Course specification and structure
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UDMBLIVE - BA Music Business and Live Entertainment

Course Specification


Validation status Validated
Highest award Bachelor of Arts Level Honours
Possible interim awards Bachelor of Arts, Diploma of Higher Education, Certificate of Higher Education, Bachelor of Arts
Total credits for course 360
Awarding institution London Metropolitan University
Teaching institutions London Metropolitan University
School Guildhall School of Business and Law
Subject Area Business and Management
Attendance options
Option Minimum duration Maximum duration
Full-time 3 YEARS 8 YEARS
Part-time 4 YEARS 8 YEARS
Course leader  

About the course and its strategy towards teaching and learning and towards blended learning/e-learning

The music industry and buoyant live entertainment sectors create a significant contribution to economic and cultural life in the UK and globally. The world’s third largest, after USA and Japan and a major generator of employment within Britain and other developed nations. The global music industry is now in its second century and a new cycle in its development is in full swing, alongside new prospects and entrepreneurial challenges. This course pays special attention to strategies of innovation and industry change, patterns of employability, and new entertainment models fit for a new generation of managers and leaders.

This course is set to educate and train the future managers of music and entertainment industries. There is a natural and strong link between music and live entertainment; applicant interest in the combination of music and live entertainment management remains consistently high. Music events have been a sector of significant growth over the early years of the 21st century, a trend that is set to continue for the foreseeable future. Career prospects are bound to remain high.

The teaching and learning on the course is student-centred, with the student experience informing all elements of pedagogic initiatives. Different formats of teaching and learning sessions are utilised throughout the course, allowing students to take on a more active role in the empirically-delivered subject areas addressing the practical reality of the industry.

Industry specialists will be included as guest speakers in all modules, as and when appropriate, to offer the industry perspective on the theoretical concepts discussed throughout the curriculum. Networked and blended learning is used throughout the course, for teaching, learning and assessment; also tasks and practical industry work. Presentation, showcasing and special events form part of assessment.

There is an emphasis on preparation for the world of work by providing students with skills that combine a variety of practical contexts and cognitive approaches. Course delivery is supported by online learning platforms, especially in industry-led modules. We place emphasis on creative, independent thinking, analytical skills, networking and placement opportunities, business innovation and conceptual development for enterprise.

Our educational philosophy is rooted in the development of creative and enterprising individuals able to function, manage and perform in a multitude of challenging professional environments through an in-depth understanding of the operational contexts of music, media, events and related creative industries. Empirical features of the course are delivered with application of theory in industry practice, e.g. practical application in actual or simulated business problems. Additionally, students are being provided with opportunities to develop their own specialisation in a range of subjects including but not limited to business modelling, project leadership, creative enterprise, artist management.

Course aims

The aims of this course are:

  1. To offer an intellectually demanding programme of study which enhances the understanding of the music and events industries and their roles within a wider leisure and business context and how these relate to the society as a whole; and an intellectual awareness of the position of the music industry within the broader set of creative industry contexts.
  2. To provide students with the theory and application of key management concepts, approaches and techniques that are central to the music business and live events sectors, and to augment theoretical concepts with a framework of experiential learning to ensure that students possess the practical skills necessary to make a positive and effective contribution within their chosen industry
  3. To foster an awareness of the social, cultural, economic and political environment in which the music and events industries operate, and the strategic implications and broader social responsibilities that this environment generates within a particular context of integration of practice in music events from the perspectives of various players and stakeholders and the impact of new technologies and promotional methods on music and events industry sectors.
  4. To create graduates who possess the relevant specific skills needed in the industry upon their successful completion of the course (including, but not limited to: time management, prioritisation, numeracy, communication and leadership, as well as life-long learning) and who are capable of driving their career forward.
  5. To provide students with a comprehensive analysis of the transformational context of fragmented and networked digital communications and content distribution within the global entertainment industry context, and how, through an applied conceptualisation of contemporary theory and practice, the industry can benefit from the transformational forces of interactive digital platforms and emerging entertainment models.
  6. To foster an evaluation of the social, cultural, economic and political environment in which the music industry operates and the strategic implications and broader social responsibilities that this environment generates
  7. To develop a high degree of employability and entrepreneurialism in students, to enhance the ability of individuals to operate as effective learners, both individually and collaboratively, and to provide a wide range of transferable skills to ensure that graduates develop and succeed in professional careers in a variety of business contexts.

