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.
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.
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.
Discover what you'll learn, what you'll study, and how you'll be taught and assessed.
Please note: programme and module details are illustrative and subject to change.
| Compulsory modules | Credits |
|---|---|
| MARKETING LIVE MUSIC (MUSI540) | 15 |
| MUSIC INDUSTRY (MUSI526) | 30 |
| RESEARCHING THE MUSIC INDUSTRY (MUSI510) | 15 |
Programme details and modules listed are illustrative only and subject to change.
| Compulsory modules | Credits |
|---|---|
| MUSIC COPYRIGHT AND CONTRACTS (MUSI516) | 15 |
| MUSIC INDUSTRY MANAGEMENT (MUSI522) | 15 |
| Optional modules | Credits |
|---|---|
| ASIAN MUSIC MARKETS (MUSI546) | 15 |
| GLOBALISATION AND THE MUSIC INDUSTRY (MUSI520) | 15 |
| WORK PLACEMENT (MUSI542) | 30 |
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 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.
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.
At Liverpool, we take a distinctive approach to education through the Liverpool Learning Framework. This means teaching that is engaging, inclusive and designed to help you succeed during your studies and beyond.
You’ll develop specialist subject knowledge alongside the skills employers value most, including:
Our curriculum is characterised by the three Liverpool Hallmarks:
We also embed key priorities across our curriculum, including AI literacy, employability, and sustainability, helping you prepare for the future and make a positive impact in the world.
We’re committed to creating a supportive and inclusive learning environment where every student can thrive.
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.
Programme leader Dr Holly Tessler and Angie, a graduate of the course, introduce the MA Music Industry Studies.
From arrival to alumni, we’re with you all the way:
After completing my work placement module, I received a job offer from the music publisher Sentric. I believe this is the result of the great connections, programme design and the learning experience that the University of Liverpool provided me.
Want to find out more about student life?
Chat with our student ambassadors and ask any questions you have.
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.
The course opens up career opportunities which include working in:
You will also have a strong foundation upon which to study a PhD.
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 - £12,500
Part-time place, per year - £6,250
Full-time place, per year - £28,000
Part-time place, per year - £14,000
Tuition fees are for the academic year 2026/27.
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 £12,858 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.
Are you a UK or Republic of Ireland student who completed your undergraduate degree at the University of Liverpool? You could receive a £1,500 tuition fee discount, subject to the full eligibility criteria. This scholarship will be awarded to all eligible students.
The scholarship will be open to two UK students in the 2026/27 academic year and is worth £5,000. Students must be studying a postgraduate course at the University of Liverpool. Those on data science or coding courses may be given priority.
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.
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.
If you’re a British Muslim, active within a Muslim community and dedicated to bringing positive change to society, you could apply to potentially have the full cost of your master’s tuition fees covered by an Aziz Foundation Scholarship.
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. 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 |
Many countries have a different education system to that of the UK, meaning your qualifications may not meet our entry requirements. Completing your Foundation Certificate, such as that offered by the University of Liverpool International College, means you're guaranteed a place on your chosen course. |
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 | If you took a TOEFL test on or before 20 January 2026, you’ll need 88 overall, with minimum scores of listening 19, writing 19, reading 19 and speaking 20. If you took a TOEFL test from 21 January 2026 onwards, when a new scoring system was introduced, you’ll need 4.5 overall, with 4 or above in all components. TOEFL Home Edition not accepted. |
| Duolingo English Test | 125 overall, with writing not less than 125, speaking and reading not less than 115, and listening not below 110. For academic year 2025/26 only, we will also accept the production, literacy, comprehension and conversation score set: 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 writing at 6.0 and no component below 5.5 | 6 weeks | On campus or online |
| 5.5 overall, with writing at 5.5 and no component below 5.0 | 10 weeks | On campus or online |
| 5.5 overall, with no more than one component at 5.0 | 12 weeks | Online |
| 5.5 overall, with no component below 5.0 | 20 weeks | On campus |
| 5.0 overall, with no more than one component at 4.5 | 30 weeks | On campus |
| 4.5 overall, with no more than one component at 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 11 February 2026 / / Programme terms and conditions