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.
Campuses
Glasgow,
Liverpool,
London
Fees
BA/BSc (Hons) Music Business Degree
Domestic Fees
London
£9,000 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, the following fees will apply: £11,100 per year.
Glasgow
£7,500 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, the following fees will apply: £9,000 per year.
Liverpool
£9,000 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, the following fees will apply: £11,100 per year.
BA/BSc (Hons) Music Business Degree
International Fees
London
£13,000 per year
(*Student visa required)
For UK/Irish students commencing their studies from January 2024, the following fees will apply: £15,000 per year.
Glasgow
£11,500 per year
(*Student visa required)
For UK/Irish students commencing their studies from January 2024, the following fees will apply: £13,000 per year.
Liverpool
£13,000 per year
(*Student visa required)
For UK/Irish students commencing their studies from January 2024, the following fees will apply: £15,000 per year.
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
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 51 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
*Accepted on exceptional basis for the applicants whose local test centres are affected by closures due to Covid-19
YOUR CAREER IN MUSIC BEGINS NOW
Artist management and development, live event and festival promotion, tour management, music supervision, music synchronisation for film and television, music press and PR, social media marketing and law.
To support your studies, you will have access to music business experts and professionals and contacts across all aspects of the music industries. Plus, each campus has physical and online libraries with access to 1000s of online journals.
You'll collaborate with an exciting student body on your journey through SAE - Audio students to record your artists, film students to film music videos and game art students to help with design.
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!
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.
During the first trimester you will develop your awareness of the music industry, exploring key areas such as record companies, music publishing, live performance and artist management. You will analyse how the industry has evolved and the trends and study the process of the industry today. Woven throughout the first trimester is an overview of the industry’s institutions, their impact on each other and the wider sector, as well as a grounding in the regulations and systems of revenue collection.
Topics in Trimester 1 include:
Topics in Trimester 1 include:
- History of the Music Industries
- The Recording Industry
- Artist Management
- Music Distribution
- Live Music
- Music Genre and its Impact
- Influential Artists and Technology
- Social, Political and Economic Context of the Industries
- Contemporary Issues and Future Perspectives
Legislation and Contracts focuses on music synchronisation, copyright and the legal aspects underpinning the music industries. Music publishing, distribution and licensing are all addressed, while you will be expected to engage practically by applying your knowledge of music synchronisation, copyright and contracts. The module will expand your music collection, develop your ability to talk about music and determine consequences of contracts, within the context of music synchronisation and publishing. Furthermore, it will enable you to pitch your ideas convincingly and to substantiate your statements through research. All of the legal and contractual content is expanded through financial concepts, revenue and cash flows.
Topics include:
Topics include:
- Music Synchronisation
- Music Publishing
- Copyright
- Contracts
- Licensing
- Negotiation
- Expanding your Music
- 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.
This module introduces essential tools used in the business world, and will equip you with the knowledge and understanding of marketing concepts. Further, it aims to enable you to efficiently carry out effective business planning and budgeting and to use best practice when conducting business online, including developing a sense of ethical conduct.
Topics include:
Topics include:
- Accounting
- Marketing Strategies
- Taxes
- Start-ups
- Funding
- Budgeting
- Online Marketing
- Business Legislation
- Business Ethics
‘Profiling and Content Management’ is the culmination of Level 4, in which you will learn to identify and develop brand values and concepts for artists. You will create media content for the purposes of promotion, and learn how to organise and execute a music production.
The module will further introduce you to a range of media skills including audio, graphics, photography and design. You will learn to scout a promising artist, create a concept for artist development and branding and to design promotion material.
Topics include:
The module will further introduce you to a range of media skills including audio, graphics, photography and design. You will learn to scout a promising artist, create a concept for artist development and branding and to design promotion material.
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 two streams. In stream 1 you will undergo advanced marketing and branding. You will work with current musical artists to redevelop their branding identity. This term mirrors work undertaken by A&R teams in record labels, publishing companies and artist management professionals the world over. Here you will undergo advanced branding and marketing techniques, including digital marketing, photography, website design, fashion and messaging concepts and also building, designing and implementing a brand book for an artist to adhere to.
In the second stream you will undergo a large scale project of your choosing, agreed with the module leader and undertaken in collaboration with students from other disciplines at SAE. This project will involve building on skills already developed or entering into a new aspect of the music industries.
Topics you may draw upon in Creative Studio 1 include but are not limited to:
In the second stream you will undergo a large scale project of your choosing, agreed with the module leader and undertaken in collaboration with students from other disciplines at SAE. This project will involve building on skills already developed or entering into a new aspect of the music industries.
Topics you may draw upon in Creative Studio 1 include but are not limited to:
- 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.
Creative Studio 2 explores planning, organising, promoting and executing a live event. Working in groups, you will define key roles and responsibilities and manage the whole event cycle, from sourcing a venue, booking artists, analysing and creating branding for the event, promotion, and ultimately hosting the event for the public. You will have the opportunity to work with audio, film and game art students to help record, film and promote the event. A portfolio of work is created during the planning process, including a brand book, business, marketing plan and contracts.
Topics you may draw upon in Creative Studio 2 include:
Topics you may draw upon in Creative Studio 2 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 music industries.
This third Creative Studio provides you with the opportunity to focus your education towards your professional interests, which can be supported through the development of your own practical research project or through the completion of work-based learning through live briefs and work placements. A portfolio may be compiled after several months of work experience in an aspect of the music industries.
Topics you may draw upon in Creative Studio 3 include:
Topics you may draw upon in Creative Studio 3 include:
- Work Experience
- Building a Work Based Portfolio
- Advanced Marketing
- Recording Management
- Business Law and Regulation
- Event Production
- Cultural Analysis
- Live Branding
Trimester 6
This final module enables students pursuing the Music Business degree to demonstrate their skills in a large scale, advanced level project.
During your final trimester you will work to the completion of your final Major Project, which will have been designed, scoped and approved through the preceding term. This project gives you the opportunity to focus and advance your knowledge and skills in your chosen specialism within your field, and serves as the culmination of your learning journey with us.
Previously, students have used the Major Project as a springboard into industry, creating award winning projects, establishing their own businesses or making connections with industry professionals that have led to employment.
Previously, students have used the Major Project as a springboard into industry, creating award winning projects, establishing their own businesses or making connections with industry professionals that have led to employment.
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.
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
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.
YOUR DREAM CAREER BEGINS NOW
With our industry connections, specialised teachers and personalised education in world-class facilities, you can unleash your creative future with confidence.
Apply now
