Music Business Management MA

Part of Music
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Course Overview

Attendance

UK Fees £1,200 *
International Fees £1,700 *
Alumni Discount See details
Duration 2 years

* Price per 20-credit module

Course summary

The Music Business Management MA is an exciting and challenging course reflecting the dynamism, creativity, and inventiveness of the global popular music sector. This course aims to develop the next generation of creative, and critically agile music professionals. Music is at the heart of everything we do, and we use it as the lens through which we critique and enhance the potential of the creative industries to produce a rich, sustainable, inclusive, and diverse environment from which all can flourish. 

All teaching staff on the course have comprehensive professional experience or are currently active in the music industries. The course is designed to reflect the interdisciplinary collaborative and entrepreneurial nature of music sector working practices. We examine the music environment using a transdisciplinary approach that includes business, cultural, economic, and sociological theories that cover the creative and cultural industries. Additionally, we will provide you with the flexibility to choose between the informal pathways specialising in artist management, business management and live music management. 

The music industries are known to be highly networked, hyper-competitive and fast-paced. Since the impact of the global pandemic, Black Lives Matter and #MeToo, there has been a renewed interest across the music industries in equality, diversity, inclusivity, and mental health. The Music Business Management MA is at the forefront of research initiatives, investigating all aspects of music. Our research groups which include the Black Music Research Unit, Centre of Research in Arts and Media and Communication and Media Research Unit contribute to our rich and diverse profile of high-quality research.  You’ll be encouraged to become leaders in various fields, ranging from music entrepreneurship and ethical management to social justice and sustainability in the music ecosphere. 

Top reasons to study with us

  • Our exciting and challenging course is focused on enhancing your employability and preparing you for future music industry leadership
  • Contemporary global popular music and entertainment culture is at the centre of all of our teaching 
  • Music industry guests deliver in-class talks every week throughout the teaching semesters
  • Our teaching team is involved in cutting-edge music industry research, from music and mental health, to the new landscape for emerging musicians, to diversity and inclusivity

Course structure

The following modules are indicative of what you'll study on this course.

Core modules

This module looks at how artists and musical products are developed within the music industries. The practice of artist and repertoire is now more commonly known as artist development or A&R. Knowing and understanding music in its commercial context is key to career development in the music industries. A&R has become a central practice within the music industries. This is a very exciting module where you get the opportunity to listen, discuss and debate music and artists’ development.

This module is concerned with the critical evaluation of entrepreneurial business structures and behaviours in the creative industries. The approach is interdisciplinary, and is designed to provide you with a solid introduction to media economics, social theory, and entrepreneurship in the creative industries.

Intellectual Property (IP) and copyright are central to all the creative industries. In today’s environment IP and copyright are increasingly under attack. In this module we will critically examine the role of IP and copyright in today’s music market. IP and copyright can cover works as diverse as songs, master recordings, videos, photos, writings, knowledge, the expression of ideas, prototypes, and more. This module is designed to provide students with a critical awareness of the various issues around IP and Copyright Management and additionally enable students to look critically at the contractual relationships that bind the industry. This is a highly contentious field and is in the process of transformations due to the rapid changes in the delivery of music across the globe, some might argue the changes in the law are not happening fast enough - we will examining these issues.

The module offers an overview of the development of the live music industry which will contextualise the relationship and power structures of the main stakeholders in the live music industry, from the audience to multi-national promoters. An examination and critical evaluation of the live music scene in developing the musical careers of artists, as well as the expansion of key markets through the live music industry, for example the global festival market and the development of marketing and branding elements. The module will also look at how the specific areas of live music management interplay to enable students to develop an overall live strategy, examining the key roles and issues in the live music industry which include secondary ticketing, contracts, performing rights, challenges raised by gentrification , the EDM boom and the relationship between live and the recording industry.

The Music Business Management Project is recognised by graduates as one of the most rewarding and empowering experiences of the course. You will be supervised by a member of the University faculty, and possibly supported by a music industry representative, to carry out research in an area agreed between yourself and the module leaders and/or industry professional. The subject must address current music business issues and concerns and should incorporate relevant music business theories, academic research design and critical analysis. The Project builds on the skills and experience you have gained in previous modules, and gives you the opportunity to apply programme knowledge to a major project, adding to the body of professional practice and theoretical literature.

