BA (Hons) Music Business and Event Management.

Working in the music industry requires independent thinking, problem solving and creativity. Our music business and event management degree will help you develop these skills and give you the foundations to make your first steps into the global music industry.

Band on stage for soundcheck

Overview

Designed by industry practitioners, Music Business and Event Management will give you the opportunity to develop your knowledge, networks and reputation within the music industry. Whether you want to go into the world of artist management, live events organisation, or music marketing, we’ll help you forge your own path. 

You’ll examine current business structures in recorded music, music publishing, and live events, and gain an in-depth understanding of the industry and how everything interlinks and functions within it. You’ll also explore how music is released and look at emerging trends with music marketing and e-commerce, as well as assess emerging revenue streams opening up across the sector.

You’ll learn everything you need to know about running live events, from planning and budgeting, to design and production, to logistics and promotion. Throughout the course, you’ll have ample opportunity to get on-the-job experience with work-based learning modules.

Your favourite record labels, music publishers, gigs, festivals, club nights, bands, and artists all depend on the backbone of music business and events management professionals.

Key info

  • Qualification: BA (Hons) Music Business and Event Management
  • Duration: 3 years full-time or 5 years part-time
  • Start date: 16 September 2024
  • Fees: £9,250 per year
  • Entry Requirements: A minimum of 64 UCAS points at A2 or equivalent. Find out more

UCAS info for this course

  • University/college name:

    University of Central Lancashire (Institute code: C30)
  • Course:

    Music Business and Event Management (Course code: W390)
  • Location:

    Spirit Studios (Campus code: Z)
View course on ucas.com More info for applicants

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Features and Benefits

A campus in the heart of Manchester icon

A campus in the heart of Manchester

Manchester is a thriving hub for music business and events management. With a wealth of record labels, live music venues, event enterprises, and media production and tech companies, our city offers endless opportunities for students to launch their career in the industry.

Integrated internships icon

Integrated internships

In your second year, we will help you secure an internship that will give you valuable experience and help you stand out from the competition. Previous students have interned at Sony Canada, Stunt Company PR New York, Snowbombing, and even on the Vans Warped Tour in the USA.

Musicians at your fingertips icon

Musicians at your fingertips

At Spirit, you will have unrivalled access to the next generation of artists, producers, and sound engineers. This is the perfect opportunity to gain real-world experience in events organisation and artist management. We specialise in music, which puts us in a unique position to provide this experience. By joining our community, you will be encouraged to collaborate on cross-disciplinary projects to build up your experience and professional networks.

You'll graduate with a transferable skill set needed for a rapidly changing industry icon

You'll graduate with a transferable skill set needed for a rapidly changing industry

Assessments are designed to ensure that you leave us with an impressive portfolio demonstrating a broad range of industry-relevant skills. Throughout your time with us, you will be asked to create a variety of deliverables. These assessments will give you the opportunity to develop your skills and gain experience in a variety of areas, which will make you a more competitive candidate for jobs in the music industry.

Hear from our programme leader

Spirit Studios tutor showing the specifications of the event management course
Our open days are a great opportunity to find out what life as a Spirit Studios student is like 22 Jun

Our next Open Day

Saturday 22 June 12PM-4PM

Open Days are a great opportunity to find out more about our courses, meet our expert tutors and see our facilities in action. They're the perfect introduction to student life.

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BA (Hons) Music Business and Event Management course details

All of our courses are constantly evolving to ensure teaching and learning remain relevant and up to date. Here is the latest example of the curriculum for Music Business and Event Management:

Year 1

This module will examine the functions and processes of the live music sector from a business perspective, examining established models and key processes within event planning and staging. Various large and small scale enterprises will be discussed and evaluated with key case studies introduced to enable a full understanding of the wide range of possibilities that exist within the industry. Key Business practices will also be identified and discussed; highlighting planning and design, revenue streams, promotional strategies, ticketing campaigns, marketing plans, audience and demographic segmentation, funding and financial pathways, identifying locations, local governmental and authority permissions, sustainability and health and event safety.

Assessment: Events plan and group practical test with discussion. 40 credits.

You will gain a practical overview of the music industry by analysing current developments and emerging trends. There is a focus on the recorded music sector and will involve the study of topics including recording contracts, music law, distribution models, merchandising, and artist management. You will also develop your study skills and academic writing skills, giving you a strong foundation for success in higher education and beyond.

Assessment: Citation and essay. 20 credits.

Through a combination of lectures, seminars, and workshops, this module will analyse and explore the effectiveness of contemporary multi-channel, digital content, marketing, distribution, and revenue models. You will focus on emerging trends in marketing, design, branding, and e-commerce, and consider how these concepts can be effectively employed in a real-world context. You will also explore ideas surrounding audience segmentation, the artist as a brand, new business, and social media strategies.

Assessment: Electronic press kit. 20 credits.

This module will provide you with a foundational understanding of music publishing. You will learn about the core concepts of the industry, including intellectual property and music copyright, the importance of collection societies, and the role that music publishing companies play in administering royalty revenue streams. Through research and assessments, you will gain a deeper understanding of these concepts. You will also have the opportunity to apply your knowledge to real-world scenarios.

Assessment: Written report. 20 credits.

This module will help you develop the skills and knowledge you need to succeed in the music industry. You will learn about the different pathways that are available to you, and you will develop an understanding of the key concepts that underpin the industry. including intellectual property, funding, budgeting, resourcing, tax, insurance and business planning.

Assessment: Presentation and report. 20 credits.

