Music Business BA (Hons)
Course code W3N1
What is special about this course?
Gain valuable inspiration, experience, connections, and knowledge on this dynamic BA (Hons) Music Business course, as you get ready to forge your own path in this vibrant industry.
Benefit from real opportunities, experienced and dedicated staff, and strong industry links, with previous guest speakers from renowned companies including Universal Music, Sony Columbia Records, BBC Radio One, Live Nation, and Ticketmaster, as well as Stevie Wonder's manager, Keith Harris.
Develop vital skills in music conference management, digital marketing, and event or festival management; work alongside record labels and arts organisations; and enjoy regular placements and employment opportunities in the UK, Europe, and the US. Build your strengths through your studies and let us help you make your next moves in this diverse field.
Special features
- You will study and develop your skills at UHI Perth, in their state-of-the-art music facilities
- Small class sizes provide a more personal learning experience
- You will be supported by staff who are active within the industry
- Each year, you will have the opportunity to attend industry events. Previous students have attended SXSW (USA), Eurosonic (Netherlands), BIME (Spain), Reeperbahn Festival (Germany), and Tallinn Music Week (Estonia)
- You will learn how to establish your own music business
- You will have the opportunity to undertake work placements across Scotland, the UK and Europe
Accommodation
We offer modern student accommodation at a number of our locations.
Entry requirements
- Entry to year one, HNC is 1 Scottish Higher at grade C or above OR
- 1 A level at grade D or above
- Alternatively: NPA in Music Business; NC Music; or an NC that includes communication, numeracy and IT skills OR
- Foundation Apprenticeship Creative and Digital Media
- You will also have to undertake an interview to assess your motivation and passion for the music industry
- Applicants with other qualifications or experience will be considered on an individual basis
Advanced entry:
- Entry to year two of the degree, DipHE, is the HNC Music Business, or similar HNC from other colleges with a B or above in the Graded Unit
- Advanced entry to year three is possible with an HND Music Business, with a B or above in the Graded Unit
Year 1 - HNC
Year 1 is the HNC Music Business.
Year 2 - DipHE
Core modules are:
- Music research project 1 (SC)
- Marketing in music and popular culture (SC)
- Music publishing and IPR law (S1)
- Creative project (SC)
- Music industry touring (SC)
- Modern music industries (S2)
Key
S1 = Semester 1
S2 = Semester 2
SC = Semester Continuous (these modules may be studied across either/both semesters)
Year 3 - BA
Core modules are:
- Creative project 2 (SC)
- Music marketing and emerging technologies (S1)
- Global music markets (SC)
- Professional development 1 (SC)
- Managing and leadership in the creative industries (S2)
- Music research project 2 (SC)
Year 4 - BA (Hons)
Core modules are:
- Creative honours project (SC)
- Professional development 2 (SC)
- The business of sub-cultures (S1)
- Social media campaign management (S2)
How will I study my course?
- Full-time
- You will learn through a combination of face-to-face lectures and tutorials, practical workshops and online study via the university's virtual learning environment (VLE), with support from your tutors.
- You will have the opportunity to attend and work at live music industry events and conferences.
How long will my course last?
- Full-time: 4 years @ 40 hours per week
Number of hours per week indicates the total number of hours you should dedicate to the course, which includes time spent in lectures and your own time spent on individual study and research.
Where can I study my course?
- Perth
Start date
- September
Fees
For students normally domiciled in Scotland, with a term-time address in Scotland, the following fees apply:
This includes
- EU nationals with settled or pre-settled status in the UK,
- EEA/Swiss nationals with settled status in the UK
- EEA/Swiss nationals with pre-settled status who are self-employed or migrant workers in the UK.
| Year | Level | 2024-25 Full-time | 2024-25 Part-time | 2025-26 Full-time | 2025-26 Part-time |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | HNC | £1,285 | £86 (per HN credit) | £1,285 | £86 (per HN credit) |
| Year 2 | DipHE | £1,820 | £305 (per 20 credit module) | £1,820 | £305 (per 20 credit module) |
| Year 3 | Degree | £1,820 | £305 (per 20 credit module) | £1,820 | £305 (per 20 credit module) |
| Year 4 | Honours | £1,820 | £305 (per 20 credit module) | £1,820 | £305 (per 20 credit module) |
Rest of UK students
For students normally domiciled in the rest of the UK (England, Wales and N. Ireland, including Channel Islands and the Isle of Man) and with a term-time address in Scotland studying this course full time, the following fees apply:
| Year | Level | 2024-25 Full-time | 2024-25 Part-time | 2025-26 Full-time | 2025-26 Part-time |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | HNC | £7,110 | £474 (per HN credit) | £7,440 | £496 (per HN credit) |
| Year 2 | DipHE | £9,250 | £1,542 (per 20 credit module) | £9,250 | £1,542 (per 20 credit module) |
| Year 3 | Degree | £9,250 | £1,542 (per 20 credit module) | £9,250 | £1,542 (per 20 credit module) |
| Year 4 | Honours | Free | £1,542 (per 20 credit module) | Free | £1,542 (per 20 credit module) |
4th year free only for students studying full-time, on continuous study, who have paid for the previous three years at the University of the Highlands and Islands.
