Study music business abroad

Music business degrees equip you with the expert knowledge and practical expertise you’ll need to make your mark on the entertainment industry.

You’ll learn about every aspect of the global music business, from marketing and management, to law and licensing. As well as immersing yourself in its history, you’ll consider how the industry has evolved over time. You’ll also get the chance to work alongside real clients and stage your own events.

Music is created and consumed in every corner of the world. Earning your degree overseas will give you an international perspective on music business operations, and an unbeatable opportunity to see how the industry is growing and adapting.

Most bachelor’s degrees in music business last three years, or four years if you take a placement year. Work placements are an ideal opportunity to get an inside look at the industry and build a professional network.

It’s possible to study music business in the US, but undergraduate courses are structured a little differently and require four years of study. After completing two years of general education classes, you’ll choose music business as your major for the remaining two years.

If you’re hoping to get more of a headstart in the music business, you might consider taking a postgraduate course. Master’s degrees take between one and two years, while PhDs can take anywhere between four and eight years to finish.

You’ll benefit from a combination of lectures, seminars, practical sessions, and group workshops. Assessment methods vary between modules, but essays, group research projects, presentations, and case study analyses are common.

Here are some of the fundamental modules you’ll probably take as part of your program:

• Principles of music management
• Music video production
• Making sense of the music business
• Music cultures and economies
• Principles of marketing
• Business law and ethics
• Event planning and management
• Music law and copyright

You’ll graduate with the creativity, entrepreneurship, and expertise needed to pursue an exciting career in the global music business.

You could apply your skills to countless roles across the entertainment industry, but some of the most popular career paths include:

• Artist manager
• Promoter
• Tour manager
• Music journalist
• Stage manager
• PR director
• Studio manager
• Royalty analyst

Gaining relevant experience is one of the best ways to stand out from the graduate crowd. Your university’s careers office can help you look for internships in places like recording studios and music agencies.