Year 2

This module will explore the different ways that copyright can be exploited in the music industry. You will learn about the different types of copyright, such as synchronisation rights, brand association rights, and individual song rights. You will also learn about the importance of protecting intellectual property, and how to do so. In addition, you will learn about the different ways that artists can work with brands and other businesses to generate income. You will learn about the importance of building relationships with brands, and how to negotiate successful commercial partnerships.

Assessment: Negotiation pitch and report. 20 credits.

Building on your knowledge from the first year, this module will focus on the end-user/customer perspective of creating and delivering multimedia content. You will learn how to conceive, create, and deliver multimedia content that is relevant and engaging to your target audience. By the end of this module, you will be able to create and deliver multimedia content that is effective in reaching and engaging your target audience.

Assessment: Digital content portfolio. 20 credits.

Following on from the module in the first year of the course, this module will focus on the key aspects of live event management, including liaison with agents, tour budgeting, negotiation skills, contracts, raising invoices, venue management, health and safety, and more. By the end of this module you will build up a range of transferable skills to deliver a successful live event.

Assessment: Event design and concept. 20 credits.

This module will provide you with the skills and knowledge you need to conduct a research project in a specific topic area reflecting your particular interests and practice. You will also have the opportunity to work with a research supervisor who can help you develop your research skills and provide feedback on your work.

The research project will be an opportunity for you to explore a topic that you are passionate about and to make a contribution to research in the field of music business and events management.

Assessment: Research essay. 20 credits.

To prepare you for a period of relevant work experience, you will carry out research into various industry fields and propose a potential placement opportunity that will benefit your career development. Then, through the analysis of industry management practices and operations, you will identify opportunities for the placement provider to create additional revenue streams or make operational improvements. In doing so, you will gain key employability skills that will help you successfully secure a practical work placement. The work placement will also give you the opportunity to gain practical experience in your chosen field, which will make you more attractive to employers.

Assessment: Seminar presentation. 40 credits.

Year 3

This module will focus on the importance of identifying and targeting your event’s audience. You will learn how to develop audience personas, identify your event’s goals, and create a marketing plan that will reach your target audience.

Assessment: Event portfolio. 20 credits.

This module aims to provide you with a current overview of working practices, future business models, emerging trends, and new developments within the music and creative industries. You will critically analyse the development and progression of technology, business models, and practices. Additionally, this module will help promote further independent thinking and research skills. These skills will be essential for your success in the music and creative industries. They will help you to stay up-to-date with the latest trends, to develop new ideas, and to make informed decisions.

Assessment: Lecture seminar with supporting archive. 20 credits.

The final module of the career development strand of the course will see you work collaboratively to define and manage a project that contributes positively to your career pathway. This period of work experience is designed for you to hone in on your chosen area within the industry and create a route to employment in a company, or entrepreneurial venture where your passion lies, while gaining more relevant and direct experience in relation to your chosen field

Assessment: Project and professional discussion. 40 credits.

This self-guided module gives you the opportunity to take charge of your own learning. You will define key research questions and conduct thorough research to help you define your dissertation topic in an area of your interest. Under the guidance of your tutor, you will create a regularly updated work plan, analyse primary and secondary data, and complete an extended essay.

Assessment: Proposal and dissertation. 40 credits.

Teaching and learning

Teaching takes place in a variety of formats including lectures, workshops, demonstrations, peer reviews and one-to-one tutorial support. Our aim throughout is to encourage your creative exploration and hone your technical  skills, all so you’ll leave us as a confident, independent professional.

What careers will BA (Hons) Music Business and Event Management prepare me for?

  • A&R
  • Artist Liaison
  • Artist/Band Manager
  • Booking Agent
  • Digital Content Creator
  • Distributor
  • DIY Label Manager
  • Educator
  • Event Manager
  • Festival Site Manager
  • Marketing Executive
  • Music Journalist
  • Music Publisher
  • Promotor
  • Publicist
  • Radio DJ
  • Radio Plugger
  • Record Label Manager
  • Social Media Manager
  • Stage Manager
  • Tour Manager
  • Venue Manager

Your tutors

Jonathan Radford

Jonathan Radford

Programme Leader

Jon is a producer, label manager, DJ and promoter who has over a decade of experience within the industry and has released five albums under the alias Diesler.

Entry requirements

  • 64 UCAS points at A2 or equivalent
  • Grade 4 or above in GCSE Maths and English

A minimum of 64 UCAS points at A2 or equivalent. You should also have achieved Grade 4 or above in GCSE Maths and English, or an equivalent (UK equivalents include key skills level 3 or functional skills level 2). If you are an international applicant you must have UK settled status in order to study on our degree courses. Non-native English speakers require IELTS: 6.0 with no component lower than 5.5.

Fees and funding

  • £9,250 per year (full-time)
  • £1,520 per 20 credit module (part-time)

Tuition fees for all our undergraduate courses are eligible for government funding through Student Finance England, subject to a successful application.

More info on fees and finance

How to apply

UK-based university applications are made through UCAS. You’ll need to register via ucas.com to create an application. You can then add this course as a choice to your application using the following information:

  • University/college name:

    University of Central Lancashire (Institute code: C30)
  • Course:

    Music Business and Event Management (Course code: W390)
  • Location:

    Spirit Studios (Campus code: Z)
View course on ucas.com More info for applicants

Any questions? Speak to one of our course advisors

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If you have any questions about this course, your application or if you'd like to arrange a tour of Spirit Studios, please get in touch on: