Term 1 Academic Skills

This module introduces the principal theories and methodologies underpinning the processes of ‘practice as research’, self-reflection, and reflective analysis. You will analyse your own professional work and discover how to use that work as research to develop your professional journey. You self-reflect in a critically rigorous manner and apply the conclusions to career planning and development. You become familiar with appropriate research methodologies and understand the importance and procedures of ethical conduct of research projects in preparation for designing your own research projects and MA dissertation.

Term 2 Research Project

Through this module you develop your academic writing and research skills. These are essential to enable you to evaluate and critically analyse complex elements of a research project, through either a practice-based research dissertation or a research-based dissertation. You learn how to propose and defend a research project and to critically evaluate complex and current debates concerning working methods within the music industry. You gain insights into how to devise a sophisticated research methodology, gather and critically analyse data and evidence so you can present informed, sophisticated, objective arguments regarding the various dynamics underpinning your chosen sector of the Music Industry. In addition, you will be able to use academic theories and industry-based methods to analyse and evaluate approaches to achieving high quality, innovative, productive, and creative applied work within the music industry. 

Term 1 The Music Industry

This module gives you a wide-ranging critical overview of the music industry, studying music business organisation, the industry’s evolving infrastructure and how entrepreneurs grow new music business models. You take a deep dive into record labels, publishing, artist management companies, live music, and events companies. You examine the importance of intellectual property, copyright management, music agreements, income streams and music catalogue exploitation including the role played by new digital technologies.

Term 2 Music Management

In this module, you examine the history and development of management techniques as well as the latest and emergent approaches in the context of a changing and dynamic industry. Combined with a deeper study of strategies for effective management, you evaluate the latest industry practices and ideas, while developing research skills through independent research into your chosen area of the music business. You develop a comprehensive understanding of artist management, the skills and traits required to manage bands and small medium music enterprises, while developing a knowledge of strategic marketing techniques and research music manager career profiles. As part of this module, you produce a bi-weekly podcast Music Business Insider, interviewing music managers working in various areas of the music industry, providing invaluable insights into their career journeys and practice. 

Music Management Project Term 1 - Feasibility and Planning

The module enables you to research and demonstrate the viability of your practical ideas, through detailed study of proposals, strategies, concepts, resources, and budgets. The study is designed to inform your practical work in term 2, confirming a coherent methodology that is applicable to your proposals and area of research. You develop critical thinking and problem-solving skills while establishing the scope of your project including key performance indicators designed to guide progression and practical work.

Term 2 - Process and Execution

The project promotes real-world industry engagement and research through distinct practical project work that is career led, contributing to your ongoing professional development and personal career planning. The work is informed by the findings of the feasibility study conducted in term one, putting into practice the skills and knowledge learned on the course, demonstrating familiarity with music industry management practices, operating as a manager collaborating with a team of professionals in a creative environment. The practical work is supported through experienced industry mentors and managers. The module prepares you for your Practical Project Based Dissertation and future career.

Music Management Project is one module that runs over two terms. 

Term 3 Dissertation

The course culminates in a major investigative research project which can either be a Dissertation or a Practical Project Dissertation.

The Dissertation is designed to build on the lessons and insights of your professional activities experienced throughout the course. The module considers critical and innovative ideas, relevant theoretical perspectives to the music and wider creative industries and developments in global economies and public policy. At the same time, you critically explore how these and other similar considerations relate to the subject area. You undertake career analysis and determine key questions that inform your research themes and personal understanding of your work and career development. 

This module/unit content is indicative.

Term 3 Practical Project Dissertation

The course culminates in a major investigative research project which can either be a Dissertation or a Practical Project Dissertation.

The Practical Project Dissertation provides you with an opportunity to make a distinctive contribution to the industry and enhance your professional profile. The module allows you to propose, devise and deliver a significant professionally focused project which robustly addresses your career priorities, identified through careful self-reflection and critical analysis. Your project work is individually directed and managed, with supervisions and mentoring support. You consider critical ideas, music industry developments and how those concepts relate to your own career development and the wider music and creative industries. The Practical Project Dissertation allows you to refine your research skills, develop practice as research methodologies. At the same time, you develop a range of relevant transferable skills operating at a professional level. The project prepares you to function as a highly skilled manager ready to work in the music industries.