TWO-YEAR ACCELERATED DEGREE:
£11,750 per year
THREE-YEAR DEGREE:
£9,790 per year
The annual tuition fee is fully funded via Student Finance England for eligible home-fee students.
TWO-YEAR ACCELERATED DEGREE:
£9,000 per year
You may also be eligible for a bursary or discount, please enquire with our friendly Admissions Team.
THREE-YEAR DEGREE:
£7,500 per year
You may also be eligible for a bursary or discount, please enquire with our friendly Admissions Team.
TWO-YEAR ACCELERATED DEGREE:
£11,750 per year
THREE-YEAR DEGREE:
£9,790 per year
The annual tuition fee is fully funded via Student Finance England for eligible home-fee students.
TWO-YEAR ACCELERATED DEGREE:
International students (non-EU/EEA/Swiss)*: £17,000 per year
EU/EEA/Swiss students*: £11,440 per year
THREE-YEAR DEGREE:
International students (non-EU/EEA/Swiss)*: £16,250 per year
EU/EEA/Swiss students*: £9,535 per year
*Student visa required
TWO-YEAR ACCELERATED DEGREE:
International students (non-EU/EEA/Swiss)*: £17,000 per year
EU/EEA/Swiss students*: £11,440 per year
THREE-YEAR DEGREE:
International students (non-EU/EEA/Swiss)*: £16,250 per year
EU/EEA/Swiss students*: £9,535 per year
*Student visa required
TWO-YEAR ACCELERATED DEGREE:
International students (non-EU/EEA/Swiss)*: £17,000 per year
EU/EEA/Swiss students*: £11,440 per year
THREE-YEAR DEGREE:
International students (non-EU/EEA/Swiss)*: £16,250 per year
EU/EEA/Swiss students*: £9,535 per year
*Student visa required
January and September
January and September
January and September
Offers will be made to applicants who are expected to meet, or exceed the entry requirements below, in addition to supplying a personal statement:
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:
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:
- 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
*Accepted on exceptional basis for the applicants whose local test centres are affected by closures due to Covid-19
WHY CHOOSE THIS COURSE?
- Build the real skills needed to launch artists, manage projects and work across the music industry
- Understand every part of the music ecosystem, from publishing to live events
- Plan and deliver real events
- Gain hands-on experience with artists, studios, venues and creative teams
- Learn how rights, copyright, contracts and royalties actually work
- Develop branding, marketing and promotional strategies used by professionals
- Work collaboratively with audio, film, content creation and design students
- Learn how to pitch ideas, present research and communicate professionally
- Graduate with a versatile portfolio of real industry work
WHAT YOU WILL LEARN?
- Music publishing and royalty structures
- Record label operations and release planning
- Artist development and brand building
- Marketing, promotion and audience strategy
- Live event planning and management
- Negotiating with artists, venues and stakeholders
- Copyright, rights, contracts and legislation
- Crowdfunding and alternative funding models
- Professional communication and pitching
- Cross-disciplinary collaboration workflows
YOUR MUSIC BUSINESS JOURNEY BEGINS TODAY
WHAT YOU CAN EXPECT FROM YOUR DEGREE IN MUSIC BUSINESS
SAE’s BA BSc Hons Music Business is a two-year accelerated degree exploring how the modern music industry works. It is ideal for students who love music and want to work behind the scenes — developing artists, organising events, building brands, or running campaigns.
You will gain a complete understanding of the music ecosystem, from publishing and royalties to marketing and live event management. You will work on real briefs, produce branding materials, run your own event, collaborate with creative teams and build a business-focused portfolio.
The course helps students discover their strengths. Many join with an interest in one area — like management or marketing — and leave with new passions they didn’t expect, such as publishing, A&R or touring.
The teaching environment is practical, supportive and community-led. Small cohorts ensure that students get one-to-one guidance and personalised feedback, helping them grow both professionally and creatively.
With strong commercial awareness, real project experience and a diverse portfolio, graduates leave ready to work across the global music industry.
YOUR MUSIC BUSINESS JOURNEY BEGINS TODAY
Course FAQs
What is the Music Business degree at SAE?
A practical, industry-focused degree that teaches you how the music industry works, from labels, publishing and live events to artist management, digital marketing and entrepreneur strategies.
Is this course creative or business focused?
Both, you learn music industry practice alongside creative business skills, negotiation, branding, rights management and career planning.
Do I need experience to apply?
No, students at all levels are welcome, including beginners with passion and motivation.
How is the course taught?
Through project-based learning, real industry briefs, case studies, live project work, guest talks and collaborative workshops. View modules
Which study routes are available?
- Two year accelerated degree, UCAS code 4L26
- Three year standard degree, UCAS code MB30
- Year 1
Music industry foundations, business principles, marketing, branding, rights, revenue streams and live event planning. - Year 2
Advanced music strategy, digital platforms, label and artist enterprise, legal frameworks, campaign planning and Major Project.
This route is faster, with consistent project output and early industry exposure.