This module aims to equip students with a systematic understanding of the relevant knowledge of music industry organisations and their labour relations with an emphasis on preparing Masters students for work within the wider music industry. It will contextualise organisational structures and working relationships within the music industry and critically evaluate the development of current issues in business and management theory and practice informed by leading research and professional practice. Students will be involved in critically mapping creative networks and the interplay of wider media and creative industries in the development of leadership roles as they apply in both theory and practice in the music business. Students will also examine the different roles and skill sets at work in the wider music industry. This module will be industry facing and supported by theoretical study alongside guided independent study (GIS) in which students will learn to evaluate and explore their own skill sets in order to develop an understanding of career development within the music industry and wider creative industries.

This module is concerned with the critical evaluation of music marketing and the technologies which drive it and explores underlying theories, concepts and current best practice. The module offers insights into the wide range of issues, strategies and challenges facing marketing and promotion of music and provides insights into current and future industry practices in relevant areas of marketing and tech such as social media marketing, artificial intelligence and virtual reality.

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Programme specification

For more details on course structure, modules, teaching and assessment Download the programme specification (PDF).

To request an accessible version please email [email protected]

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Prospectus

Get your copy of the University of Westminster prospectus and browse the range of courses on offer.

Request a prospectus

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Get in touch

Contact us for general course enquiries:

+44 (0)20 7911 5000 EXT 65511
(Mon-Fri, 10am-3pm GMT)

[email protected]

Live chat with us
(Mon-Fri, 10am-4pm GMT)

Open evenings

Join us at an open evening online or on campus. Get a feel for student life at the University of Westminster and talk to course leaders and our support teams.

Careers

Our course is globally recognised, and our teaching team has links with employers in all areas of the music industry. We're committed to developing your employability by ensuring that key career skills are embedded in the course and that you're supported in exploring internships and work-related opportunities.

Graduate success 

Our alumni have gone on to work across the international music industry and creative industries, in areas including live music, music publishing, artist management, music companies, and technology start-ups.

Strong industry links

Our weekly guest talks enable you to network with potential employers in-class and in social situations to make important contacts, and discover recruitment and internship opportunities. 

3,000

Employers around the world

The University’s Careers and Employability Service has built up a network of over 3,000 employers around the world, helping all our students explore and connect with exciting opportunities and careers.

Guest speakers

Previous guest speakers have included representatives from the following companies: 

  • Atlantic Records 
  • Beggars Group
  • Believe Digital
  • Columbia Records 
  • Ditto
  • Help Musicians UK
  • Island Records
  • iTunes
  • KeyChange
  • Kobalt Music 
  • Method Management 
  • Ministry of Sound
  • Musicians Union 
  • Ninja Tunes
  • Parlophone Records
  • Performing Right Society 
  • Polydor Records
  • PPL (Public Performance Licensing) 
  • Secretly Canadian 
  • Shesaidso
  • Sony Entertainment (UK)
  • Sony Music Publishing (UK)
  • Tap Management 
  • The F List 
  • The PRS Foundation 
  • Universal Music Group
  • Universal Music Publishing
  • Utopia Music
  • Virgin Records
  • Warner Music 
  • Women in CTRL
  • XL Recordings

Job roles

The course will prepare you for a variety of roles, including:

  • Artist management 
  • Copyright administration 
  • Digital content creation
  • Music marketing
  • Music publishing

Course alumni

Our alumni keep in close contact with the course, often returning to deliver guest speeches and meet and network with students.

Graduates from the course include:

  • Andrew Mikkelsen, A&R, Atlantic Records UK
  • Colin Hembus, Senior artist/producer management, Eaves Music   
  • Esther Oram, Senior event manager, Association of Independent Music 
  • Lauren Powell, Senior marketing manager, ILuvLive
  • Rhys Dsouza, Copyright assistant/Copyright management, Sony Music Publishing 
  • Shanice Edwards, A&R, Since '93, Sony Music 

Westminster Employability Award

Employers value graduates who have invested in their personal and professional development – and our Westminster Employability Award gives you the chance to formally document and demonstrate these activities and achievements.

