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Music Business

BA/BSc (Hons) Music Business Degree

Study Music Business to be given a comprehensive education in labels, publishing, management, touring, distribution, and live event management. Collaborate with an exciting student body to record your artists, film music videos and begin to plan your own career in one of the world’s most exciting industries.

Start in September
Campuses
Glasgow, Liverpool, London
Fees
BA/BSc (Hons) Music Business Degree
Domestic Fees
London

£11,100 per year

The annual tuition fee is fully funded via Student Finance England for eligible home-fee students.

For UK/Irish students commencing their studies from January 2024.

Glasgow

£9,000 per year

Partial funding is available for eligible home fee applicants who are residents of Scotland via the Students Awards Agency for Scotland (SAAS).

For UK/Irish students commencing their studies from January 2024.

Liverpool

£11,100 per year

The annual tuition fee is fully funded via Student Finance England for eligible home-fee students.

For UK/Irish students commencing their studies from January 2024.

BA/BSc (Hons) Music Business Degree
International Fees
London

For international students (non-EU/EEA/Swiss)*, £15,000 per year



For EU/EEA/Swiss students*
: £11,100 per year

*Student visa required

For more information regarding SAE’s EU/EEA/Swiss students bursary policy, please read the SAE UK EU/EEA/Swiss students bursary policy.

Glasgow

For international students (non-EU/EEA/Swiss)*, £13,000 per year



For EU/EEA/Swiss students*
: £9,000 per year

*Student visa required

For more information regarding SAE’s EU/EEA/Swiss students bursary policy, please read the SAE UK EU/EEA/Swiss students bursary policy.

Liverpool

For international students (non-EU/EEA/Swiss)*, £15,000 per year



For EU/EEA/Swiss students*
: £11,100 per year

*Student visa required

For more information regarding SAE’s EU/EEA/Swiss students bursary policy, please read the SAE UK EU/EEA/Swiss students bursary policy.

Duration(s)
2 years full-time
BA/BSc (Hons) Music Business Degree
Course Durations
2 years full-time
Start Date(s)
September
BA/BSc (Hons) Music Business Degree
Start Dates
Glasgow
  • September

Liverpool
  • September

London
  • September

Entry Requirements
BA/BSc (Hons) Music Business Degree
Domestic Entry Requirements
Domestic students must meet one of the following criteria:
Degree entry Offers will be made to applicants who are expected to meet, or exceed the entry requirements below, in addition to supplying a personal statement:
72 UCAS points
GCSE level A* - C in English 9 - 4 (or equivalent). For students studying in Scotland this is equivalent to National 5, C grade
Personal statement
Non-standard entry routes SAE Institute will accept non-standard entry applications, which do not meet the 72 UCAS points or equivalent, and/or maths/English at level 2 or equivalent as required:
Portfolio of related work - This could include recordings, films, sketch books, a blog or any suitable medium that gives you the best opportunity to show us your creative potential.
Successful pass mark achieved via the SAE UK Maths test
Academic Essay
Further Domestic Entry Information
For more information, please look at our Domestic Entry page
Domestic Entry Requirements
BA/BSc (Hons) Music Business Degree
International Entry Requirements
Non-UK Applicants
English language requirements Students whose first language is not English will need a qualification that demonstrates competence in English, equivalent to UK GCSE (Level 2) grade 4 (c) or above. Equivalent qualifications can be accepted, where these qualifications have been verified by ENIC and are adopted widely within the UK Higher Education sector, including:
IELTS (UKVI or Academic) (minimum 5.5 in all components and an overall score of 6.0)
Pearson Test of English (minimum 59 in all subscores)
Cambridge English: Proficiency (CPE) (minimum grade C)
Cambridge English: Advanced (CAE) (minimum grade B)
Cambridge English: Level 1 Certificate in ESOL International (B2 First) – minimum grade C
TOEFL (IBT or IBT Home Edition online) 72 overall with the following component scores: Listening – 17 Writing – 17 Speaking – 20 Reading – 18
LanguageCert ESOL examinations:
  • International ESOL C1 Expert – pass in all four components
  • International ESOL SELT B2 (Listening, Reading, Writing, Speaking) – minimum 33 in all components
  • ESOL Integrated Skills in English II – pass in all components
• IELTS Indicator* (online) – minimum 5.5 in all components and an overall score of 6.0
*Accepted on exceptional basis for the applicants whose local test centres are affected by closures due to Covid-19
Further International Entry Information
For more information, please look at our International Entry page
International Entry Requirements

YOUR CAREER IN MUSIC BEGINS NOW

Making Great Music?

