LIPA named a Billboard Top Music Business School for sixth consecutive time
Friday 09 October 2026
The Liverpool Institute for Performing Arts (LIPA) has been named a Billboard Top Music Business School for the sixth consecutive time, recognising its approach to preparing students for careers in the music industry.
The annual list, produced by Billboard, highlights institutions educating the next generation of music industry professionals. Institutes are selected based on industry recommendations, alumni success and information provided by each institution.
LIPA’s inclusion recognises the strength of its BA (Hons) Management and MA Music Industry Management programmes. Billboard highlighted opportunities for students to gain hands-on experience, including through LIPA’s student music festival, 2ube Xtra, as well as its strong industry engagement, with all third-year students completing a three-month industry placement.
Keith Mullin, Director of the School of Creative, Technology, Design and Enterprise and Head of Management, says: “Being recognised by Billboard as one of the world’s Top Music Business Schools for a sixth consecutive time is a tremendous achievement for LIPA. It reflects the quality and relevance of our programmes, the strength of our industry partnerships and the success of our graduates, who are not just entering the music industry but helping to shape it.
“Management is a creative role, and I think one of the strengths of our programmes is that they give students the opportunity to experiment, think critically and develop their creativity. These are the skills they need to navigate a rapidly changing industry and play a role in shaping its future.”
LIPA’s Management graduates have gone on to leadership roles at major music and media companies including Universal Music, TikTok and Meta. Others have established successful businesses, including Sentric Music and Tap Management, which represents artists including Lana Del Rey and Ellie Goulding.
Salt and Tar Festival. Photography Tom Cavern
The BA (Hons) Management degree offers three pathways: Music Industry Management, Live Events, and Theatre & Screen. Students complete a three-month industry placement or enterprise project, with recent placements including Various Artists Management, Warner Music, Live Nation and Blackstar Amplification.
Through its partnership with Sefton Council, LIPA gives students opportunities to contribute to live events at Salt and Tar and its music festival. It is also developing relationships with community organisations across the Liverpool City Region, including health and education hub Oasis Village Wirral.
The MA Music Industry Management combines advanced research with practical, industry-engaged learning. Students develop their understanding of music industry management through mentored projects while building the skills to respond to the challenges and opportunities of a changing sector.