Course learning outcomes

This course aims to prepare graduates for the challenges of working in the dynamic music and live entertainment management industries.
We aim to develop the following knowledge and skills with our students:

Knowledge and understanding

Upon successful completion of the course, students will be able to:

  • Demonstrate a critical evaluation of the complexity of planning and of theories or conceptual frameworks in disciplines relevant to music and entertainment industry management;
  • Evaluate the socio-cultural and economic implications of music and live entertainment;
  • Demonstrate an analysis of professional bodies across the music industry, media and live events, their membership requirements, policies and codes of conduct.
  • Apply the analysis and planning of the various stages in music and entertainment management processes from conceptualisation to delivery and evaluation, and reflect upon the implications of the global entertainment marketplace.
  • Apply an in-depth understanding of contemporary media, entertainment and music industry management practice, their component elements and the national and international trends affecting them

Cognitive/intellectual skills

Upon successful completion of the course, students will be able to:

  • Use intellectual skills and critical faculties to analyse and synthesise concepts, ideas and theories and apply them within music and entertainment industry management contexts;
  • Demonstrate critical reflection and judgement in the light of evidence and argument about music entertainment management issues;
  • Reflect on the cultural and social diversity in music and live entertainment related situations;
  • Develop critical reflection capabilities for considered opinion in the context of evidence and argumentation about issues in music and entertainment industry contexts
  • Show a methodological evaluation of the causality, ambiguity and limits of knowledge

Practical skills

Upon successful completion of the course, students will be able be able to demonstrate:

  • The ability to obtain information and knowledge from a variety of sources including libraries, on-line networks and electronic sources in general and locate and select information appropriate for any given application;
  • The ability to conduct independent scholarly research culminating in the capacity to undertake a final year project;
  • The ability to use computers for business purposes in analysing problems and proposing solutions;
  • Flexibility and creativity in adapting to a work environment that is subject to rapid and continuous change, through a holistic and strategic approach to planning and management
  • The ability to plan, model and manage a music business event, as well as identify problems and propose solutions in music and entertainment management


Transferrable skills

  • Problem solving and decision making including but not limited to: Enterprise skills, including taking initiative, being creative, leadership, completing tasks and projects, taking calculated risks
  • Communicating – both orally and in writing, Notemaking, Memorising
  • Self/Time management, including self-efficacy, self assessment/reflection, including awareness of and management of emotions
  • Interpersonal, including. collaborating / working with others, cross cultural awareness, having a positive attitude, negotiation and persuasion
  • Digital literacy and IT skills
  • Numeracy/quantitative
  • Commercial Awareness, vision, corporate social responsibility and governance
  • Career management

Principle QAA benchmark statements

The QAA Benchmark statement for Hospitality, Leisure and Tourism (2008) related to programmes broadly concerned with events has been adopted
QAA Benchmark statement for Music (2008) can also be applied. See 2.7 (p.11).

Assessment strategy

Students shall be formally assessed via a variety of assessment items: reports, essays, exams, group presentations, reflective journals and portfolios, problem-based activities, practice-based projects, group research projects, and a final dissertation. Majority of the assessments will be submitted via the online university intranet, in order to facilitate the process of getting the feedback to the students promptly and efficiently.

Students will also be able to obtain formative feedback on their engagement and performance in various tasks during the scheduled teaching times (workshops or seminars) for which they are required to prepare in advance. Blended learning, online tools and collaborative platforms form the essence of course feedback.

Experiential learning and practice projects are assessed by means connecting formative and summative assessment.

Organised work experience, work based learning, sandwich year or year abroad

As part of our Undergraduate Student Promise, every student will undertake accredited work-related learning (in either the form of a work placement or ‘live’ project with a partner organisation or planning to set up small business) as a core, compulsory element within their course programme.

You will have the option of taking the “Level 5 or 6 Learning Through Work” or “LT5025 Live Music and Events Practice” 15 credit module in your course programme. Additionally you have the option of taking an additional 30 credit 12 month sandwich placement module (which would extend your course to four years).

Work-related learning provides students with:

  • the experience of a competitive recruitment process or pitching for an opportunity
  • a work-related experience or project which impacts a real organisation
  • assessment and feedback on their reflections on their experience of the work-related learning and planning for their future career.

Where required, students will be supported in finding suitable opportunities which can be either be a placement, part-time role or ’live’ project for an external organisation untaken within the University. We have dedicated placements and careers teams who will assist learners with all aspects of their job search and application. The suitability of the opportunities will be assessed by the Module Leader on an individual basis. It is the student’s responsibility to apply for opportunities and engage with the relevant University personnel who to assist them in gaining a suitable role.

Learners may be able to utilise their existing part-time / vacation employment (whether or not this relates to their subject area), providing they can demonstrate that it is personally developmental and involves responsibility (decided upon submission of the role details by the Module Leader).

Course specific regulations

Standard University regulations apply

Arrangements for promoting reflective learning and personal development

Reflective learning is actively encouraged throughout the course. The initial skills to support student reflection shall be developed through the Level 4 module titled Learning, Developing, Communicating.

A key feature of this course is the Orchard Lab module that students study at Level 6. The Orchard Lab is an industry-led module, during which students engage with authentic industry clients to deliver creative industry marketing/PR campaigns online (see below).
Similar features are implemented in the areas of music venues/live entertainment, as well as the student-centred research/study trip core, both planned for Level 5 (see below).

Additionally, a number of modules across Levels 4, 5 and 6 utilise the component of a reflective journal or portfolio as a piece of summative assessment. These include:

Introduction to Events, Music, Tourism and Sport Industries (core module at level 4)
Live Music and Events Practice (core module at level 5)
Music Appreciation (optional at level 5)
The Orchard Lab (core module at level 6)
LT5081 Applied Research with field trip (core module at level 5)

Arrangements on the course for careers education, information and guidance

Throughout the course, within the events- and music industry-related modules, students shall be guided by tutors to consider how their learning on the module relates to their career aspirations within the industry. This will be supported with the reflective assessment items within these modules.