The award is flexible and can be completed in your own time, allowing you to choose from a set of extracurricular activities. 

Activities might include gaining experience through a part-time job or placement, signing up to a University-run scheme – such as mentoring or teaching in a school – or completing online exercises.

Read more about our Westminster Employability Award.

Westminster Employability Award

Course Leader

Why study this course?

Experience London's music scene

You'll be within easy access of London's unrivalled and exciting music scene and commercial music industry. 

Enhance your career prospects

You'll learn key business skills such as leadership and marketing, along with essential music industry management knowledge and relevant academic theory.

Learn from industry experts

You'll be taught by experienced industry insiders, and regularly hearing from and networking with industry leaders at our guest talks. 

Entry Requirements

A minimum of an upper second class honours degree (2:1) or a lower second class honours degree (2:2) in a relevant degree or with relevant experience.  Applicants should be able to demonstrate some experience of working in the music industry, an aptitude for music business management and an enthusiasm for learning more about music and related industries.

If your first language is not English, you should have an IELTS 6.5 with at least 6.5 in writing and speaking. Applicants may be required to attend an online interview.

Applicants are required to submit one academic reference.

Recognition of prior learning and experience

If you have previously studied at university level, or have equivalent work experience, academic credit may be awarded towards your course at Westminster. For more information, visit our Recognition of Prior Learning page.

Application process

Visit our How to apply page for more information on:

  • the application process
  • what you need to apply
  • deadlines for application

A minimum of an upper second class honours degree (2:1) or a lower second class honours degree (2:2) in a relevant degree. We will consider non-graduates if they have extensive  industry experience. All applicants should be able to demonstrate some experience of working in the music industry, an aptitude for music business management and an enthusiasm for learning more about music and related industries.

If your first language is not English, you should have an IELTS 6.5 with at least 6.5 in writing and speaking. Applicants may be required to attend an online interview.

Applicants are required to submit one academic reference.

Recognition of prior learning and experience

If you have previously studied at university level, or have equivalent work experience, academic credit may be awarded towards your course at Westminster. For more information, visit our Recognition of Prior Learning page.

Application process

Visit our How to apply page for more information on:

  • the application process
  • what you need to apply
  • deadlines for application

More information

WHAT OUR STUDENTS SAY

Stella Odekerken's default avatar image

Stella Odekerken

Music Business Management MA

"During one of the classes, I met someone from Universal Music. It was a dream. When you want to break into the industry, meeting people from major labels and hearing about their stories and experiences is so vital. Additionally, the university has been really helpful in sharing different internship opportunities with us." 

Visit the British Council website to learn more about our Music Business Management MA Stella Odekerken's student journey. 

Meghna Kallat

Music Business Management MA - 2022

There are ample opportunities in London, and with a network and university support like Westminster’s, you are bound to make the most of your time here and achieve all that you envision for your professional journey.

Rebecca Sewell

Music Business Management MA - 2022

I really enjoyed the guests that have been a part of our curriculum, learning from people's experiences is one of the most useful ways for me to learn. Making connections with them and networking has been extremely beneficial for me and widened my career outlook.

Learn new skills

Volunteer and gain new skills

We offer a number of different volunteering opportunities for you to learn new skills, create connections, and make a difference in the community.

Develop your entrepreneurial skills

Our award-winning Westminster Enterprise Network offers industry networking events, workshops, one-to-one business advice and support for your start-up projects.

Get extra qualifications

We provide access to free online courses in Adobe and Microsoft Office applications, as well as thousands of specialist courses on LinkedIn Learning.

Fees and Funding

UK tuition fee: £1,200 (Price per 20-credit module)

When you have enrolled with us, your annual tuition fees will remain the same throughout your studies with us. We do not increase your tuition fees each year.

Find out how we set our tuition fees.

Paying your fees

If you don't wish to pay the whole amount of your fees at once, you may be able to pay by instalments. This opportunity is available if you have a personal tuition fee liability of £2,000 or more and if you are self-funded or funded by the Student Loans Company.

