BA (Hons) Music Industries Management

Teaching & Learning

Independent study is a crucial part of learning at university and you will be required to undertake many hours of self-directed research and reading, and preparation and writing of assessments. Your course is delivered through several modules, which will help you to plan your time and establish a study routine. Outside of your lectures, workshops and tutorials, a range of support is available to assist with your independent study. Our subject-specific librarians will be on hand to direct you to specialist learning and study-skill resources. You’ll also be assigned an academic advisor to give you tailored feedback and support.

Year 1

What you'll learn

Introduction to the Music Industries

Explore the organizational structures and operational dynamics of the music industries. Gain insights into the skills and experiences crucial for a career in this field.

Artist Management

Examine the evolving role of artist managers within the music and visual arts industries through case studies. Understand the key responsibilities and relationships involved in artist management.

Music & Entertainment Marketing

Develop a detailed understanding of marketing strategies employed by music and entertainment organizations. Explore how these industries manage customer relationships and their public image.

Online Content for the Music Industries

Analyze the creation, distribution, access, and interaction of music in the digital era. Explore how digital content and online platforms enhance the value of musical works.

Music Industries in Context

Study various musical genres, histories, technologies, and subcultures. Gain insights into the political, economic, sociological, technological, ethical, and legal factors shaping the evolution of the music industries.

Professional Practice 1: Employability Skills

Enhance essential workplace skills such as leadership, problem-solving, teamwork, and written communication. Engage in a work placement within the music industry to gain practical experience (minimum 80 hours).

These modules offer a comprehensive view of the music industry, covering everything from management and marketing to digital content and the broader cultural context of music. Each module will equip you with valuable skills and insights necessary for a successful career in this dynamic field.

Year 2

What you'll learn

Recruitment, Equality & Management

Focuses on human resources theory and best practices for recruitment and management in diverse music and entertainment organizations. Explore organizational behaviour for effective people management.

Copyright & Law in Music Industries

Gain insights into the roles and rights available to music performers and rights holders across various sectors of the music industry, crucial for generating income from their work.

Music, Politics & Society

Explore the interplay between music and society over the past century. Examine social and political issues through the lens of music development, artist creativity, and the evolution of popular music genres.

Live Event Planning & Management

Learn about the roles, skills, and processes involved in planning, promoting, and executing live events in the music industry. Topics include event origination, audience targeting, health and safety, budgeting, and contemporary marketing strategies.

Professional Practice 2: Research, Responsibility & Leadership

Prepare a research proposal for a real-life project with stakeholders in the music industry. Negotiate a learning contract with an employer for an 80-hour work-based learning period. Develop leadership attributes, responsibility, and critical analysis skills through reflective learning and research practice.

These modules collectively provide a comprehensive understanding of the music and entertainment industries, covering essential skills in management, law, societal impact, live event management, and practical research application. They are designed to equip you with both theoretical knowledge and practical skills necessary for a successful career in the dynamic world of music and entertainment.

Option modules may include

Culture, Media & Place

Enhance your understanding of how media, culture, and place intersect in modern society. Critically engage with theoretical and practical aspects of mass media, cultural policies, and diverse perspectives on place and space. Gain insights into their roles in shaping contemporary cultural landscapes.

Radio & Podcasting

Acquire foundational knowledge of essential radio techniques, focusing on recording and broadcasting audio. Develop skills in writing and creating program content specifically tailored for radio and podcast formats.

These modules will expand your expertise in cultural studies, media production, and broadcasting, preparing you for roles that involve critical analysis of media's impact on culture and society, as well as hands-on experience in audio production for radio and podcasting platforms.

Innovation in the Music Business

Expand your knowledge of how the music industry functions by exploring new business models, technological advancements, and innovative revenue streams. Develop skills to identify, analyze, and implement strategies related to these innovations within the music business.

Major Independent Project

Undertake a substantial project in an area of your interest within the music industry. This project could involve extensive research and analysis, or creative outputs such as a written dissertation, a film documentary accompanied by a written narrative, or the curation and detailed planning of a significant event.

Professional Practice 3: Consultancy & Expertise

Collaborate with an external client as a consultant to address specific challenges within the music and entertainment industry. Develop strategic thinking skills and practical expertise by applying key theories, tools, and techniques of professional consultancy. This module will prepare you to act as a strategic manager capable of providing valuable insights and solutions within the industry.

These modules aim to deepen your understanding of the music business landscape, enhance your practical skills through hands-on projects, and prepare you for strategic roles in consultancy and management within the entertainment sector.

Year 3

What you'll learn

Creative & Cultural Industries

Delve into the theoretical underpinnings, historical evolution, and contemporary issues shaping the creative and cultural industries. Analyze how socio-political factors, economic dynamics, governmental policies, and cultural shifts influence these industries.

Arts & Festival Management

Explore the contextual, political, and economic factors impacting arts and music festivals. Gain insights into the operational challenges and strategic considerations involved in managing arts and festival events within the broader cultural landscape.

Advanced Radio & Podcasting

Enhance your technical skills in audio production for radio and podcasts through practical workshops and studio sessions. Develop competence in content creation, live broadcasting, and audience engagement strategies, culminating in the production of a live radio broadcast or a full-length podcast.

Contemporary Music In Context

Investigate the technical, social, and cultural influences shaping contemporary music production and consumption. Analyze key theoretical frameworks to contextualize musical works and genres within contemporary cultural and social dynamics.

Arts & Social Engagement

Examine socially engaged art practices aimed at fostering community engagement and social advocacy. Develop skills in facilitating workshops and performance works that address diverse community needs and promote social change through artistic expression.

Sandwich Year (Optional)

Take advantage of a paid employment opportunity within the industry to gain practical experience, build professional skills, and enhance your employability. This placement, typically taken between the second and third year, provides valuable insights and networking opportunities in preparation for your career in the creative and cultural industries.

These modules and the optional sandwich year are designed to provide you with a comprehensive understanding of the creative and cultural sectors, practical skills in arts management and media production, and the opportunity to gain real-world experience through industry placements.

La naturaleza cambiante de la industria musical ha creado una gran cantidad de nuevas oportunidades laborales en los últimos años. El enfoque práctico de su curso sumado a la experiencia en la industria que adquirirá durante su
Los estudios abrirán una amplia gama de opciones profesionales. Podrías trabajar para una compañía discográfica, en eventos en vivo, en radiodifusión o en marketing y relaciones públicas, o podrías progresar en tu propia carrera artística en la industria de la música. Tus habilidades transferibles también te brindarán la plataforma perfecta para ingresar a cualquier cantidad de industrias culturales más allá de la música.

• A&R Manager
• Artist Manager
• Brand / Product Manager
• Live Event Promoter