A person at a music desk while a band is on stage performing

Music Business BA(Hons)

Master the skills needed to manage, create and innovate in the music business.

Key details
Location
Penryn Campus
Course duration
3 years / 4 years
Attendance
Full-time / Professional Placement
Subject to validation during this academic year
Yes

Course overview

This course is new for entry year 2024

On this Music Business degree, explore the mechanics of this fast-changing sector of the entertainment industry and develop an in-depth understanding of what it takes to succeed. You’ll journey through music publishing, copyright legislation, marketing, recording and distribution, tackling real-life projects and learning from expert lecturers and industry insiders. By the end of this Music Business course, you’ll be ready to work ethically, sustainably and successfully.

You will:

  • Study in industry-standard, purpose-built facilities that accommodate gigs, recording, rehearsal and business
  • Gain skills in marketing, publishing, live and recorded music projects and project management, through working on real shows and releases
  • Develop as a critical thinker, a creative problem solver and a collaborative team player
  • Collaborate with students including video makers, photographers, fashion and graphic designers, dancers and choreographers from across the University
  • Develop an understanding of legalities and economics, including contracts and intellectual property
  • Gain the know-how to emerge into industry as an innovator, either within an established business or as a go-it-alone entrepreneur

Course details

On this Music Business degree, you'll have the opportunity to gain a BA(Hons) degree over three years or study Music Business BA(Hons) with a professional placement. 

From recorded studio productions to live events, you'll develop a professional understanding of varied music industry environments, cultures and practices. You'll learn how to manage artists and organisations, explore the histories and futures of the industry and get to grips with contracts and intellectual property. You'll also investigate ethical and sustainable practices for music business.

Across year one, you'll explore approaches for managing yourself and others, as well as organisations and resources. You'll dive deep into the A&R world to understand creative processes and development and study the structures, shapes and roles within the music business. You'll also put on your first live event, having learned about the live music business and how to market artists and products effectively and ethically.

Modules

Marketing & Digital Media

Management: Organisations, Artists & Self

Live Music & Business

A&R & Creativity

Sound Cultures

Music Industry Environment

In year two, you'll get to grips with contracts, negotiations and intellectual property while dissecting the differences between DIY and corporate music sectors, as well as digital and physical products. You'll also explore the power of fan cultures and how they influence what products are created.

Modules

Sound Business 1

Sound Cultures 2

The Business of Things

Collaboration

Sound Business 2

DIY Entrepreneurship

You can choose to take an optional professional placement after your second year on a three-year programme.

You’ll be responsible for finding your own placement, with support from the Employability team. 

Choosing this option will enhance your industry experience and skills while studying. 

How you’ll study during your professional placement 

You’ll spend time working in a professional context, as part of a business or organisation. This can be in one role, or up to three, and must be for a minimum of 24 weeks. 

You’ll develop in-demand workplace skills, deepen your insight into industry and grow your network of contacts, all of which could help you get ahead in your career after graduation. 

Throughout this year, you’ll develop a portfolio of work that includes critical self-reflection on what has been learned from the experience. You’ll be required to evidence your experiences, the skills you’ve learned and your professional growth. 

In your final year, you'll put your knowledge into practice and debate ethical approaches to leadership and management at strategic levels. You'll have the opportunity to develop your specialisms through research and practical projects - creating a professional portfolio, ready to graduate into the music business.

Modules

Creative & Ethical Leadership

Music Business Project

Final Project Contextualisation

Future Skills

Final Project Professional Portfolio

The modules above are those being studied by our students, or proposed new ones. Programme structures and modules can change as part of our curriculum enhancement and review processes. If a certain module is important to you, please discuss it with the Course Leader.

Falmouth University music student on stage playing guitar.
Popular Music - Patrick Gardiner
Patrick Gardiner

How you’ll learn & be assessed

You'll learn through a combination of lectures, seminars, tutorials, workshops, project work and masterclasses. You'll also develop your music business skills and understanding through collaborative projects and guest speakers.

At Falmouth, we use a 'digitally enhanced learning & teaching' approach. Your experience will always be predominantly in-person, including seminars, tutorials and studio teaching, with some, more targeted elements, being online either live (synchronous) or pre-recorded (asynchronous). You can read more here.

You'll be assessed with practical exams and coursework.

Assessment methods

Assessments can take many forms, including:

  • Practical projects
  • Presentations
  • Portfolios
  • Written work

Stories from our community

Explore student projects, graduate successes, staff news and industry insights

Headshot of Falmouth Acting graduate Hayley Ashton
Hayley Ashton - Crop

In conversation with aspiring stand-up comedian Hayley Ashton

22 June 2023

Third-year Acting student reflects on their time at Falmouth University.

