About this course
The BA Music and Business Management degree combines a broad music curriculum with the study of business management. You'll prepare for a career in the industry as you explore classical music, jazz, pop and commercial styles. Management topics will give you an understanding of the modern business world, ready for you to drive improvement and change within it.
You can tailor your degree to focus on the areas of music and business that you're most interested in. Choices range from performance to project management, music therapy to marketing.
Our students sing opera and music theatre, play funk guitar and classical oboe, and make electronic dance music. Whatever your passion for performance, we'll help you develop through:
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regular performance and composition workshops with our superb teaching team
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high-profile performance projects with internationally renowned performers
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up to 20 hours of fully funded individual tuition per year for solo performers, as well as ensemble and conducting coaching
Our wide range of modules also allow you to:
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learn about ethnomusicological (the study of music from the cultural and social aspects of the people who make it) analytical and musicological approaches to topics from music in the middle ages to global hip-hop
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develop skills in composition and music technology, covering composing for the concert hall and commercial music
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gain an understanding and practical skills in arts administration and community music
Management modules encourage you to think differently about business and management. You'll cover contemporary concepts and practices to learn:
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how the business world works and how it's affected by consumers, markets, culture and technology
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core skills in finance, marketing and accounting
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how to communicate in business
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about digital trends in the business world
Our high-level facilities include dedicated rehearsal rooms and electronic studios. Our concert hall, Turner Sims, supports the most extensive series of professional concerts and workshops of any UK university. You'll also get the chance to organise and perform at events around the city in a range of different venues.
Course location
This course is based at Highfield.
Awarding body
This qualification is awarded by the University of Southampton.
Download the programme specification
The programme specification sets out the learning outcomes of this course and details how the course is taught and assessed.
Entry requirements
For Academic year 202021
A-levels
ABB to BBB including Music, and Grade 6 (Grade B) in GCSE Mathematics, and Grade 8 Music Practical or demonstrated equivalent standard*
A-levels additional information
Offers typically exclude General Studies and Critical Thinking.
*Equivalence to grade 8 is ascertained via audition. This can be done in person or by sending a video. We welcome students onto our programmes who are not at this level if their interests focus on other areas, such as composition, music technology and/or music history and ethnomusicology.
We do not accept Music Technology in lieu of a Music Level 3 qualification (A level, BTEC etc). We can accept a pass in Grade 6 Music Theory where Music is not studied as a Level 3 qualification.
We recognise Music practical and theory exams from ABRSM, Trinity, Rockschool and LCM.
We can accept a grade 5 in GCSE mathematics if you achieve grade B in A level Maths, Physics, Economics, Geography, Psychology or Business.
Specific offer is ascertained at interview.
A-levels with Extended Project Qualification
If you are taking an EPQ in addition to 3 A levels, you will receive the following offer in addition to the standard A level offer:
BBB including Music, and Grade 6 (Grade B) in GCSE Mathematics, and grade A in the EPQ, and Grade 8 Music Practical or demonstrated equivalent standard*
A-levels contextual offer
We are committed to ensuring that all applicants with the potential to succeed, regardless of their background, are encouraged to apply to study with us. The additional information gained through contextual data allows us to recognise an applicant's potential to succeed in the context of their background and experience.
Applicants who are highlighted in this way will be made an offer which is lower than the typical offer for that programme, as follows:
BBC including Music, and Grade 6 (Grade B) in GCSE Mathematics, and Grade 8 Music Practical or demonstrated equivalent standard*
International Baccalaureate Diploma
Pass, with 32 to 30 points overall with 16 to 15 points at Higher Level, including 5 at Higher Level in Music, and Grade 6 (Grade B) in GCSE Mathematics, and Grade 8 Music Practical or demonstrated equivalent standard*.
International Baccalaureate Diploma additional information
*Equivalence to grade 8 is ascertained via audition. This can be done in person or by sending a video. We welcome students onto our programmes who are not at this level if their interests focus on other areas, such as composition, music technology and/or music history and ethnomusicology.We do not accept Music Technology in lieu of Music Level 3 qualification (A level, BTEC etc). We can accept a pass in Grade 6 Music Theory where Music is not studied as a Level 3 qualification.We recognise Music practical and theory exams from ABRSM, Trinity, Rockschool and LCM.4 in Higher or Standard Level Mathematics within the IB diploma can be accepted in lieu of Grade 6 GCSE. We can accept a grade 5 in GCSE mathematics if you achieve grade B in A level Maths, Physics, Economics, Geography, Psychology or Business.Specific offer is ascertained at interview.