Find out more about paying your fees.

Alumni discount

This course is eligible for an alumni discount. Find out if you are eligible and how to apply by visiting our Alumni discounts page.

Funding

There is a range of funding available that may help you fund your studies, including Student Finance England (SFE).

Find out more about postgraduate student funding options.

Scholarships

The University is dedicated to supporting ambitious and outstanding students and we offer a variety of scholarships to eligible postgraduate students.

Find out if you qualify for one of our scholarships.

The Richard Antwi Scholarship recently opened for its fifth round, accepting applications from Home Fee Master’s students from a Black and Minority Ethnic background with a course offer. Part-Time Home students are also eligible to apply. For more information, please visit the Richard Antwi Scholarship page.

Additional costs

See what you may need to pay for separately and what your tuition fees cover.

International tuition fee: £1,700 (Price per 20-credit module)

When you have enrolled with us, your annual tuition fees will remain the same throughout your studies with us. We do not increase your tuition fees each year.

Find out how we set our tuition fees.

Paying your fees

If you don't wish to pay the whole amount of your fees at once, you may be able to pay by instalments. This opportunity is available if you have a personal tuition fee liability of £2,000 or more and if you are self-funded or funded by the Student Loans Company.

Find out more about paying your fees.

Alumni discount

This course is eligible for an alumni discount. Find out if you are eligible and how to apply by visiting our Alumni discounts page.

Funding

There are a number of funding schemes available to help you fund your studies with us.

Find out more about funding for international students.

Scholarships

The University is dedicated to supporting ambitious and outstanding students and we offer a variety of scholarships to eligible postgraduate students.

Find out if you qualify for one of our scholarships.

Additional costs

See what you may need to pay for separately and what your tuition fees cover.

Teaching and Assessment

Below you will find how learning time and assessment types are distributed on this course. The graphs below give an indication of what you can expect through approximate percentages, taken either from the experience of previous cohorts, or based on the standard module diet where historic course data is unavailable.  Changes to the division of learning time and assessment may be made in response to feedback and in accordance with our terms and conditions.

How you’ll be taught

Teaching methods across all our postgraduate courses focus on active student learning through lectures, seminars, workshops, problem-based and blended learning, and where appropriate practical application. Learning typically falls into two broad categories:

  • Scheduled hours: examples include lectures, seminars, practical classes, workshops, supervised time in a studio
  • Independent study: non-scheduled time in which students are expected to study independently. This may include preparation for scheduled sessions, dissertation/final project research, follow-up work, wider reading or practice, completion of assessment tasks, or revision
Year
1
13%87%
2
13%87%
Scheduled hoursIndependent study

How you’ll be assessed

Our postgraduate courses include a variety of assessments, which typically fall into two broad categories:

  • Practical: examples include presentations, podcasts, blogs
  • Coursework: examples include essays, in-class tests, portfolios, dissertation
Year
1
7%93%
2
100%
PracticalCoursework

Data from the academic year 2022/23

Research groups

Our research achieves real-world impact and we are proud to claim a rich and diverse profile of high-quality research and knowledge exchange in a wide range of disciplines.

Find out more about our research groups related to this course:

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Supporting you

Our Student Hub is where you’ll find out about the services and support we offer, helping you get the best out of your time with us.

  • Study support — workshops, 1-2-1 support and online resources to help improve your academic and research skills
  • Personal tutors — support you in fulfilling your academic and personal potential
  • Student advice team — provide specialist advice on a range of issues including funding, benefits and visas
  • Extra-curricular activities — volunteering opportunities, sports and fitness activities, student events and more

Visit our student hub

Course Location

Our Music Business Management MA is part of Westminster School of Arts, based at our Harrow Campus. Teaching takes place in central London at our Cavendish Campus. You'll benefit from the vibrant and specialist facilities at our Harrow Campus, as well as experiencing central London's dynamic commercial music industry.

Contact us

Call our dedicated team on:

+44 (0)20 7911 5000 ext 65511

Opening hours (GMT): 10am–4pm Monday to Friday

[email protected]

Start live chat

Opening hours (GMT): 10am–4pm Monday to Friday

More information

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