Additionally, core practice modules at levels 5 & 6 are geared towards supporting students to build their skills and competencies and explore their career options following graduation and to identify ways of making sure they use their studies to develop skills and competencies relevant to their desired role(s).

Also, options such as MN5W59 Work-Related Development 1, MN5W55 Learning through Work, or MN6W04 Professional Experience Year Placement.

Last but not least, The Orchard Lab is a prime example of a successful career-driven module (since 2010).

Other external links providing expertise and experience

Industry experts will deliver guest talks throughout the year and on all levels of study.
Our assessments are frequently linked with real-life campaigns and projects supervised and co-delivered by our industry partners (all Levels 4-6).
Visiting Professors (x4) and Honorary Doctors (1) will continue to aid students in employability matters, and advise on the currency and strengths of the course.

Career opportunities

This degree course greatly increases your employment prospects and business opportunities in the music business. This is an exciting time to enter the industry, as it transforms into an ever-more multifaceted field of practice that utilises digital platforms and new business models, a trend that is set to continue.

This course will equip you with the skills required for entrepreneurial practice and management. Typical job roles include but are not restricted to: record company executives, roles in digital music platforms and services, digital marketing and distribution roles, publishing managers, tour managers, artist managers, strategy advisers, venue and festival promoters, marketing and PR consultants.

Entry requirements

In addition to the University's standard entry requirements, you should have:

  • 280 or more UCAS points, including at least 180 from two or more A Levels (or equivalent, eg BTEC National, OCR Diploma or Advanced Diploma) in academic or business subjects.
  • English language and mathematics GCSE at grade C or above (or equivalent) are also required.

These requirements may be varied in individual cases.

All applicants must be able to demonstrate proficiency in the English language. Applicants who require a Tier 4 student visa may need to provide a Secure English Language Test (SELT) such as Academic IELTS. For more information about English qualifications please see our English language requirements.

Official use and codes

Approved to run from 2014/15 Specification version 1 Specification status Validated
Original validation date 02 Sep 2014 Last validation date 02 Sep 2014  
Sources of funding HE FUNDING COUNCIL FOR ENGLAND
JACS codes N200 (Management Studies): 100%
Route code MBLIVE

Course Structure

Stage 1 Level 04 September start Offered

Code Module title Info Type Credits Location Period Day Time
BA4006 Understanding Business Information Core 30        
LT4012 Introduction to the Events, Music, Tourism and ... Core 30        
MC4004 Principles and Practice in Marketing Core 30        
MN4002 Fundamentals of Management Core 30        

Stage 2 Level 05 September start Offered

Code Module title Info Type Credits Location Period Day Time
LT5025 Live Music and Events Practice Core 30        
LT5081 Applied Research with Field Trip Core 15        
LT5082 Music and Entertainment Law Core 15        
MN5004 Leading Innovation and Entrepreneurship Core 30        
MN5W50 Creating a Winning Business 1 Alt Core 15 NORTH SPR FRI PM
          NORTH AUT WED AM
          NORTH SPR WED AM
          NORTH AUT WED PM
          NORTH SPR WED PM
          NORTH AUT THU AM
          NORTH SPR THU AM
          NORTH SPR THU AM
          NORTH AUT THU PM
          NORTH AUT FRI AM
          NORTH SPR FRI AM
          NORTH AUT FRI PM
MN5W55 Learning through Work Alt Core 15 NORTH AUT WED AM
          NORTH SPR WED AM
          NORTH AUT WED PM
          NORTH SPR WED PM
          NORTH AUT THU AM
          NORTH SPR THU AM
          NORTH SPR THU PM
          NORTH AUT FRI AM
          NORTH SPR FRI AM
          NORTH AUT FRI PM
          NORTH SPR FRI PM
          NORTH AUT THU PM
LT5055 Global Digital Music Distribution Option 15        
LT5056 Music Appreciation & Creative Methods Option 15        
LT5080 Music Industry Management Option 15        
OL0000 Open Language Programme Module Option 15 NORTH SPR NA  
          NORTH AUT NA  

Stage 3 Level 06 September start Offered

Code Module title Info Type Credits Location Period Day Time
LT6028 Music Marketing Strategy Lab Core 30        
LT6051 Artist and Repertoire Core 15 NORTH SPR WED PM
LT6084 Digital Music Business Models Core 15        
LT6085 Intellectual Property in the Entertainment Sector Core 15        
LT6P26 Research Methods for Dissertations and Consulta... Core 30        
BA6052 Project Management Option 15        
LT6067 Creative Industries and Events Policy Option 15        
MN6W04 Professional Experience Year Placement Option 30 NORTH AUT+SPR NA  
OL0000 Open Language Programme Module Option 15 NORTH SPR NA  
          NORTH AUT NA