In conversation with aspiring stand-up comedian Hayley Ashton
Group Photo of LAAA Event Attendees
LAAA Event Image - Group Photo

Harnessing technology to make live events more inclusive

05 June 2023

In May 2023, the Live Audience Accessibility & Augmentation knowledge exchange project hosted a seri...

Harnessing technology to make live events more inclusive
Banner for Falmouth Showcase 2023
Falmouth Showcase 2023 Image

Falmouth Showcase 2023: A celebration of our graduating talent

02 June 2023

Congratulations to our class of 2023!

Falmouth Showcase 2023: A celebration of our graduating talent
Gareth Farr Biscuits for Breakfast Promo
Biscuits for Breakfast - Gareth Farr

Biscuits for Breakfast: Lecturer's new play makes an impact beyond the stage

09 May 2023

While writing his new play, Acting lecturer Gareth Farr began a collaboration with a local chef and ...

Biscuits for Breakfast: Lecturer's new play makes an impact beyond the stage
Propeller students with AMATA staff after first National Youth Dance Company performance
Propeller x NYDC

Falmouth dancers join Sadler's Wells National Youth Dance company

28 April 2023

Two dancers from AMATA’s youth dance programme have joined the National Youth Dance Company. 

Falmouth dancers join Sadler's Wells National Youth Dance company
Thumnail for video interview with Ephraim Masudi
Ephraim Masudi - Thumbnail

Meet Popular Music student Ephraim Masudi - AKA Ghetto Orange

06 April 2023

Ephraim talks about his creative process, launching Orange Fest and what's on the horizon after grad...

Meet Popular Music student Ephraim Masudi - AKA Ghetto Orange
Vick Bain, Associate Lecturer for Music Business MA
Vick Bain

Challenging bias and showcasing female+ talent in the music industry

29 March 2023

In conversation with Vick Bain, founder of The F-List for Music and Falmouth University associate le...

Challenging bias and showcasing female+ talent in the music industry
A young person in a blue t-shirt with their hand on a synth
Cornwall Youth Noise Orchestra synth

Falmouth supports Cornwall Youth Noise Orchestra

24 March 2023

Cornwall Youth Noise Orchestra is a project offering free and experimental music sessions for young ...

Falmouth supports Cornwall Youth Noise Orchestra
Benjamin Woods of band The Golden Dregs leaning on a fence
The Golden Dregs

Benjamin Woods on his Cornwall-born music project The Golden Dregs

15 March 2023

We recently chatted to Falmouth graduate Benjamin Woods about his new album On Grace & Dignity, the ...

Benjamin Woods on his Cornwall-born music project The Golden Dregs
Blurred photo of an audience from behind, with the text 'Live from Studio K' overlaid in white.
Live from Studio K

Live from Studio K: Caitlin Pinkess and The Octets

10 February 2023

Brit School alumna Caitlin Pinkess and function band The Octets take to the Live from Studio K stage...

Live from Studio K: Caitlin Pinkess and The Octets
Graduate Eva Gadd wearing a bright green tank top and leaning against a red brick wall, with large block of flats in the background.
Eva Gadd_Popular Music Graduate_Falmouth University

Popular Music graduate signs to Blue Adventure Records

18 November 2022

2021 BA Popular Music graduate Eva Gadd has been signed by Blue Adventure Records less than two year...

Popular Music graduate signs to Blue Adventure Records
Graduate Rachel Harrison and student Ben Pisacane stand either side of Time Peake in front of backdrop that reads 'Launch our future'.
Rachel Harrison and Ben Pisacane with Tim Peake

Rachel Harrison and Ben Pisacane with Tim Peake

Falmouth pair work with Tim Peake for Spaceport Cornwall broadcast

18 November 2022

Graduate Rachel and student Ben got to work with British astronaut Tim Peake as part of the Universi...

Falmouth pair work with Tim Peake for Spaceport Cornwall broadcast
Graduate Thomas Young sitting cross-legged on a sofa with a wall of artwork and photos behind him
Thomas Young

Graduate spotlight: Reigniting your creative fire

25 October 2022

BA Musical Theatre and MA Professional Writing graduate speaks about discovering, losing and finally...

Graduate spotlight: Reigniting your creative fire
A man plays his guitar in front of three young men
Pedal workshop

Lecturer to Chair new Cornwall Music Education Hub

09 June 2022

A consortium led by Community Interest Company (CIC) ASONE Perform has been granted funding of more ...

