You will gain an advanced and discerning knowledge of music industry practices on this course. With the experience of our tutors and our international research, you will be introduced to practices within the music industry from understanding music publishing contracts to interpreting audiences and the global market.
Introduction
Through both face to face and online lectures and performances, you will investigate current music industry practices in-depth.
In attending our research seminars, you will meet and learn from expert guest speakers belonging to a multitude of music industry disciplines.
You’ll receive comprehensive guidance in events management at our state of the art Tung Auditorium. You will achieve this by being closely involved in concerts performed by professional musicians from around the world as well as our internal programme of events featuring University of Liverpool students.
You will learn about management practices within the music industry, enabling you to understand the dynamics of managing artists as products.
Who is this course for?
This MA is suitable for you if you have a keen interest in pursuing a career in the fields of music management, events management and the music industry.
What you'll learn
How to identify key legal principles of legislation related to music business.
How to interpret the music economy.
How to examine the ways music is promoted globally.
Fundamental concepts of music management.
How to market music towards different audiences around the world.
Key skills in events management.
Effective communication and teamwork skills.
To develop and practice research skills in order to produce a significant piece of research in the music industry.
Course content
Discover what you'll learn, what you'll study, and how you'll be taught and assessed.
Semester one
Please note: programme and module details are illustrative and subject to change.
Compulsory modules
MARKETING LIVE MUSIC (MUSI540)
Credits: 15 /
Semester: semester 1
This module will cover methodologies and practices for identifying audiences for live music performances and will explore how to apply strategies and tactics for managing and marketing live music events and/or venues.
MUSIC INDUSTRY (MUSI526)
Credits: 30 /
Semester: semester 1
The module explores the music economy as a set of practices in which demand for music outcomes (songs, performances of songs, recordings of songs) are reconciled with the supply of songs and performances initiated by musicians. Historically, the recording industry has dominated these practices but the impact of digital technology on music demand (and changes in how demand is conceived and expressed) has re-configured relations among the key music industries of recording, live performance and music publishing. In turn, this re-configuration is manifested in the decline of formerly dominant music companies and the rise of new music companies. Further, the music economy as a whole has been opened up to impacts from beyond music – whether in the form of ‘tech’ companies (such as Apple, Google, Amazon, Facebook and so on) or in the need of musicians and music companies to form alliances with commercial companies beyond the digital sphere. Further still, as transformations in demand associated with digital technology show no sign of waning, the music economy is now continuously turbulent; this turbulence impacts unrelentingly on music industry and must be understood by students should they seek careers in music.
Researching the Music Industry (MUSI510)
Credits: 15 /
Semester: semester 1
The module examines some of the interdisciplinary approaches to the study of the music industries and explores these contributions. Drawing on examples it examines, in a practical way, how research in the field is conducted. Students learn how to plan and develop a research project in preparation for their dissertation. Students will develop their understanding through lectures, class discussions and tutorials. Successful students on this module will develop skills in research appropriate for the study of the music industries at postgraduate level, including library research skills and the ability to evaluate various kinds of evidence.
Any optional modules listed above are illustrative only and may vary from year to year. Modules may be subject to minimum student numbers being achieved and staff availability. This means that the availability of specific optional modules cannot be guaranteed.
Semester two
Compulsory modules
Music Copyright and Contracts (MUSI516)
Credits: 15 /
Semester: semester 2
This module explores the key agreements entered into between musicians and music companies. Central among these are the contracts which seal the assignment of rights in songs publishing and recording. Further, there are agreements made between musicians and managers and between live agents, venues and promoters that, together, create the legal frameworks within and through which music industry takes place.
MUSIC INDUSTRY MANAGEMENT (MUSI522)
Credits: 15 /
Semester: semester 2
The function of this module is to examine in closer detail the practices of music industry identified in the semester one module, ‘Music Industry’. Music outcomes are symbolic products and musicians work with music companies in their production. Various specialisms will be discussed – notably but not solely Artist Management, Record company management, musicians’ self-management, and brand management.
Optional modules
ASIAN MUSIC MARKETS (MUSI546)
Credits: 15 /
Semester: semester 2
This module explores the development of Asian music markets and the associated dynamics of cultural, social, economic and political globalisation in both their interregional and international contexts. Particular emphasis will be given to various regional and global popular music genres and Western classical music in Asia to investigate how different Asian music markets develop and operate in the contemporary system of music production, distribution and consumption.
GLOBALISATION AND THE MUSIC INDUSTRY (MUSI520)
Credits: 15 /
Semester: semester 2
The module will explore issues of globalisation and the music industries focussing on case-studies and considering a range of perspectives. The module will explore different perspectives to consider how the processes of globalisation impact upon aspects such as the evolving nature of digital music distribution and consumption, the character of different music markets, the popularity of music genres and strategies for the support of domestic music markets.
Students will be required to conduct an independent project related to the themes of the module. They will be supported in their research process via tutorials. Students will report on key themes and issues from their research project within a marked group presentation.
WORK PLACEMENT (MUSI542)
Credits: 30 /
Semester: semester 2
This module involves students carrying out a work placement in the music industry. They will shadow music professionals and learn the modes and methods of managing in various departments within a music organisation. Students will be assessed through a portfolio and presentation in which they share and reflect on what they have learnt during the placement.
Any optional modules listed above are illustrative only and may vary from year to year. Modules may be subject to minimum student numbers being achieved and staff availability. This means that the availability of specific optional modules cannot be guaranteed.
