The Music Management MA is a programme designed with your career prospects in mind. Alongside studying Music Management topics at an advanced level, you will also have the option of a work placement at a relevant arts organisation.
You will graduate from this master’s programme with a detailed understanding of Music Management and with enhanced employment prospects. These prospects will be enriched not only by the support offered from our placements team in securing an optional placement within your course, but also by the expert academic guidance we give you to complete a dissertation in your chosen specialist field. Our industry partnerships and connections provide networking opportunities within the course that will prepare you for employment.
You’ll gain invaluable knowledge around not only management in the music industry, but also arts management, heritage management and other roles in the public sector.
You will have access to our diverse Music facilities, including the Tung Auditorium, and specialist practice spaces for classical and popular music. You will be able to access live music, including the vibrant artistic programme at the Tung Auditorium and across the thriving musical culture of the city of Liverpool.
The University’s Department of Music has a long history in music industry studies and our staff will be able to give you the detailed academic support you require to realise a substantial study that helps demonstrate your newly developed expertise to prospective employers. Your CV will be improved and your skill levels will be raised in substantial and rewarding ways.
Discover what you'll learn, what you'll study, and how you'll be taught and assessed.
The Music Management MA will consist of six modules; three in the first semester and three in the second yielding a credit total of 120. The further 60 credits will be earned through the completion of the dissertation which can be on any aspect of classical music business.
| Compulsory modules | Credits |
|---|---|
| MANAGING MUSIC MAKING (MUSI541) | 30 |
| RESEARCHING THE MUSIC INDUSTRY (MUSI510) | 15 |
| MARKETING LIVE MUSIC (MUSI540) | 15 |
| Optional modules | Credits |
|---|---|
| WORK PLACEMENT (MUSI542) | 30 |
Programme details and modules listed are illustrative only and subject to change.
| Compulsory modules | Credits |
|---|---|
| CLASSICAL MUSIC: INDUSTRY AND SOCIAL CONTEXTS (MUSI543) | 15 |
| MUSIC COPYRIGHT AND CONTRACTS (MUSI516) | 15 |
Programme details and modules listed are illustrative only and subject to change.
| Compulsory modules | Credits |
|---|---|
| DISSERTATION (MUSI524) | 60 |
Programme details and modules listed are illustrative only and subject to change.
Teaching on the Music Management 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.
Students are assessed through course work. We tend to expect two pieces of coursework per module. The types of coursework vary widely across the programme – from group presentations to the production of portfolios on specific subjects to standard essays. All students submit a dissertation and there is a dedicated class to prepare you for the development of your topic. Individual students are then furnished with academic supervisors to support your learning.
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.
The Liverpool Curriculum framework sets out our distinctive approach to education. Our teaching staff support our students to develop academic knowledge, skills, and understanding alongside our graduate attributes:
Our curriculum is characterised by the three Liverpool Hallmarks:
All this is underpinned by our core value of inclusivity and commitment to providing a curriculum that is accessible to all students.
Studying with us means you can tailor your degree to suit you. Here's what is available on this course.
This course offers a placement opportunity so you can combine your studies with practical experience with industry professionals. It is a great way to develop key employability skills and get a head start in your career with key industry partners. View more information on the course page.
The optional work placement will enable you to experience life as both a student and a working professional within the classical music industry. Our on-campus venue, The Tung Auditorium, provides access to specialist facilities and offers an engaging artistic programme. The Department of Music is small but friendly, so we’ll be able to get to know you personally and support you every step of the way through your degree.
From arrival to alumni, we’re with you all the way:
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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. Where possible, guest speakers are brought in to illustrate aspects of music industry practice.
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.
Graduates from this programme have pursued careers in a wide range of areas within the music industry including:
Our campus Career Studio is a space for students and graduates to drop into and talk to a career coach. Career coaches are highly trained to help no matter what stage you are at in your career planning. You can access support to find and apply for full-time and part-time roles, placements, internships and graduate schemes. You will also find the help you need if you have a start-up idea or want to create a business plan. You can explore the world of work, prepare for job interviews, and access careers events and workshops. The Career Studio is open Monday to Friday from 10am-5pm, simply drop in at a time that works for you.