Lecturer to Chair new Cornwall Music Education Hub
A man holding microphones in black and white
Kalev

Student secures internship with legendary recording studio

07 June 2022

Second year Creative Music Technology BA(Hons) student Kalev Villem has secured an internship at leg...

Student secures internship with legendary recording studio
A woman stands cross-legged in a suit
Viva new

“Nothing’s ever wasted.” Rising star Mog Jones discusses lessons learnt on creativity

30 May 2022

For someone who describes herself as “quite reserved and nervous”, Mog Jones is making some bold...

“Nothing’s ever wasted.” Rising star Mog Jones discusses lessons learnt on creativity
Close up of a woman drawing a sketch
Sketch

Interior Design students create concept designs for AMATA

18 May 2022

Two second-year Interior Design BA(Hons) students have teamed up to create concept designs for an ex...

Interior Design students create concept designs for AMATA
Kelly Morris on stage playing the bass guitar
Six bassist

From Falmouth to the West End

12 April 2022

Popular Music graduate Kelly has landed her dream role as a bassist for Six the Musical. In Augus...

From Falmouth to the West End
Simon Harvey and Isobel McArthur pose with their Olivier Award
Simon and Isobel

Olivier Award win for Associate Lecturer Simon Harvey

11 April 2022

Pride & Prejudice* (*Sort Of), co-directed by Associate Lecturer Simon Harvey, has won Best ente...

Olivier Award win for Associate Lecturer Simon Harvey
Fresh from Falmouth September
Fresh From Falmouth September

Fresh From Falmouth: March Edition

30 March 2022

After a brief hiatus, Fresh From Falmouth returns with even more exciting stories from our wonderful...

Fresh From Falmouth: March Edition

Facilities

From sound studios and photography stores to post-production suites and our professional performance venue, you'll have access to industry-standard facilities across the University.

  • Equipment for small-scale vinyl and cassette manufacture
  • Professional performance venue hosting visiting artists
  • Rich library resource including vinyl collection
  • Film studios, green screen and post-production suites
  • Working and learning spaces, designed to nurture collaboration
  • Recording studio complex
  • High-spec performance studio designed for acoustic music
  • High-spec studio designed for amplified music
  • Music practice rooms for bands and solo work
  • Professional-standard studio hardware and software, and an extensive collection of microphones
  • A superb collection of analogue and virtual analogue synths and drum machines
Performance Facilities Image
Performance - AMATA

Performance Facilities

The Academy of Music and Theatre Arts (AMATA) is a purpose-built live venue housing an assembly of f...

Performance Facilities
Library interior with 'group study' written on large pillar and students reading
Penryn library group study area

Library Facilities

Offering extensive collections, our two libraries provide a wealth of digital resources, magazines, ...

Library Facilities
Falmouth University Sports Centre building exterior with blue sky and a path
Sports Centre - Outside
Sports Centre

Sports Centre

Our Sports Centre, on Penryn Campus, includes a spacious gym with up to 90 of the latest, new statio...

Sports Centre

Staff

From working with indie and major record labels and global festival productions, to expertise in international touring, merchandising, digital marketing, radio and music video production, as well as diversity campaigning and lobbying for a more ethical music business, our staff have a wealth of industry experience between them.

Dr Antti Saario

Dr Antti Saario

Head of Music

Dr Antti Sakari Saario is an award-winning post-acousmatic composer, sound and audio practitioner, r...

Dr Antti Saario

Dr Simon Poole

Course Coordinator & Senior Lecturer: Music, Theatre & Entertainment Management

Simon has been making, selling, collecting, managing and writing about music for 30 years. During th...

Dr Simon Poole

Some members of staff only teach on specific modules, and your course might not feature every staff member who teaches on the course.

Careers

As a music business graduate you could become:

  • A record label owner
  • An A&R, or talent scout
  • A tour manager
  • A music PR executive or manager
  • An artist or industry consultant

How to apply

Ready to join us? You can apply for September 2023 through Clearing or for September 2024 through UCAS Apply and Track. You'll need to reference the course and University code (F33).

Apply through Clearing 2023

Apply for 2024

Course route UCAS code
Music Business BA(Hons) three year degree UCAS code for entry year 2024 available soon
Music Business BA(Hons) with professional placement UCAS code for entry year 2024 available soon

We consider all applications on their own individual merit and potential. We invite all applicants to an interview day or audition to give them the opportunity to demonstrate this along with what inspires and motivates them in their field. Applicants will also be able to show their portfolio or give a performance depending on the course. We welcome applications from all subject backgrounds, whether you've specialised in STEM, the arts or humanities.