- Year 1
Business fundamentals, introductory music systems, marketing and media basics. - Year 2
Intermediate industry skills, digital strategy, management and promotional campaigns. - Year 3
Advanced music business planning, entrepreneurship, collaboration, client briefs and a Final Major Project.
This route gives more time for depth, confidence and portfolio refinement. View Modules
- Graduate a full year earlier
- Save £7,000 in tuition fees
- Enter the audio industry sooner
- Maintain momentum across three trimesters per year
- Build a professional portfolio in less time
This route suits students ready for intensive, practical study and early career progression.
- Study at a more measured pace
- More time for creative experimentation
- Learn through multiple projects across studios
- Build confidence in both technical and creative workflows
This route suits students who want depth and flexibility in their production learning.
What facilities do students use?
Industry standard music business labs, media suites, collaborative spaces and access to Audio Production, Marketing and Web facilities.
Do I need my own equipment?
No, core resources are available on campus, although many students bring personal laptops or audio gear for projects.
What software and tools do students use?
Digital marketing platforms, analytics tools, music distribution systems, social engagement platforms, CRM tools and studio software.
Do students get exclusive deals?
Yes, SAE students benefit from exclusive educational licences and industry software deals, giving access to pro tools, analytics and platform services at reduced or free student rates.
Academic mentoring, careers support, wellbeing services, technical help and networking opportunities are available throughout your studies.
Domestic Students
- Level 3 qualification or equivalent
- GCSE English and Mathematics at grades A to C, or 9 to 4, or equivalent
- A personal statement
- No portfolio required
Non-standard entry may include:
- A creative or business portfolio
- An academic essay
- Relevant experience
International Students
Entry requirements vary by country and include English language proficiency where applicable.
To view our full entry requirements, please click here.
Is Student Finance available?
Yes, for both the two year and three year degrees.
How are fees paid?
Through Student Finance, direct payment or approved funding routes.
Are scholarships available?
Yes. Scholarships and bursaries may be available, and the best way to access these is to apply for the course first. Even after you apply, you can still apply for scholarships.
Are there extra costs?
Optional costs include personal gear, travel, event tickets or external project expenses.
Graduates work in roles such as: Artist Manager, Music Marketing Specialist, Label Assistant, Live Events Coordinator, Rights and Licensing Coordinator, Digital Strategy Manager, Music Entrepreneur and Brand Developer.
Music Business skills also apply to publishing, sync licensing, content agencies and creative consultancy.
- Visit the UCAS website
- Search for Music Business at SAE
- Enter UCAS code 4L26 for the two year accelerated degree
- Enter UCAS code MB30 for the three year standard degree
- Upload your qualifications and personal statement
- Submit your application
- Receive your offer
- Accept your place through UCAS
(Institution code: S05 applies for all SAE courses.)
- Go to the SAE application form:
https://www.sae.edu/gbr/form/application-form/ - Complete the online application form and submit your details.
- Once your application is received, a member of the SAE admissions team will contact you to discuss your application and next steps.
- If your application is successful, you will be offered a place on the course.
- Accept your offer and complete enrolment, with the SAE team supporting you throughout the process and staying in contact with you right up until your start date.
- Start your course and begin learning, collaborating and taking the next step in your Music Business career.
Top tip: For peace of mind, applying directly to SAE is often faster than applying through UCAS and is ideal for international or late applicants.
What your course structure will look like
The BA/BSc (Hons) Music Business degree can be taken as an accelerated 2-year degree, split over 6 trimesters, or a traditional 3-year degree, split over 6 semesters. Its structure follows 3 distinct stages – each designed to help you develop specific skills. Dividing it this way ensures you graduate as a well-rounded music business professionl, with a universal understanding of the music industry.Stage 1 (T1/S1 and T2/S2) provides a foundation of core technical knowledge.
Stage 2 (T3/S3 and T4/S4) broadens your skills, exploring new and evolving areas of the music industry.
Stage 3 (T5/S5 and T6/S6) is all-encompassing, covering all aspects of the music industry, including managerial aspects like project management, finance and promotion.
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
Topics include:
- Music synchronisation
- Music publishing
- Copyright
- Contracts
- Licensing
- Negotiation
- Music Listening and analysis
- Talking about Music
- Royalties
Topics include:
- Accounting
- Marketing strategies
- Taxes
- Start-ups
- Funding
- Budgeting
- Online marketing
- Business legislation
- Business ethics
Topics include:
- A&R
- Photography
- Photo Editing
- Recording for release
- Graphic design fundamentals
- Concept development
- Branding
- Promotion strategies
Topics may include:
- Artist Management
- Publishing
- Event management
- Distribution
- Branding and marketing
- Social media management
- A&R
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
Topics may include:
- Work experience
- Building a work-based portfolio
- Advanced marketing
- Recording management
- Business law and regulation
- Event production
- Cultural analysis
- Live branding
Topics may include:
- Advanced marketing
- Recording management
- Business law and regulation
- Event production
Any questions?
For any questions regarding our courses or if you’d like more information on how to apply for our Music Business degree at SAE, please contact our Enquiries Team on 03330 112 315 or email ukadmissions@sae.edu.
