Course details
- Full-time: 12 months
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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.
This module introduces students to every aspect of managing a symphony orchestra and concert venues. Students will benefit from guest speakers drawn from managerial staff from the classical music sector.
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.
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.
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.
This module will follow the first semester module on ‘Managing Music Making’ and will look in greater depth at the many different activities and challenges encountered by people working in the classical music sector. This module will broaden out from the guest speakers of the first semester module and will look at other parts of the classical music industry beyond the symphony orchestra, such as recording and broadcasting, composition and publishing, soloists and agents, and small ensemble and vocal music. Throughout this module, students will consider how the traditions and cultural context of classical music shape the industry, with discussion of concepts such as the canon, performance practice, and amateur and professional music-making.
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.
· 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
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.
Studying with us means you can tailor your degree to suit you. Here's what is available on this course.
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:
Your tuition fees, funding your studies, and other costs to consider.
UK fees (applies to Channel Islands, Isle of Man and Republic of Ireland) | |
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Full-time place, per year | £13,200 |
International fees | |
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Full-time place, per year | £27,200 |
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.
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.
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The qualifications and exam results you'll need to apply for this course.
We've set the country or region your qualifications are from as United Kingdom. Change it here
Your qualification | Requirements |
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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.
English language qualification | Requirements |
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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.
Find out the length of Pre-Sessional English course you may require for this degree.
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 29 November 2024 / / Programme terms and conditions