FREE studio time & more with SAE
Rock to Pop – Hip Hop to Jazz – Solo Artist or Band

Whatever your genre, upload your tracks here to record in our professional studios.

Simply sign up to the SAE Session Station and get on board!
Studying at SAE
Learn in world class studio environments Neve, SSL, Audient consoles and Pro Tools, Logic Pro
Practical, immersive training Practical skills are vital. Our learning approach is a blend of vocational and academic from day one.
Creative collaboration Work on projects with songwriters, designers, game developers, filmmakers and animators.
Expand your career Graduate with a portfolio, work experience, employability and entrepreneurial skills and a global network of fellow creatives.

Tools & Software

Music Business course covers:

The Recording Industry Music Publishing Artist Management Music Synchronisation Live Music Industry Music Distribution Music Festival Promotion Business Skills Entrepreneurship History of the Music Industries Industry Engagement Press & PR Marketing Social Media Management Digital Marketing

Industry Partners

Music Business Degree Course Structure

BA/BSc (Hons) Music Business is divided into three stages, each designed to develop different skills.
Trimester 1
You will begin your learning journey by gaining a broad appreciation of the complex and interrelated nature of the music industries. You will also gain fundamental knowledge and skills in key areas associated with music synchronisation, copyrights and the legal aspects of the industries.
In this module, you’ll explore the music industry as a whole – from record companies and music publishing to live performance and artist management. Exploring how the industry has evolved over the years, you’ll cover its current processes and predicted trends, the industry’s institutions and their impact, and regulations and systems of revenue collection.

Topics include:

  • The history of the music industries
  • The recording industry
  • Artist management
  • Music distribution
  • Live performance
  • Music genres and their Impact
  • Influential artists and technology
  • The social, political and economic contexts of the industry
  • Contemporary issues and future perspectives
In this module, you’ll learn about the legal aspects that underpin the music industry, such as contracts, licensing, music synchronisation and copyright. Exploring the business side of music publishing and distribution, you’ll also delve into financial concepts such as revenue and cash flow. Studying this module will also help you to convincingly pitch ideas to business and learn to substantiate your views through research.

Topics include:

  • Music synchronisation
  • Music publishing
  • Copyright
  • Contracts
  • Licensing
  • Negotiation
  • Music Listening and analysis
  • Talking about Music
  • Royalties


Trimester 2
Throughout the second teaching term, you will broaden your scope to work on more complex multidisciplinary projects in accordance with industry-standard practices.
In this module, you’ll be introduced to fundamental marketing concepts and the essential tools used in business. You’ll also learn how to create a business plan, budget effectively, conduct business online and develop ethical practices.

Topics include:

  • Accounting
  • Marketing strategies
  • Taxes
  • Start-ups
  • Funding
  • Budgeting
  • Online marketing
  • Business legislation
  • Business ethics
Across this module you’ll scout a promising artist before creating a branding concept for them and developing suitable brand values. Learning media skills along the way, such as audio recording, graphic design, photography and video, you’ll create tailored media content for promotional purposes, before covering how to organise and execute a music production.

Topics include:

  • A&R
  • Photography
  • Photo Editing
  • Recording for release
  • Graphic design fundamentals
  • Concept development
  • Branding
  • Promotion strategies
Trimester 3
Trimester 3 introduces you to a professional working environment where you will undertake a number of project briefs using a project based Creative Studio approach. Creative Studios provide a practically focused approach to your education, through the engagement with authentic assessment activities that reflect industry practices.
Creative Studio 1 is split into 2 streams. In the first you’ll learn advanced marketing and branding techniques including digital marketing, website design, messaging concepts, photography and fashion, while working with artists to redevelop their brand identity and design a brand book for them. This mirrors the work of A&R teams, publishing companies and artist managers. In the second stream you’ll undertake a large-scale project in your area of interest, in collaboration with other SAE students.

