Music Business

The music business is one of the most dynamic and creatively driven sectors of the global economy, encompassing record labels, music publishing, artist management, live music, streaming platforms, sync licensing, music technology and a constantly evolving array of other commercial activities. Understanding how this industry works, how value is created and distributed, how relationships between artists, managers, labels, publishers, promoters and agents function, and how digital technology has reshaped every aspect of the business, is the foundation for a career in music that goes beyond performance.

At Southampton Solent, this three-year full-time programme develops your knowledge of the music industry from multiple angles. You will study the commercial structures of the industry alongside the legal, financial and entrepreneurial dimensions of music business practice. You will engage with artist management, record label operations, music publishing, live music and event promotion, streaming economics and the creative technologies that are transforming how music is made and distributed.

The programme connects academic study to professional practice, with connections to industry practitioners and employers.

You will develop a practical understanding of how the music business operates in the real world, alongside the analytical and communication skills that professional roles in a fast-moving industry demand. Solent's graduates have gone on to work at major labels, streaming platforms, live music organisations and management companies.

Graduates work in artist management, record labels, music publishing, live events and touring, talent agencies, music marketing, streaming platforms, music technology companies and music journalism. The skills developed through the degree are also relevant to broader creative industries roles. Some graduates develop entrepreneurial ventures in the music sector.