BA Hons Music Business

Program Overview

This fast-paced and exciting degree provides a comprehensive understanding of the various facets of the music business. Students gain practical experience in key areas such as running live events, artist and audience development and management, executing sophisticated promotional campaigns, and launching their own music enterprises. A significant feature of the program is its highly practical and coursework-based approach, with approximately 96% of the assessment based on practical work and projects. Students have the option of pursuing a three-year degree with embedded short work placements or a four-year 'sandwich' option which includes a full year of work placement in the UK between the second and final years of study, providing invaluable real-world experience. The program is designed to foster a multi-skilled and entrepreneurial mindset, utilizing cutting-edge technologies and ideas relevant to both the global and local music industries. It recognizes that the music industry is fundamentally a "people business" and emphasizes collaborative work in creative teams.

Curriculum: The curriculum is structured to provide a broad yet specialized knowledge base in the music business. Core modules delve into essential areas such as Marketing, Data & Analytics, Music Video Production, and The Music Business itself, providing a foundational understanding of the industry's operations and economic landscapes. Students also explore Music Cultures and Economies and gain crucial skills in Artist Management and Development. Audio Production is another key component, ensuring a well-rounded understanding of the creative process. As students progress, they delve into more specialized topics such as Music Law and Copyright, which includes examining contemporary legal cases and the evolution of copyright law, as well as understanding music business contracts. The curriculum also focuses on the future of the industry with modules like The Future Professional and New Music Enterprise, where students learn to develop and launch new music ventures. Managing Events, Gigs and Festivals is a practical module covering the planning and management of live music events of varying scales. Furthermore, Music PR and Journalism equips students with essential communication and promotional skills. The module "Design Thinking and Music Business Innovation" encourages creative problem-solving within the industry, while "Music and Sound Studies" promotes critical thinking about music, sound, and the music industry through a cultural and philosophical lens.

Research Focus: While the program has a strong practical and industry-focused approach, it also encourages students to develop research and analytical skills. The curriculum includes modules that require students to investigate and interpret concepts within the context of the music industry. For example, the "New Music Enterprise" module necessitates market research and data analysis to inform the development of new products or services. The "Music and Sound Studies" module encourages critical engagement with industry trends and practices, drawing on academic and cultural critiques. Furthermore, the University of Gloucestershire actively engages in research related to the music economy, as evidenced by a recent report produced by Music Business students titled 'The Music Economy of Gloucestershire' (MEG). This research highlighted issues affecting local artists and songwriters, demonstrating the program's commitment to real-world research with industry impact. This focus on research helps students to not only understand the current landscape but also to critically analyze and contribute to the future of the music business.

Industry Engagement: A key strength of the University of Gloucestershire's Music Business program is its strong industry engagement. The program boasts "industry, award-winning lecturers" who bring real-world experience into the classroom. Students are provided with numerous opportunities to gain professional experience, including the aforementioned optional full placement year. The university and the program's staff and graduates have an extensive professional network, which facilitates these valuable work placement opportunities across various sectors of the music industry. Students gain practical coursework experience directly related to their industry engagements. The program emphasizes collaboration with professionals and encourages students to participate in major projects, such as working on BBC Introducing sessions or contributing to virtual reality festival stages like Lost Horizon's. The annual media festival provides further opportunities for workshops, masterclasses, and networking with industry professionals. This strong connection with the industry ensures that the curriculum remains relevant and that graduates are well-prepared for the demands of the professional world.

Global Perspective: The BA (Hons) Music Business program at the University of Gloucestershire also incorporates a global perspective, recognizing the increasingly international nature of the music industry. The curriculum is designed to prepare students to develop an entrepreneurial approach to new business "globally and locally." While the primary focus of the optional placement year is in the UK, the knowledge and skills gained in areas such as marketing, artist management, and understanding music economies are transferable to the international stage. Modules like "Music Cultures and Economies" likely explore the diverse global music landscape and the economic factors that influence it across different regions. The emphasis on "New Music Enterprise" encourages students to think about potential markets and audiences beyond the UK. The broader business context covered in the program, including planning, financing, and digital marketing, is relevant to operating in an international environment. Furthermore, the University of Gloucestershire welcomes international students, contributing to a diverse and globally aware learning environment for all students.