The Beatles are the world’s most successful pop group, whose popularity has endured for over 60 years. But their legacy extends far beyond music, and the Liverpool City Region has built an industry from its most famous sons. This part-time, online programme examines the lasting cultural and economic impact of the Fab Four.
The Beatles are a central musical, cultural and industrial force in Liverpool, the UK and the world, and Beatles tourism is worth approximately £82 million annually to the local economy. But the concept of ‘Beatles heritage’ is far more complex than tourist attractions, and is bound up with issues such as institutionalisation, conservation and history. The city’s ongoing efforts to promote its connection to the world’s most famous pop group continues to influence civic infrastructure and even its wider cultural offerings.
This programme draws on Liverpool’s Beatles industry and heritage sectors to challenge the traditional frameworks within which the band, their music, and their story have so often been presented. You’ll be encouraged to critically evaluate the ongoing impact of their legacy on areas such as urban planning and regeneration, civic design, heritage, and the tourism and leisure industries, as well as the music and creative industries. Liverpool is a global hub for Beatles research, and your lecturers will include members of the city’s Beatles Legacy Group, who will be supported by employees from the sector.
An optional Special Project module will offer you the chance to spend two weeks in Liverpool, attending daily lectures and site visits linked to the Fab Four’s history, culture and heritage. You’ll have the opportunity to personally interact with lecturers, peers, industry practitioners, government officials, historians and scholars.
Please note: as this is an online programme, students will require access to their own devices and broadband in order to access the course materials and participate fully in learning activities.
This programme will be of interest to Beatles enthusiasts, or those who want to play an active role in preserving the Beatles’ cultural legacy. The MA may also be of interest to those looking to pursue a career or further research in music, culture, heritage or tourism more broadly.
Discover what you'll learn, what you'll study, and how you'll be taught and assessed.
During each semester you’ll study one 4-week, 10-credit module with a 1-week assessment period. You’ll then study an 8-week, 20-credit module followed by the University’s traditional end-of-semester assessment period.
| Compulsory modules | Credits |
|---|---|
| RESEARCHING THE BEATLES (MUSO603) | 10 |
| THE BEATLES’ LIVERPOOL THROUGH 1966 (MUSO607) | 20 |
| MUSIC OF THE BEATLES (MUSO602) | 10 |
| THE BEATLES IN THE 20TH CENTURY (MUSO604) | 20 |
Programme details and modules listed are illustrative only and subject to change.
During each semester you’ll study one 4-week, 10-credit module with a 1-week assessment period. You’ll then study an 8-week, 20-credit module followed by the University’s traditional end-of-semester assessment period.
| Compulsory modules | Credits |
|---|---|
| DECENTRING THE BEATLES (MUSO601) | 10 |
| THE BEATLES’ LIVERPOOL 1967-PRESENT (MUSO605) | 20 |
| THE BEATLES IN THE 21ST CENTURY (MUSO606) | 20 |
| THE BEATLES, LIVERPOOL AND HERITAGE (MUSO608) | 10 |
Programme details and modules listed are illustrative only and subject to change.
You’ll choose one option. Students taking the Special Project module will spend two weeks in Liverpool, during which you’ll engage directly with the local Beatles tourism sector through industry talks and site visits.
| Optional modules | Credits |
|---|---|
| DISSERTATION – MA THE BEATLES, HERITAGE AND CULTURE (MUSO600) | 60 |
| SPECIAL PROJECT - MA THE BEATLES, HERITAGE AND CULTURE (MUSO609) | 60 |
Programme details and modules listed are illustrative only and subject to change.
Lectures will be organised in the ‘bite-sized learning’ model, with 2 hours of weekly lecture material interspersed with opportunities for students to engage in active and peer-supported learning rather than delivered in a single block, as would be typical of in-person lectures.
Students will complete the MA in 24 months, with modules delivered sequentially. There’ll be no teaching or learning in the summer of Year 1. In the summer semester of year 2, students will choose between the completion of a dissertation or a special project.
Each semester will comprise one 4-week, 10-credit module with a 2-week assessment period. This will be followed by an 8-week, 20-credit module, then by the University’s traditional end-of-semester assessment period. This structure is intended to accommodate the challenges many online and distance learning students face by ensuring modules, coursework, assessment and support activity are both varied and dynamic as well as manageable within a part-time learning structure.
The programme has embedded support with particular attention to research and referencing, IT and assessment submission and student health and welfare. Students will have regular opportunities for synchronous tutorial meetings with module convenors each semester. In addition, each student will be allocated an academic advisor.
Assessment across all modules will include a variety of formal and informal, formative and summative techniques. Each module has one formative assessment that will inform one final, summative module assessment. This strategy has been adopted with the requirements of online and distance learning, maximising opportunities for informal and peer-based feedback ahead of submission of assessed work.
Assessment methods used include essay, report, presentation and production of industry-facing materials including items like maps, playlists, surveys and marketing documents.
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.
From arrival to alumni, we’re with you all the way:
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Staff in the Department of Music sit on the city of Liverpool’s Beatles Legacy Group (BLG) and work with local government leaders including the city-region Mayor and Lord Mayor’s offices on Beatles heritage and tourism policy. As such, the MA programme will be uniquely placed to deliver ‘real-life’ and ‘real-time’ policy-led teaching based on these industry and city connections.
This degree will be a valuable credential to people who are interested in careers in the:
The programme will also prepare students to pursue further study or research.
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.
Part-time place, per year - £6,850
Part-time place, per year - £6,850
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 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.
For students who take up the optional Special Project module, it’s anticipated that you’ll need to budget up to £400 for local travel and admission fees associated with the two-week visit.
Students will also need to budget accordingly for travel to/from Liverpool, accommodation, visas (where required) and sustenance. These costs will vary widely depending on individual circumstances. It’s therefore not possible to provide a more specific estimate.
You can find information on the general and subject-specific costs you could expect to incur on our study costs webpage.
We offer a range of scholarships and bursaries that could help pay your tuition and living expenses.
You could receive a tuition fee discount of £4,000 on The Beatles, Heritage and Culture MA
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.
The qualifications and exam results you'll need to apply for this course.
| Qualification | Details |
|---|---|
| Postgraduate entry requirements | Normally a first degree award of 2:2 or higher (or its equivalent) is expected. There are no restrictions on the discipline of your first degree. Applicants with non-standard entry qualifications may be considered where 5+ years of relevant work experience can be evidenced. Applicants with non-standard entry qualifications will be required to complete a supplemental 500-word academic essay on a topic provided to them. For students for whom English is a second language there will be the requirement that they attain a minimum of IELTS 6.5 overall, with no component below 6.0. |
| 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 |
| 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.
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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.
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If you have any questions about the course content, please get in touch with the programme director.
Last updated 5 February 2026 / Programme terms and conditions