Music Business

The music industry is one of the most dynamic sectors of the creative economy, transformed in recent decades by digital streaming, social media, artist-led entrepreneurship, and the globalisation of audiences and markets. Music business as a degree examines the commercial, creative, and technological dimensions of this industry, preparing graduates to work across live events, artist management, record labels, music media, music publishing, sync licensing, and the data-driven analytics that increasingly inform decisions about what music gets made and how it reaches audiences. It is a degree for people who are passionate about music and serious about the business that surrounds it.

At Birmingham City University in the West Midlands, this three-year full-time BA develops the entrepreneurial skills, industry knowledge, and creative thinking needed to work in and shape the music industry. You will examine the business models that underlie different parts of the industry, the legal frameworks of music rights and licensing, the use of digital data in understanding audiences and markets, and the promotional and management skills needed to support artists and events. The programme has a strong practice orientation, developing your ability to apply knowledge to real professional challenges.

A sandwich year with work placement gives you a substantial period of industry experience before graduation, building the professional network and portfolio of applied experience that the competitive music industry rewards.

Graduates work across the music industry and beyond in the wider creative sector. Roles include artist manager, tour and event promoter, A&R executive, music publisher, music supervisor, sync agent, music marketing manager, streaming platform analyst, and social media content creator for music brands. The entrepreneurial and business skills the degree develops also transfer effectively to roles in the broader entertainment and creative industries.

Many graduates launch their own ventures, agencies, or management operations. Postgraduate study in music business, arts management, entertainment law, or the broader creative industries provides a route into senior roles and academic careers.