BA (Hons) Music Business

Program Overview

The BA (Hons) Music Business at BIMM University is a comprehensive three-year full-time undergraduate degree meticulously designed for ambitious individuals aspiring to entrepreneurial and management roles within the vibrant and evolving music industry. Offered across BIMM's various UK campuses (Birmingham, Brighton, Bristol, London, Manchester) and in Berlin, Germany, this program provides a deep dive into the commercial and legal frameworks that underpin the global music landscape. Students gain a holistic understanding of key areas such as artist management, music publishing, record labels, marketing, finance, and the live music sector. The curriculum fosters an entrepreneurial mindset, equipping graduates with the strategic knowledge and practical skills to navigate the complexities of music commerce, intellectual property, and digital distribution. Guided by highly connected lecturers who are active industry professionals, students are empowered to nurture their creative flair while developing core business competencies essential for success in this dynamic field.

Curriculum: The curriculum for the BA (Hons) Music Business is thoughtfully structured across three years (Levels 4, 5, and 6) to provide a thorough and practical education in music industry operations. In the first year, core modules include "The Creative Industries and You: Finding Your Path," "Artist Management," "The Music Business," "The Live Music Industry," "Releasing Music," "Music Publishing," and "Marketing & Branding." These modules lay a strong foundation in the fundamental aspects of the music industry, from artist development to intellectual property and promotion. The second year delves deeper with modules such as "Defining Your Practice in Context," "Business & Enterprise," "Exploring Practice Through Collaboration," and "Financing Creativity," complemented by three optional modules that allow for specialisation. The final year culminates in a significant "Final Project," "Audience Experience & Motivation," and a "Professional Portfolio," supported by four additional optional modules. These optional modules enable students to tailor their learning to specific interests, such as "Record Label Management," "Touring & Live Events," "Digital Arts & Branding," or "Business Ethics & Music Law," ensuring a highly bespoke educational experience.

Research Focus: While the BA (Hons) Music Business program at BIMM University is heavily oriented towards practical application and industry relevance, it strongly integrates an element of research and critical inquiry to develop informed and adaptable music industry professionals. The curriculum encourages students to investigate contemporary issues and evolving trends within the music business. Through modules and significant assessments like the "Final Project," students are guided to conduct in-depth research into market dynamics, consumer behaviour, new business models (e.g., streaming economics), copyright legislation, and the societal impact of music. They develop skills in critical analysis, data interpretation, and evaluating industry case studies, applying academic methodologies to address real-world commercial challenges. This emphasis on research fosters an analytical and evidence-based approach, empowering graduates to make strategic decisions, innovate within the industry, and contribute to its future development with a well-informed perspective.

Industry Engagement: Industry engagement is an integral and defining feature of the BA (Hons) Music Business program at BIMM University, providing unparalleled opportunities for real-world experience and professional networking. Students are taught by world-class lecturers who are themselves active and accomplished industry professionals, including record label executives, artist managers, music publishers, and entrepreneurs. BIMM boasts extensive and exclusive industry partnerships, facilitating a wide range of work experience opportunities, internships, and live industry projects with leading music-focused employers such as major record labels, publishing companies, and artist management firms. Students regularly attend masterclasses and workshops led by influential figures in the music industry, gaining unique insights and direct networking opportunities. The curriculum also fosters collaborative projects with students from other BIMM disciplines (e.g., performers, songwriters, producers), mirroring the interdisciplinary nature of the modern music business. BIMM's dedicated Creative Futures team provides personalised career guidance and connects students to a vast array of job opportunities, ensuring graduates are highly employable and well-connected upon graduation.

Global Perspective: The BA (Hons) Music Business program at BIMM University inherently cultivates a strong global perspective, acknowledging the international and interconnected nature of the modern music industry. By offering the course across multiple campuses in the UK and in Berlin, Germany, the program exposes students to diverse international music markets, business models, and cultural practices. The curriculum explores global trends in digital distribution, international copyright law, and the complexities of artist management and marketing on a worldwide scale. Students gain an understanding of how different territories operate within the global music economy. BIMM's diverse student body, comprising individuals from numerous countries, creates a rich multicultural learning environment that encourages collaborative projects with diverse commercial and creative perspectives. This global outlook prepares graduates to navigate and succeed in an international music landscape, enabling them to pursue opportunities beyond national borders and contribute to the global music ecosystem.