw random samples from important distributions, estimate Bayesian regression models (including time-series Bayesian models), produce economic forecasts using Bayesian Time Series Models and communicate the results to others.
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The module presents the main facts about modern war and, to a lesser extent, terrorism. In parallel we will develop broadly applicable empirical tools to help us measure key phenomena and drive our analysis. Specific topics include the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, the Rwandan genocide, the economics of rebellion and the possible long-run decline of war. This module, together with Economics of Warfare 2, will prepare students of a lifetime of critical data consumption beyond the particular world of war and terrorism.
- Economics of Warfare 2
Optional modules in Music may include:
- Music and Gender
- Music, Power and Politics
Teaching & assessment
Teaching is mostly by means of lectures and seminars, the latter providing a forum for students to work through problem sets and applications in a smaller and more interactive setting. Outside of scheduled teaching sessions, students work independently, or collaboratively, researching, reading and preparing for seminars.
Assessment is usually carried out by end of year examinations as well as class tests and assignments. Final year students can choose to complete an extended essay, which offers students the chance to conduct an original piece of research.
The results of the first year examinations qualify students for entry to the second year but do not contribute to the final degree award. The second and final year results do contribute to the final degree result, with the final year work counting for a larger proportion of the result.
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.
Entry requirements
A Levels: ABB-BBB
Required subjects:
- GCSE Maths at grade A or 7
- A-level Music or Grade 7 Music Theory at pass
- Applicants without A-level 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.
- At least five GCSEs at grade A*-C or 9-4 including English and Mathematics.
Where an applicant is taking the EPQ alongside A-levels, the EPQ will be taken into consideration and result in lower A-level grades being required. For students who are from backgrounds or personal circumstances that mean they are generally less likely to go to university, you may be eligible for an alternative lower offer. Follow the link to learn more about our contextual offers.
T-levels
We accept T-levels for admission to our undergraduate courses, with the following grades regarded as equivalent to our standard A-level requirements:
- AAA* – Distinction (A* on the core and distinction in the occupational specialism)
- AAA – Distinction
- BBB – Merit
- CCC – Pass (C or above on the core)
- DDD – Pass (D or E on the core)
Where a course specifies subject-specific requirements at A-level, T-level applicants are likely to be asked to offer this A-level alongside their T-level studies.
Your future career
An Economics with Music degree at Royal Holloway, University of London will equip you with an enviable range of practical skills and can lead into a variety of career paths. The knowledge and skills developed in an economics degree will make you highly employable.
We will help you to recognise your own strengths, skills and abilities so that you can make strong applications for your chosen job or further study.
- Get equipped with transferable skills such as numeracy problem-solving, computing and analytics
- Develop your professional network by attending workshops, events and guest speaker talks
- Dedicated short employability modules to help you in your career
Fees, funding & scholarships
Home (UK) students tuition fee per year*: £9,250
EU and international students tuition fee per year**: £25,900
Other essential costs***: There are no single associated costs greater than £50 per item on this course.
How do I pay for it? Find out more about funding options, including loans, scholarships and bursaries. UK students who have already taken out a tuition fee loan for undergraduate study should check their eligibility for additional funding directly with the relevant awards body.
*The tuition fee for UK undergraduates is controlled by Government regulations. The fee for the academic year 2024/25 is £9,250 and is provided here as a guide. The fee for UK undergraduates starting in 2025/26 has not yet been set, but will be advertised here once confirmed.
**This figure is the fee for EU and international students starting a degree in the academic year 2025/26.
Royal Holloway reserves the right to increase tuition fees annually for overseas fee-paying students. The increase for continuing students who start their degree in 2025/26 will be 5%. For further information see fees and funding and the terms and conditions.
*** These estimated costs relate to studying this particular degree at Royal Holloway during the 2025/26 academic year and are included as a guide. Costs, such as accommodation, food, books and other learning materials and printing, have not been included.