Topics may include:

  • Artist Management
  • Publishing
  • Event management
  • Distribution
  • Branding and marketing
  • Social media management
  • A&R
Trimester 4
The second Creative Studio term focuses on Live Music and Events Management. This is complimented by advanced business, marketing and finance.
During your second Creative Studio module, you’ll plan, organise, promote and execute a live event. Working in groups, you’ll define key roles and responsibilities, and manage the entire event cycle, from sourcing a venue and booking artists to creating the event’s branding, undertaking promotional activities and hosting. You’ll work with audio, film and game art students to record, film and promote the event. During this module, you’ll create a portfolio of work that includes a brand book, business and marketing plans, and contracts.

Topics may include:

  • Live event management
  • Audience analysis
  • Music festival promotion
  • Stage management
  • Tour management
  • Market analysis
  • Business planning
  • Data management
  • HR
  • Project management
  • Marketing
Trimester 5
As you enter your penultimate study period, you will begin to specialise your skills within your chosen area of the audio industries. You can attend either Creative Studio 3 or Advanced Specialised Production and Research and Professional Development in Creative Media modules.
In Creative Studio 3, you’ll focus on your professional interests by developing a practical research project or completing work-based learning through live briefs and work placements. You can also take this opportunity to build your portfolio.

Topics may include:

  • Work experience
  • Building a work-based portfolio
  • Advanced marketing
  • Recording management
  • Business law and regulation
  • Event production
  • Cultural analysis
  • Live branding
During this module, you’ll build on your learning to produce work of a professional calibre in your area of interest. Options include participating in live projects through work placements, collaborating with peers from different disciplines, tackling simulated briefs and crafting an independent project. As you approach your final Major Project, you’ll hone your skills, establish connections with industry professionals and compile a portfolio that highlights your expertise.

Topics may include:

  • Advanced marketing

  • Recording management

  • Business law and regulation

  • Event production

In this module, you’ll create the proposal for your final Major Project with guidance from our Experts. You’ll also develop a variety of academic and professional skills as you prepare to progress to postgraduate studies or embark on your career journey.
Trimester 6
This final module enables students pursuing the Music Business degree to demonstrate their skills in a large scale, advanced level project.
Your last trimester is dedicated to executing your final Major Project, which you’ll have conceptualised during Trimester 5. This module allows you to refine your expertise in your chosen field and will be a valuable addition to your resume. You can also use it as a launchpad to start your own business or make connections with industry professionals and employers.
UCAS Course Codes
BA (Hons) Music Business 4L26
University of Hertfordshire
Level 6 This program was developed and is delivered and assessed by SAE Institute, awarded by and quality assured by University of Hertfordshire.
Student in DJ at SAE

What jobs will this course lead me into?

  • Artist Manager
  • Music Distribution
  • Music Publishing
  • Synch Agent
  • Record Label (A&R, Production, Distribution)
  • Booking Agent
  • Promoter/Artist Booker
  • Press and PR Agent
  • Marketing and Digital Content Creator
  • Radio Plugger
  • Tour Management
  • Music Supervisor
  • Festival Promoter

Student Spotlight

Hannah Oman
Music Business alumni talks to us about her job at DF Concerts and Events
Read More
Arthur Ehlinger
Music Business alumni talks to us about his academic career, his PhD and published academic paper.
Read More

Course FAQs

Yes, our new course is designed to cover all aspects of the music industries, with input from industry professionals as well as our own practising industry experts.

We will supply you with all of the necessary tools to have a successful career in the creative industries.

Our Music Business students need to collaborate with other disciplines more than any other student. There are many opportunities and requirements to collaborate with students from other degrees throughout the course.

We believe in learning through doing, which is why our course is made up of many practical modules that are completed to industry standards. This is supported with a solid academic base to help you learn the theory behind the work and reflect upon it.

Read more

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