International Baccalaureate contextual offer
We are committed to ensuring that all learners with the potential to succeed, regardless of their background, are encouraged to apply to study with us. The additional information gained through contextual data allows us to recognise a learner’s potential to succeed in the context of their background and experience. Applicants who are highlighted in this way will be made an offer which is lower than the typical offer for that programme.
International Baccalaureate Career Programme (IBCP) statement
Offers will be made on the individual Diploma Course subject(s) and the career-related study qualification. The CP core will not form part of the offer. Where there is a subject pre-requisite(s), applicants will be required to study the subject(s) at Higher Level in the Diploma course subject and/or take a specified unit in the career-related study qualification. Applicants may also be asked to achieve a specific grade in those elements.
Please see the University of Southampton International Baccalaureate Career-Related Programme (IBCP) Statement for further information. Applicants are advised to contact their Faculty Admissions Office for more information.
BTEC
Distinction, Distinction, Merit in the BTEC Extended Diploma in Music and Grade 6 (Grade B) in GCSE Mathematics, and Grade 8 Music Practical or demonstrated equivalent standard*
OR
Distinction, Distinction in the BTEC Extended Diploma plus B in A level Music and Grade 6 (Grade B) in GCSE Mathematics, and Grade 8 Music Practical or demonstrated equivalent standard*
Distinction, Distinction in the BTEC Diploma in Music plus B in an A level and Grade 6 (Grade B) in GCSE Mathematics, and Grade 8 Music Practical or demonstrated equivalent standard*
OR
Distinction, Distinction in the BTEC Diploma plus B in A level Music and Grade 6 (Grade B) in GCSE Mathematics, and Grade 8 Music Practical or demonstrated equivalent standard*
Distinction in the BTEC Subsidiary Diploma in Music plus AB to BB in two A levels and Grade 6 (Grade B) in GCSE Mathematics, and Grade 8 Music Practical or demonstrated equivalent standard*
OR
Distinction in the BTEC Subsidiary Diploma plus AB to BB to include A level Music, and Grade 6 (Grade B) in GCSE Mathematics, and Grade 8 Music Practical or demonstrated equivalent standard*
BTEC additional information
*Equivalence to grade 8 is ascertained via audition. This can be done in person or by sending a video. We welcome students onto our programmes who are not at this level if their interests focus on other areas, such as composition, music technology and/or music history and ethnomusicology.
We do not accept Music Technology in lieu of Music Level 3 qualification (A level, BTEC etc). We can accept a pass in Grade 6 Music Theory where Music is not studied as a Level 3 qualification.
We recognise Music practical and theory exams from ABRSM, Trinity, Rockschool and LCM.
We can accept a grade 5 in GCSE mathematics if you achieve grade B in A level Maths, Physics, Economics, Geography, Psychology or Business.
Specific offer is ascertained at interview.
Other requirements
GCSE requirements
Applicants must hold GCSE English language (or GCSE English) (minimum grade 4/C) and mathematics (minimum grade 6/B). We can accept a grade 5 in GCSE mathematics if you achieve grade B in A level Maths, Physics, Economics, Geography, Psychology or Business
Got a question?
Please contact our enquiries team if you're not sure that you have the right experience or qualifications to get onto this course.
Email: enquiries@southampton.ac.uk
Tel: +44(0)23 8059 5000
Course structure
COVID-19: we've made some changes to the structure of the course for this academic year. Download the programme specification addendum in 'About this course' to learn more.
Your first year will give you a fundamental knowledge of music. Management modules introduce you to basic concepts in business management, methods, models and technologies.
In management, your second year will extend your knowledge of business principles while your third year gives you a range of optional modules to choose from.
In music, your second and third years give you the chance to specialise in areas that are of interest to you. These might include:
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music history and cultural studies
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performance
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composition
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technology
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music therapy
In your third year you'll take on a major project too. This might be a piece of music, business dissertation, composition portfolio or a performance recital.
You can also broaden your experience throughout your degree by choosing:
You do not need to choose your modules when you apply. Your academic tutor will help you customise your course.
Year 1 overview
In music you can choose from a wide choice of optional modules including music history, analysis, performance, composition or technology.
