Birmingham City University United Kingdom

Music Business - BA (Hons)

Integrated Masters with deeper specialization and research focus
Taught in English
Duration 3 Years
Mode On Campus
Level Undergraduate
Degree Bachelors Degree
Closing soon September 2026

Course Overview

The BA (Hons) Music Business at Birmingham City University is your gateway to shaping the future of the dynamic music industries. You will develop essential entrepreneurial, creative, and business skills needed to thrive in a sector constantly redefined by technological change and evolving audience engagement. This course is designed for ambitious individuals eager to understand and influence the national and international music industries, exploring creative music cultures, and mastering music business practices. You will gain hands-on experience within an industry-standard media centre in the heart of Birmingham, learning from academics with deep industry expertise.

This full-time, on-campus degree is studied over three years, offering a curriculum that blends practical content creation with critical investigation. You will engage with modules covering music media content, industry audiences, music commerce, and urban music scenes, with opportunities for collaboration and work placements with key UK music organisations. In your final year, you will undertake a major project, choosing between a dissertation, hybrid, or production focus. You will graduate with the skills and network to pursue diverse career paths, from artist management and event promotion to digital marketing and A&R, supported by unique industry connections through the Music Academic Partnership.

Course Curriculum & Details

Detailed information for serious evaluators

Program Overview

This program explores the dynamic landscape of the music industry, covering essential areas such as media content creation, industry analysis, and cultural contexts. Students will delve into digital music, promotional strategies, and business ecologies, with opportunities for practical experience through work placements and live projects. The curriculum culminates in a major project, allowing for in-depth research or production, alongside optional modules that broaden understanding of media, culture, and communication.

1 First Year

Creating Music Media Content Core
Understanding Media Texts, Industries and Audiences Core
Investigating Media Texts, Industries and Audiences Core
Music, Commerce and Culture Core
Music Cities Core
Community and Industry Collaboration Core

2 Second Year

Digital Music, Data and Media Core
Music Business Ecologies Core
Music Business Promotional Practices Core
Work Placement Core
Live Project Core
Collaborative Practice Core
Bi-Media Drama Optional
Comedy in the Media and Popular Culture Optional
Fandoms and Subcultures Optional
Photojournalism Optional
Television Studio Optional
Creating Compelling Content Optional
Digital Storytelling Optional
Radio Documentary and Podcast Production Optional
Commercial Photography Optional
Emotion, Media and Culture Optional
Media and Environment Optional
Television From Small Screens to Smart Screens Optional
Graphic Design Optional
PR Campaign Planning Optional
Disruptive Publishing Optional
Exploring PR, social media and influencers Optional
Live Music and Media Optional
Live Radio Production Optional

3 Professional Placement Year (optional)

Professional Placement Optional

4 Final Year

Music Business Innovation and Enterprise Core
Major Project Preparation Core
Major Project - Dissertation Core-Option
Major Project - Hybrid Core-Option
Major Project - Production Core-Option
Media Activism Optional
Understanding Social Media: Practices, Cultures and Debates Optional
Digital Futures Optional
Creative Camera Optional
Radio Station Optional
Audio Drama and Podcast Writing Optional
Audience and User Experience Optional
Gender, Sexuality and the Body Optional
Race, Media and Culture Optional
Popular Music Narratives Optional
Media Production Company Optional
Communication in Action Optional
Feature Writing for News Media Optional

Cost & Affordability

A clear picture of what this course will cost you

Program Costs

16% off
First Year Fee Tuition fee
USD 21,076.00 USD 25,101.00
Second Year Fee Tuition fee
USD 25,101.00
Third Year Fee Tuition fee
USD 25,101.00
Total Program Cost Estimated total tuition
USD 71,278.00 USD 75,303.00

Currency note: Program costs shown in USD based on the available tuition breakdown.

Living Costs

Accommodation
USD 607.00 - USD 1,191.00
Food & Groceries USD 3,222.00 - USD 4,028.00
Transport USD 806.00 - USD 3,222.00
Utilities & Bills USD 4,028.00 - USD 5,034.00
Estimated Total USD 8,056.00 - USD 11,278.00

Living cost estimates are based on Birmingham City Campus.

Outcomes & Employability

What happens after you graduate

97%
Graduate Employment Rate Within 6 to 12 months of graduation

Common Graduate Roles

Advertising & Media SalesAviation & Air TransportBrand ManagementBroadcasting & TelevisionCustoms, Trade & ComplianceFood Processing & ManufacturingGaming & Interactive MediaMarketing Analytics & Data ManagementMusic & Performing ArtsWealth Management & Financial Advisory

Top Employers Hiring for this course

B music

British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC)

DHL

HSBC

Llyods banking group

YouTube

Why Study Music Business - BA (Hons) at Birmingham City University

What makes this program stand out

September 2026 Closing soon

Next intake is in September 2026

Moderate Application response time

Birmingham City University typically responds to applications within 1 - 2 weeks, giving you clarity on your options quickly.

Life at Birmingham City University in United Kingdom

What daily life looks like for international students

Language

English

Primary language everywhere

Climate

Mild & Rainy

10-20°C average, pack layers

Safety (Numbeo Safety Index)

Very Safe

Exeter is one of UK's safest cities

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about Music Business - BA (Hons) at Birmingham City University

Can I work while studying?

As a degree student, you can work up to 20 hours per week during term time and full-time during breaks. No separate work permit is needed.

What English language score do I need for this course?

You need to meet specific English language requirements: TOEFL overall score of 80, IELTS overall score of 6, or PTE overall score of 59. Ensure you achieve the minimum listening, reading, speaking, and writing scores as specified.

What jobs can I get after studying this course?

Potential job titles include Music Event Manager, Music Marketing Coordinator, Music Content Producer, and Artist Manager.

What will I actually study in this course?

This course focuses on promoting live music events and creating music media content. You'll develop innovative entrepreneurial skills while studying in a supportive learning environment.

When can I start — what are the intake months?

The BA (Hons) in Music Business has an intake every September. Ensure you have all your application materials ready by this time for a smooth enrollment process.
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