Fees are payable in advance each academic year unless otherwise agreed.
There are a number of funding options available to UK students to help you pay for your studies and your cost of living while studying.
EU/EEA and Swiss nationals without settled or pre-settled status in the UK
Following the UK’s departure from the European Union, the Scottish Government confirmed that EU/EEA and Swiss nationals, who do not have settled or pre-settled status, will be considered as international for fee purposes. Students will get an automatic scholarship for 2nd and 3rd year, with the 4th year of study free for those studying full-time, on continuous study, who have paid for the previous three years at the University of the Highlands and Islands.
This includes EEA/Swiss nationals with pre-settled status who are not self-employed or migrant workers in the UK.
| Year | Level | 2024-25 Full-time | With scholarship | 2025-26 Full-time | With scholarship |
| Year 1 | HNC | £8,775 | £8,775 | £8,925 | £8,925 |
| Year 2 | DipHE | £14,988 | £11,988 | £15,870 | £12,870 |
| Year 3 | Degree | £14,988 | £11,988 | £15,870 | £12,870 |
| Year 4 | Honours | £14,988 | Free | £15,870 | Free |
Students will need Student Route visa sponsorship to study on the UK.
International students
For students who do not normally reside in the UK or European Union and with a term-time address in Scotland, the following fees apply:
| Year | Level | 2024-25 Full-time | 2024-25 Part-time | 2025-26 Full-time | 2025-26 Part-time |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | HNC | £8,775 | £585 (per HN credit) | £8,925 | £595 (per HN credit) |
| Year 2 | DipHE | £14,988 | £2,498 (per 20 credit module) | £15,870 | £2,645 (per 20 credit module) |
| Year 3 | Degree | £14,988 | £2,498 (per 20 credit module) | £15,870 | £2,645 (per 20 credit module) |
| Year 4 | Honours | £14,988 | £2,498 (per 20 credit module) | £15,870 | £2,645 (per 20 credit module) |
Part-time study is not open to international student requiring Student Route visa sponsorship to study in the UK.
Further information on international course fees.
A no fee increase guarantee is available for self-funding full-time and structured part-time rest of the UK, EU and international undergraduate students for continuous study for the same award, up to the permitted standard time limit for the relevant award, including where students are following a recognised ‘top-up’ degree structure where the first year is made up of an HNC award.
Funding
UHI has a number of scholarships, bursaries, awards, and discretionary fund opportunities available to new and current students. Please use the A-Z of funds or use the filter to see which ones may be relevant to you. All students are welcome to apply.
Further information on funding your studies is also available, please see the attached link or contact the relevant UHI partner.
What can I do on completion of my course?
The BA (Hons) Music Business provides the flexibility to focus on your individual interests and develop the necessary employability skills required for a successful career in the music industry. Graduates of this course are now working in a variety of areas across Scotland, the UK and Europe, including:
- Events and festival management
- Digital music industries
- Arts organisation management
- Business development
- Live music promotion
- Artist management
- Social media management
- Marketing and public relations
Is there more information available online?
You can use the above QR code to connect directly to the course details.
I didn’t consider any other universities, I really liked that modules focused on the skills and knowledge necessary for future employment. I am currently the Marketing, Social Media & Digital Distribution Manager at Soma Records, my studies helped get my job by growing my music network and boost my networking skills. I received great support from all my lecturers at UHI, and the guest lectures were great.
A highlight was definitely starting up my own club night in Glasgow for my Honours Project. I would not have had the resources or confidence to do that without the help of UHI. If you are thinking about a career in the music industry, I would recommend studying at UHI. It is an essential steppingstone towards full time employment.
Kirsty studied the BA (Hons) Music Business at UHI Perth.
Apply for Music Business BA (Hons)
We are delighted that you are thinking about studying at the University of the Highlands and Islands. We operate a fair and open admissions system committed to equality of opportunity and non-discrimination. We consider all applications on merit and on the basis of ability to achieve, without discrimination on grounds of gender, age, disability, ethnicity and socio-economic background. We welcome applications from all prospective students and aim to provide appropriate and efficient services to students with disabilities.