In your management modules you'll learn:
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how government, society, markets, consumers and technologies shape the business world
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the basics of accounting, financial control and other key management skills
Year 2 overview
You can choose from a range of optional music modules including:
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conducting
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composing music for films
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studio-based modules
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music therapy and community music
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a wide range of history and cultural topics from opera to musical subcultures
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solo and ensemble performance modules
You can also choose optional management modules, including organisational theory and the effects of new digital technologies. This module will be useful if you want to run your own digital business.
Year 3 overview
You can choose from optional modules including:
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research into a topic of your choice that might be musical (historical, analytical, critical) or business focused
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a 40-minute public performance recital
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commercial or concert-hall composition, where you'll work closely with a course tutor in one-to-one tutorials to develop a portfolio of original work
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an elective outside your formal studies that allows you to gain academic credit
Management modules allow you to study the impact of research in business. Innovative content like online lectures and workshops, and input from leaders in consultancy and business research, will teach you how to:
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design research projects
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collect data
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undertake analysis
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prepare conclusions and recommendations
You'll also have opportunities to get involved in high-profile performance projects and gain work experience in schools.
Want more detail? See all the modules in the course.
Modules
For entry in Academic Year 2020-21
Year 1 modules
You must study the following modules in year 1:
You must also choose from the following modules in year 1:
Learning and assessment
The learning activities for this course include the following:
- lectures
- classes and tutorials
- coursework
- individual and group projects
Course time
How you'll spend your course time:
Year 1
Study time
Your scheduled learning, teaching and independent study for year 1:
How we'll assess you
Your assessment breakdown
Year 1:
Academic support
You’ll be supported by a personal academic tutor and have access to a senior tutor.
Course leader
Richard Polfreman is the course leader.
Careers
This music and business management degree will help you pursue managerial roles in the industry. It could also provide an entry to graduate schemes or careers in accounting, finance or banking. Your degree can also be a good foundation for further study.
Our Excel Internship Programme can help you find a paid work placement during the Easter or summer vacation.
Previous graduates have gone on to roles including:
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performer
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music therapist
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manager in arts organisations
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composer
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creative marketer
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arts and culture manager
Careers services at Southampton
We are a top 20 UK university for employability (QS Graduate Employability Rankings 2019). Our Careers and Employability Service will support you throughout your time as a student and for up to 5 years after graduation. This support includes:
work experience schemes
CV and interview skills and workshops
networking events
careers fairs attended by top employers
a wealth of volunteering opportunities
study abroad and summer school opportunities
We have a vibrant entrepreneurship culture and our dedicated start-up supporter, Futureworlds, is open to every student.
Fees, costs and funding
Tuition fees
Fees for a year's study:
- UK students pay £9,250.
- EU and international students pay £18,520.
What your fees pay for
Music students will also need to pay for:
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maintaining and insuring instruments
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extra tuition or rehearsals
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hiring session musicians
Accommodation and living costs, such as travel and food, are not included in your tuition fees. Explore:
Bursaries, scholarships and other funding
If you're a UK or EU student and your household income is under £25,000 a year, you may be able to get a University of Southampton bursary to help with your living costs. Find out about bursaries and other funding we offer at Southampton.
If you're a care leaver or estranged from your parents, you may be able to get a specific bursary.
Get in touch for advice about student money matters.
Scholarships and grants
You may be able to get a scholarship or grant that's linked to your chosen subject area.
We award scholarships and grants for travel, academic excellence, or to students from underrepresented backgrounds.
Support during your course
The Student Services Centre offers support and advice on money to students. You may be able to access our Student Support fund and other sources of financial support during your course.
Funding for EU and international students
Find out about funding you could get as an international student.
How to apply
When you apply use:
- UCAS course code: W3N1
- UCAS institution code: S27
What happens after you apply?
We will assess your application on the strength of your:
- predicted grades
- academic achievements
- personal statement
- academic reference
You will be asked for an interview and audition, either remotely or in person. If you want to take performance modules you'll need to show you're proficient to grade 8 or equivalent, either by auditioning or sending a video.
We aim to respond to you within 2 to 6 weeks with a decision about your application.
Equality and diversity
We treat and select everyone in line with our Equality and Diversity Statement.
Got a question?
Please contact our enquiries team if you're not sure that you have the right experience or qualifications to get onto this course.
Email: enquiries@southampton.ac.uk
Tel: +44(0)23 8059 5000
