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Music Business

BA/BSC (HONS) MUSIC BUSINESS degree

Whether you’re keen to become an agent, promoter, tour manager, A&R exec or work in another area of the music industry, you’ll be perfectly placed with this industry-relevant BA/BSC (Hons) Music Business degree at SAE.
BA/BSc (Hons) Music Business Degree
Campuses
Glasgow, Liverpool, London
Fees
BA/BSC (HONS) MUSIC BUSINESS degree
Domestic Fees
London

TWO-YEAR ACCELERATED DEGREE:

£11,440 per year

THREE-YEAR DEGREE:

£9,535 per year

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

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Not a domestic student?
BA/BSC (HONS) MUSIC BUSINESS degree
International Fees
London

TWO-YEAR ACCELERATED DEGREE:

International students (non-EU/EEA/Swiss)*: £16,500 per year
EU/EEA/Swiss students*: £12,500 per year

THREE-YEAR DEGREE:

International students (non-EU/EEA/Swiss)*: £15,750 per year
EU/EEA/Swiss students*: £11,250 per year

*Student visa required

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

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Not a international student?
Duration(s)
2 years full-time (Accelerated)
BA/BSC (HONS) MUSIC BUSINESS degree
Course Durations
2 years full-time (Accelerated)
3 years full-time
Start Date(s)
January and September
BA/BSC (HONS) MUSIC BUSINESS degree
Start Dates
Glasgow

  • January and September

Liverpool

  • January and September

London

  • January and September

Enquire now
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
Enquire now
Not a domestic student?
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
Enquire now
Not a international student?

WHAT YOU CAN EXPECT FROM YOUR DEGREE IN MUSIC BUSINESS

At SAE, our unique blend of academic and vocational education sets the stage for a thriving career in the music industry. During this music business degree course – which you can choose to study in an accelerated 2 years or a more traditional 3 years – you’ll explore various facets of the industry, from music publishing and distribution to artist management and live performance.

With our highly practical approach to training, you’ll develop vital skills beyond those of a typical music management degree. Showcasing entrepreneurship at its core, you’ll gain advanced business, marketing and finance knowledge, covering a range of content creation and branding techniques, and even create your own comprehensive portfolio.

As one of our music business degree students, you’ll be guided by our team of Experts – each one with a wealth of experience in the music industry. You’ll also have complimentary access to the SAE Session Station, where you can record music and podcasts in our state-of-the-art studios.

In collaboration with fellow SAE students from other creative disciplines, you’ll undertake a series of specialised projects – from redeveloping an artist’s brand identity to planning, promoting and executing a live event. You’ll also delve deeply into an area of particular interest in your final Major Project.

Get your business head on

Whether you’re keen to become an agent, promoter, tour manager, A&R exec or work in another area of the industry, you’ll be perfectly placed with this industry-relevant degree in music business. Upon graduation, you’ll be ready to launch straight into your music industry career, having gained real-world experience during course assessments and projects. You’ll also have an established network of peers and professionals across the creative industries – plus the professional agility you need to succeed in the ever-evolving music landscape.

A group of students watching over a laptop.

What you'll learn

At the end of your Music Business degree you will:
  • Gain a comprehensive understanding of music recording, synchronisation, publishing and distribution.
  • Learn the ins and outs of artist management, live performance and event management.
  • Develop essential skills in marketing, plus knowledge of the financial and legal aspects of the music industry.
  • Bring projects to life through collaboration with peers from other creative disciplines, including audio producers, filmmakers, web developers and marketers.
  • Refine your problem-solving and teamwork skills.
  • Develop a significant portfolio of work to present to industry.
  • Connect with a network of peers and professionals across the creative industries.
  • Graduate career-ready with a degree in music business from a recognised creative institute.
  • Music business degree start dates available in January and September.

YOUR CAREER IN MUSIC BEGINS NOW

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COURSE STRUCTURE

The BA/BSc (Hons) Music Business degree is a streamlined course which can be taught in 2 years across 6 trimesters or 3 years across 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 professional with a solid understanding of the way the music industry works.

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 areas of the music business.
Stage 3 (T5/S5 and T6/S6) is all-encompassing, covering every aspect of music business including entrepreneurial aspects like project management, finance, business law and marketing.
Trimester/Semester 1
In your first trimester, you’ll gain a broad appreciation of the complex and interrelated nature of the music industry. You’ll also learn fundamental skills in key areas such as music synchronisation and copyright and develop your understanding of relevant music industry legal issues.
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/Semester 2
During your second trimester, you’ll work on multidisciplinary projects that align 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/Semester 3
During your third trimester, you’ll be immersed in a professional working setting through a series of project briefs. Our hands-on Creative Studio module provides the perfect environment to build your practical skill set, with assessments 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/Semester 4
Your focus this trimester will be on live music and events management, complemented by advanced business, marketing and finance strategies.
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/Semester 5
As you approach the end of your music business degree, you’ll explore the area of the industry you’d like to specialise in. You’ll advance your skills in your chosen area by selecting from one of 3 optional 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/Semester 6
In your final module, you’ll demonstrate the practical and academic skills you’ve developed across your 2 years at SAE via 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 (2 years) MB30 (3 years)
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.

Tools & Software

Industry Partners

WHY STUDY MUSIC BUSINESS AT SAE?

Studying at SAE
Accelerated learning
Choose to streamline your education and minimise the cost of your studies with our accelerated music business degree course, which will see you graduate in just 2 years. Or take a more traditional approach with a 3-year degree taught at our London and Liverpool campuses, which includes summer break periods.
Our degrees explained
A pair of tutors looking over a laptop.
World-class facilities
Access our state-of-the-art SSL and Neve studios to record music and podcast interviews, completely free of charge.
Explore more
A student and a tutor talking and looking over a PC screen.
Expert support
Give your career a head start with guidance and mentorship from SAE’s Experts across your music business degree.
Meet your mentors
Students working in studio at SAE
Creative collaboration
Partner with your music industry degree peers, as well as SAE students from other areas, to supercharge your creative capabilities.
A pair of students working and smiling whilst looking at a PC screen.

Career Outcomes

What Jobs will this course lead to?

  • Artist Manager
  • Music Distributor
  • Music Publisher
  • Sync Agent
  • Record Label Exec (A&R, Production, Distribution)
  • Booking Agent
  • Promoter/Artist Booker
  • Press and PR agent
  • Marketing and Digital Content Creator
  • Radio Plugger
  • Tour Manager
  • Music Supervisor
  • Live Event/Festival Promoter
A close-up picture of a student holding drumsticks and playing drums.

START YOUR MUSIC BUSINESS CAREER TODAY

Apply to study the BA/BSc (Hons) Music Business degree and get ready to land your dream gig with SAE.
Enquire now

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