BA (Hons) Songwriting and Music Business

Program Overview

The BA (Hons) Songwriting and Music Business at BIMM University is a dynamic three-year full-time undergraduate joint honours degree, meticulously designed for aspiring songwriters who also possess an entrepreneurial spirit and a keen interest in the commercial side of the music industry. Offered across BIMM's vibrant UK campuses (Birmingham, Brighton, Bristol, London, Manchester) and in Berlin, Germany, this program provides a comprehensive education that fuses the art of musical composition with essential business acumen. Students gain a deep understanding of songwriting techniques, including lyrical and melodic construction, harmony, and genre-specific writing, while simultaneously developing a robust understanding of music publishing, intellectual property, artist management, marketing, and the financial and legal frameworks of the music industry. This integrated approach empowers graduates to not only craft compelling original music but also to strategically navigate the complexities of the modern music business, preparing them for diverse roles as independent artists, professional songwriters, or industry professionals.

Curriculum: The curriculum for the BA (Hons) Songwriting and Music Business is thoughtfully structured across three years (Levels 4, 5, and 6) to provide a balanced development of both creative and commercial skills. In the first year, core modules typically include "The Creative Industries and You: Finding Your Path," "Songwriting Techniques," "Songwriting Skills for Ensemble," "Styles and Genres," "The Music Business," "Music Publishing," and "Marketing and PR." These modules establish foundational knowledge in songwriting fundamentals, music theory, and the essential business principles of the music industry. The second year builds upon this with modules such as "Defining Your Practice in Context," "Creative Collaboration," "Music Creation with Technology," "Business & Enterprise," "Songwriting and Arrangement," and "Financing Creativity," alongside optional modules that allow for specialisation. The final year culminates in a significant "Final Project," a "Showcase & Showreel," and a "Professional Portfolio," supported by further optional modules. These options enable students to tailor their learning to specific interests, such as "Creative Performance," "Composing for Film and TV," "Arranging," or "Research," ensuring a highly bespoke educational journey.

Research Focus: While the BA (Hons) Songwriting and Music Business program at BIMM University is highly practical and project-driven, it integrates a strong element of research and critical inquiry to develop informed and adaptable music professionals. The curriculum encourages students to investigate the theoretical and contextual underpinnings of both songwriting practices and music business models. Through modules and major assessments, particularly the "Final Project," students are guided to conduct in-depth research into areas such as historical and contemporary songwriting trends, the evolution of music publishing and copyright, market dynamics, consumer behaviour, and the impact of digital technologies on the music industry. This involves developing critical thinking skills, evaluating diverse sources, and reflecting on their own creative and entrepreneurial practices. This emphasis on research fosters an analytical and evidence-based approach, empowering graduates to make well-informed decisions in their creative work and contribute strategically to the artistic and commercial landscape of music.

Industry Engagement: Industry engagement is a cornerstone of the BA (Hons) Songwriting and Music Business program at BIMM University, providing unparalleled opportunities for practical experience and professional networking. Students are taught by an impressive roster of active industry professionals, including successful songwriters, music publishers, artist managers, and marketing experts, who bring current insights and real-world case studies directly into the classroom. BIMM leverages its extensive network to facilitate unique work experience placements, internships, and collaboration opportunities with leading music-focused employers, publishing houses, and record labels. Students regularly participate in masterclasses and workshops led by high-profile artists and influential industry figures, gaining invaluable insights and direct networking opportunities. The joint honours nature of the program fosters significant interdisciplinary collaboration with fellow students from other BIMM disciplines (e.g., performance, production, event management), mirroring the collaborative reality of the modern music industry. 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) Songwriting and Music Business program at BIMM University inherently cultivates a strong global perspective, acknowledging the international reach and diverse influences within both songwriting and the music business. By being offered across multiple campuses in the UK and in Berlin, Germany, the program exposes students to varied international music markets, business models, and cultural approaches to music creation and commerce. The curriculum explores global trends in music publishing, international copyright law, digital distribution, and cross-cultural marketing strategies. Students gain an an understanding of how different territories contribute to and interact within the global music economy, and the importance of cultural sensitivity in both songwriting and business practices. BIMM's diverse student body, comprising individuals from numerous countries, creates a rich multicultural learning environment that encourages collaborative projects with varied creative and commercial perspectives, preparing graduates to navigate and succeed in a truly global music landscape.