We develop our programmes with employers in mind. You will be supported to enhance your long-term employment prospects as you learn. We do this by exposing you to professionals, a variety of sectors and supporting you to work collaboratively with others to develop transferable skills. You are equipped with a clearer view of what to focus on in your area of interest, and to reflect on your studies. Our digital employability tools give you a tech-enhanced curriculum experience and make it easy for you to prepare for the world of work. You can use tools like the Handshake platform to connect with employers and message the Career Studio 24/7.
You can start building good professional networks by attending events and employability activities. Our events are designed to develop your skills and expose you to many different employers, as well as to help you make contacts in your field. We help you improve your confidence when speaking to employers and give you access to unique opportunities. Our networking events also boost your understanding of the competencies and skills that employers are looking for in their recruitment process, giving you a competitive edge.
Your tuition fees, funding your studies, and other costs to consider.
Full-time place, per year - £11,700
Part-time place, per year - £5,850
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.
You can pay your tuition fees in instalments.
All or part of your tuition fees can be funded by external sponsorship.
International applicants who accept an offer of a place will need to pay a tuition fee deposit.
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 paying for your studies..
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.
Find out more about the additional study costs that may apply to this course.
We offer a range of scholarships and bursaries that could help pay your tuition and living expenses.
If you’re a UK student, either born in or with strong family connections to Merseyside, you could be eligible to apply for a fee discount of up to £4,500. You’ll need to demonstrate an active interest in global, community and environmental issues to be considered.
If you’re a UK University of Liverpool graduate joining a master’s degree with us, you could be eligible to receive £3,000 off your tuition fees. You must have graduated in the last two years and received a widening access scholarship during your undergraduate studies.
Apply to receive tailored training support to enhance your sporting performance. Our athlete support package includes a range of benefits, from bespoke strength and conditioning training to physiotherapy sessions and one-to-one nutritional advice.
The qualifications and exam results you'll need to apply for this course.
| Qualification | Details |
|---|---|
| Postgraduate entry requirements | 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. |
| International qualifications |
If you hold a bachelor’s degree or equivalent, but don’t meet our entry requirements, a Pre-Master’s can help you gain a place. This specialist preparation course for postgraduate study is offered on campus at the University of Liverpool International College, in partnership with Kaplan International Pathways. Although there’s no direct Pre-Master’s route to this MA, completing a Pre-Master’s pathway can guarantee you a place on many other postgraduate courses at The University of Liverpool. |
You'll need to demonstrate competence in the use of English language, unless you’re from a majority English speaking country.
We accept a variety of international language tests and country-specific qualifications.
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.
| Qualification | Details |
|---|---|
| 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 |
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.
If you don’t meet our English language requirements, we can use your most recent IELTS score, or the equivalent score in selected other English language tests, to determine the length of Pre-sessional English course you require.
Use the table below to check the course length you're likely to require for your current English language ability and see whether the course is available on campus or online.
| Your most recent IELTS score | Pre-sessional English course length | On campus or online |
|---|---|---|
| 6.0 overall, with no component below 6.0 | 6 weeks | On campus |
| 6.0 overall, with no component below 5.5 | 10 weeks | On campus and online options available |
| 6.0 overall, with no more than one component below 5.5, and no component below 5.0 | 12 weeks | On campus and online options available |
| 5.5 overall, with no more than one component below 5.5, and no component below 5.0 | 20 weeks | On campus |
| 5.0 overall, with no more than one component below 5.0, and no component below 4.5 | 30 weeks | On campus |
| 4.5 overall, with no more than one component below 4.5, and no component below 4.0 | 40 weeks | On campus |
If you’ve completed an alternative English language test to IELTS, we may be able to use this to assess your English language ability and determine the Pre-sessional English course length you require.
Please see our guide to Pre-sessional English entry requirements for IELTS 6.5 overall, with no component below 6.0, for further details.
Discover more about the city and University.
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.
Have a question about this course or studying with us? Our dedicated enquiries team can help.
If you have any questions about the course content please get in touch with the programme director.
Last updated 21 January 2025 / / Programme terms and conditions