BA (Hons) Music Business and Event Management

Program Overview

The BA (Hons) Music Business and Event Management at BIMM University is a dynamic three-year full-time undergraduate joint honours degree, meticulously crafted for ambitious individuals passionate about both the strategic commercial aspects and the dynamic live delivery of the music industry. Offered across BIMM's vibrant campuses in the UK (Birmingham, Brighton, Bristol, London, Manchester) and in Berlin, Germany, this program provides a unique and comprehensive education that blends the intricacies of music business with the practical demands of event management. Students gain a deep understanding of artist management, music publishing, record labels, marketing, finance, and the legal frameworks underpinning music commerce, while simultaneously mastering the skills required for planning, promoting, and producing diverse live events. This integrated approach fosters an entrepreneurial mindset, equipping graduates with the versatility to navigate the complexities of a global multi-billion-pound industry, from conceptualising a tour to executing a festival, or managing an artist's career.

Curriculum: The curriculum for the BA (Hons) Music Business and Event Management is thoughtfully balanced across three years (Levels 4, 5, and 6) to provide a robust and integrated skillset. In the first year, core modules typically include "The Creative Industries & You: Finding Your Path," "Music Event Planning," "Artist Management," "The Music Business," "Event Production & Tours," "Event Safety," and "Marketing & Branding." These modules establish foundational knowledge in both event logistics and music industry operations. The second year delves deeper with modules such as "Defining Your Practice in Context," "Social Media and Digital Marketing," "Business & Enterprise," "Exploring Practice Through Collaboration," "Festival Management," 1 and "Financing Creativity," complemented by optional modules that allow for specialisation. The final year culminates in a significant "Final Project," "Event Sustainability," and a "Professional Portfolio," alongside further optional modules. These optional modules enable students to tailor their learning to specific interests, such as "Community, Cultural & Sports Events," "Touring and Live Events," "Digital Arts & Branding," and "Business Ethics & Music Law," ensuring a highly bespoke educational experience.  

Research Focus: While the BA (Hons) Music Business and Event Management program at BIMM University is highly vocational and practice-based, it integrates a strong element of research and critical inquiry to develop well-rounded and adaptable industry professionals. The curriculum encourages students to investigate contemporary issues and evolving trends within both the music business and the events sector. Through modules and significant assessments like the "Final Project," students are guided to conduct in-depth research into market dynamics, consumer behaviour, ethical considerations in event planning and music business, the impact of technology on industry practices, and the growing importance of sustainability in event delivery. This involves developing critical thinking skills, evaluating diverse sources, and applying research methodologies to understand and propose innovative solutions for real-world industry challenges. This focus on research fosters an analytical and evidence-based approach, empowering graduates to make informed decisions and contribute strategically to the development of the interconnected music and events industries.

Industry Engagement: Industry engagement is a paramount feature of the BA (Hons) Music Business and Event Management program at BIMM University, offering unparalleled opportunities for practical experience and professional networking. Students are taught by an impressive roster of active industry professionals, including seasoned promoters, artist managers, record label executives, and festival organisers, who bring current insights and real-world case studies into the classroom. BIMM leverages its extensive network to facilitate unique work experience placements, internships, and live industry projects with leading music-focused employers, major event companies, and festivals across the UK and beyond. Students regularly participate in masterclasses and workshops led by high-profile industry leaders, gaining invaluable insights and direct networking opportunities. The joint honours nature of the program also fosters significant interdisciplinary collaboration with fellow students from performance, songwriting, and production disciplines, mirroring the collaborative reality of the modern music and events industries. BIMM's dedicated Creative Futures team further supports students with personalized career guidance and robust industry connections, ensuring graduates are highly employable and well-connected upon graduation.

Global Perspective: The BA (Hons) Music Business and Event Management program at BIMM University inherently cultivates a strong global perspective, acknowledging the international and interconnected nature of both the music industry and the events sector. By being offered across multiple campuses in the UK and in Berlin, Germany, the program exposes students to diverse international music markets, business models, and varied cultural approaches to event planning and execution. The curriculum addresses global trends in music distribution, international copyright law, cross-cultural marketing strategies, and the complexities of organising large-scale international events and tours. Students gain an understanding of how different territories operate within the global music economy and the nuances of working across borders. BIMM's diverse student body, comprising individuals from numerous countries, creates a rich multicultural learning environment that encourages collaborative projects with diverse commercial, logistical, and creative perspectives, preparing graduates to navigate and succeed in a truly global music and events landscape.