Final project
Compulsory modules
DISSERTATION (MUSI524)
Credits: 60 /
Semester: summer
· To deepen the student’s knowledge of the chosen topic
· To develop and practice research skills
· To develop and practice writing and presentation skills
· To develop the ability to conduct extendedarguments
Any optional modules listed above are illustrative only and may vary from year to year. Modules may be subject to minimum student numbers being achieved and staff availability. This means that the availability of specific optional modules cannot be guaranteed.
How you'll learn
Teaching on the Music Industry Studies MA is primarily through interactive lectures where you will explore theories and real-world case studies from the music sector. There is the option of carrying out a work placement with a local arts organisation so that you can graduate with hands-on work experience. There are three modules per semester which typically means seven hours of class per week.
How you're assessed
You will primariliy be assessed through coursework. This will be a combination of essays, portfolios and presentations throughout semesters one and two.
You will then complete a dissertation in semester three, using the research skills gained throughout the academic year.
Liverpool Hallmarks
We have a distinctive approach to education, the Liverpool Curriculum Framework, which focuses on research-connected teaching, active learning, and authentic assessment to ensure our students graduate as digitally fluent and confident global citizens.
Your experience
We are a very friendly and inclusive Music department with a lively study environment designed to help you gain the most you can from your time here.
Support for students with differing needs from the Disability advice and guidance team. They can identify and recommend appropriate support provisions for you.
Why study Music at Liverpool?
We pride ourselves on being an innovative department that embraces the full spectrum of music, from the great works of the past to emerging trends such as sound for computer games
Our staff and students come from a variety of performance and non-performance backgrounds and share interests that span classical, popular, world and film music
Long established as a classical music department, in 1988 we created the Institute of Popular Music – the world’s first specialist centre for the study of Popular Music
Music placed in the top quartile for impact classified as outstanding (4*) (REF 2021)
Our recently refurbished facilities boast brand new studios, teaching spaces, and industry standard equipment. These include recording and production studios, an SSL studio, practice rooms with Yamaha pianos, a multipurpose rehearsal and performance space, iMac suites and a games research lab
In March 2022 we opened the Tung Auditorium, a new state-of-the-art performance venue seating up to 400 people, with space for a 70-piece orchestra.
The MA is very much industry-focused. Members of staff for the most part have wide-ranging music industry experience and are able to draw on this in the preparation of classes. Familiarity with local and national practitioners means that classes are current and highly-informed.
All this noted, the MA is still an academic degree in a Russell Group university and staff academic standards are equally high. All members of staff hold PhD qualifications in relevant disciplines and all are experienced PhD supervisors. Every year, a small number of graduates indicate that they would like to carry on their studies at PhD level and we see ‘employability’ as preparation either for industry or for academia and support students, whatever their proposed career paths might be.
Career support from day one to graduation and beyond
The course opens up career opportunities which include working in:
Music management
Events management
Music composition and Music technology
Teaching
Media and Journalism.
You will also have a strong foundation upon which to study a PhD.
Fees and funding
Your tuition fees, funding your studies, and other costs to consider.
Tuition fees
UK fees (applies to Channel Islands, Isle of Man and Republic of Ireland)
Full-time place, per year
£11,700
Part-time place, per year
£5,850
International fees
Full-time place, per year
£24,100
Part-time place, per year
£12,050
Fees stated are for the 2025-26 academic year.
Tuition fees cover the cost of your teaching and assessment, operating facilities such as libraries, IT equipment, and access to academic and personal support.
If you're a UK national, or have settled status in the UK, you may be eligible to apply for a Postgraduate Loan worth up to £12,167 to help with course fees and living costs. Learn more about fees and funding.
Additional costs
We understand that budgeting for your time at university is important, and we want to make sure you understand any course-related costs that are not covered by your tuition fee. This could include buying a laptop, books, or stationery.
We accept a 2:2 honours degree from a UK university, or an equivalent academic qualification from a similar non-UK institution. This degree can be in any subject discipline.
Non-graduates with very extensive professional experience and/or other prior qualifications may also be considered. Mature students with non-traditional backgrounds, particularly if you have music industry experience, are encouraged to apply.
International qualifications
If you hold a bachelor’s degree or equivalent, but don’t meet our entry requirements, you could be eligible for a Pre-Master’s course. This is offered on campus at the University of Liverpool International College, in partnership with Kaplan International Pathways. It’s a specialist preparation course for postgraduate study, and when you pass the Pre-Master’s at the required level with good attendance, you’re guaranteed entry to a University of Liverpool master’s degree.
International applicants who do not meet the minimum required standard of English language can complete one of our Pre-Sessional English courses to achieve the required level.
English language qualification
Requirements
IELTS
6.5 overall, with no component below 6.0
TOEFL iBT
88 overall, with minimum scores of listening 19, writing 19, reading 19 and speaking 20. TOEFL Home Edition not accepted.
Duolingo English Test
120 overall, with no component below 105
Pearson PTE Academic
61 overall, with no component below 59
LanguageCert Academic
70 overall, with no skill below 65
PSI Skills for English
B2 Pass with Merit in all bands
INDIA Standard XII
National Curriculum (CBSE/ISC) - 75% and above in English. Accepted State Boards - 80% and above in English.
WAEC
C6 or above
PRE-SESSIONAL ENGLISH
Do you need to complete a Pre-Sessional English course to meet the English language requirements for this course?
The length of Pre-Sessional English course you’ll need to take depends on your current level of English language ability.
Liverpool bursts with diversity and creativity which makes it ideal for you to undertake your postgraduate studies and access various opportunities for you and your family.
To fully immerse yourself in the university experience living in halls will keep you close to campus where you can always meet new people. Find your home away from home.
Discover what expenses are covered by the cost of your tuition fees and other finance-related information you may need regarding your studies at Liverpool.
Contact us
Have a question about this course or studying with us? Our dedicated enquiries team can help.