Course route Entry requirements
BA/BSc(Hons) three year degree 104 – 120 UCAS Tariff points
BA/BSc(Hons) four year degree with professional placement 104 – 120 UCAS Tariff points

Check the title of your course to see if it's a BA or BSc award. UCAS Tariff points will primarily be from Level 3 qualifications such as but not limited to A-levels, T Levels, a BTEC/UAL Extended Diploma or a Foundation Diploma. 

Check how many points your qualifications are worth

For applicants whose first language is English we require you to have or be working towards GCSE English Language Grade 4 (C), or equivalent. 

If English is not your first language you will need to meet the same standard which is equivalent to the IELTS Academic 6.0 overall score, with at least 5.5 in Reading, Writing, Speaking and Listening. We accept a range of in country equivalencies and approved tests.  

If you need a student visa to study in the UK, you may need to take a recognised language test. You can read our English Language Requirements for more information.

For starting your studies in 2024

UK applications: TBC (for equal consideration)

Applications after the TBC will be considered on a first-come, first-served as long as there are places available.

International fee payers

International fee payers can apply throughout the year. But we recommend applying as early as possible, to make time for visa and travel arrangements.

Fees, costs & funding

Tuition fees

Annual tuition fee Student
£9,250 per year Full-time UK
£17,950 per year Full-time EU/international
£1,850 per professional placement year Full-Time UK and EU/international
£1,385 per study abroad year Full-Time UK and EU/international

Tuition fees are set annually and are subject to review each year. The University may therefore raise tuition fees in the second or subsequent years of a course, in line with inflation and/or the maximum permitted by law or Government policy. Students will be notified of any changes as soon as possible. 

The figures above don't include accommodation and living costs

Typical course costs

  • Optional visits to relevant music businesses
  • £300 - 750 approx. – one-off cost for the duration of the course (laptop)

Ask a student

What better way to find out about life at Falmouth University than by asking our current students?

From course details and academic support, to the social scene and settling in, our students are ready and available to answer any questions you might have. Simply set up your account, send them a question and they'll get back to you within 24 hours.

Similar courses

Falmouth University student film crew on beach location.
Wilderness film crew beach sea

Sound Design BA(Hons)

Explore the boundaries of sound and its potential to transport an audience in different contexts, fr...

Sound Design BA(Hons)
Student singing and jumping on stage in front of guitarist
CERT HE - AMATA 2023

CertHE Music Courses

Take your first steps towards becoming a skilled creative music artist with one of our three CertHE ...

CertHE Music Courses
Student on stage in blue lighting and silk gown
Musical Theatre - 2023

Musical Theatre BA(Hons)

Combining training in acting, singing and dance, this practice-led degree will empower you for a car...

Musical Theatre BA(Hons)
Student actors wear beige jackets and holding toilet rolls as binoculars
Theatre & Performance - 2023

Theatre & Performance BA(Hons)

Embrace a world of opportunity to become an original and distinctive theatre maker and performer. As...

Theatre & Performance BA(Hons)
Two people sitting at a theatre tech desk working
Technical Theatre Arts 2024

Technical Theatre Arts BA(Hons)

This course will provide you with the practical knowledge and skills needed to succeed in the exciti...

Technical Theatre Arts BA(Hons)
Acting course page image depicting students performing on stage
Acting

Acting BA(Hons)

Push boundaries to become a progressive actor in a highly creative and collaborative environment. Ba...

Acting BA(Hons)
Person at piano playing
Music 2024

Music BA(Hons)

Prepare for a career as a professional musician with this industry-focused music degree. Based withi...

Music BA(Hons)
Popular music student playing drums
Popular Music

Popular Music BA(Hons)

Whether it’s underground or mainstream, DIY or commercial, acoustic or electric, this course is fo...

Popular Music BA(Hons)
Person at a sound desk mixing music
Creative Music Technology 2024

Creative Music Technology BA(Hons)

Develop the creative and technical abilities needed to thrive in the music industry. Exploring compo...

Creative Music Technology BA(Hons)
Dance students arching bodies backwards
Dance & Choreography 2023 crop

Dance & Choreography BA(Hons)

Launch your career as a dancer and an artist with this skills-focused dance degree. You’ll train i...

Dance & Choreography BA(Hons)

Open Days and events

From visiting campus to online application advice, get all the information you need about joining our creative community.

Find an event
Parents smiling with daughter at an Open Day at Falmouth University