Music Business

This degree is ideal for anyone looking to work in the music industry. Whether you’re interested in managing artists, working for record labels or the business of songs, you’ll learn exactly what it takes to build a successful career in music.

The course covers a broad range of music industry areas allowing you to develop your knowledge to help you gain employment across a variety of music business roles. It will also equip you with many key entrepreneurial skills to give you the option of building your own business from scratch. Whatever your ideal career path, this degree course will give you a comprehensive overview of the music business.

Why study Music Business at BNU?

This course combines industry expertise, practical experience and career-focused learning to prepare you for success in the music business. You’ll learn from experienced industry professionals while developing knowledge in areas such as artist management, music marketing, promotion and entrepreneurship. Through hands-on projects and real-world scenarios, you’ll gain valuable practical skills in event organisation, artist management and business development. You’ll also benefit from dedicated career support, including guidance on placements, internships and career planning, alongside opportunities to network with industry professionals and build the confidence to launch your own ventures within the music industry.

What facilities can I use?
Our state of the art professional studio facilities are equipped with industry-standard technology to support hands-on learning in music and audio production. Studios 1 and 2 feature Avid D-Command control surfaces and Focusrite ISA828 microphone preamps, while Studio 2 also includes an Audient ASP8024 mixing desk and high-end outboard equipment from leading brands such as Neve, Universal Audio and Manley. Additional edit suites are built around Digidesign C|24 surfaces, with professional monitoring systems by Genelec, Adam Audio and KRK. Students also have access to a wide range of industry-standard microphones, software plug-ins and 5.1 surround sound systems, providing a professional environment for recording, mixing and post-production work.

What are my career prospects?
Throughout the course, you’ll be supported in developing the professional, leadership and entrepreneurial skills needed for a successful career in the music industry. The BA (Hons) Music Business degree prepares you for roles in areas such as record label management, artist management, marketing, promotions, music publishing and royalty administration, while also providing a strong foundation for further postgraduate study.

Year one
Core Modules
Introduction to Artist Development
Entertainment Industry Framework
Event Planning and Practice
Managing Your Brand
Principles of Marketing

Year two
Core Modules
Music Business Project
Research Methods
The Music Entrepreneur

Optional Modules
Artist Management
Fan Cultures
Music Publishing
Music Publishing (Placement)
Venue Management and Concert Promotion

Year three
Core Modules
A&R
Entertainment Law
Independent Work

Optional Modules
Mosh Pit Politics
Creative Strategies
Digital Marketing
Industry Issues

Our teaching staff have a wealth of professional and academic experience, with many still actively working in the music business. You’ll learn through a mixture of lectures, seminars and workshops with one-to-one and small group teaching, as well as written assignments and practical exercises. Regular guest speakers are invited in to BNU to share their knowledge and experience with you on subjects such as the art of songwriting, social media marketing and music publishing.

A variety of assessment methods will be used as appropriate to the modules you take, including creative projects (both recorded and performed), presentations and written coursework. Assessments will be appropriate to the task, achievable, motivating and vocationally focussed, forming a constructive part of your learning process.