Music Management MA

Course overview

Interested in making music your passion and career? Get the skills to become a leader and navigate this challenging but creatively enriching industry.

Whether you want to pursue a career in an established music business, launch your own venture, or work across broader creative industries, you’ll need specialist skills to flourish.

This course develops your expertise through a blend of hands-on projects and real-world experience. No matter what your artistic flair or career goals, you’ll learn by doing, meaning you’ll work on live briefs, industry partnerships, and practical challenges that mirror the realities of today’s music business.

You’ll explore the promotion and management of live music, the contemporary recording industry, music publishing, and management in the creative industries more broadly. You’ll also tailor your course, choosing from specialisms such as digital business, entrepreneurship, or intellectual property law.

Your major project is the programme’s highlight. You’ll engage in a practical music enterprise and apply your learning to real industry challenges as you simultaneously develop your music management CV.

This course is ideal whether you’re an aspiring music industry professional, existing industry manager looking to advance your career, or an artist wishing to understand how the music business works.

This Music Management joint programme by the School of Music and LUBS will definitely give you great knowledge and experience for working in the industry.

Andrew Tu, Music Management MA

Why study at Leeds

• One of the largest music schools in the UK: We’re recognised for our size and reputation in the music world, attracting students and researchers from the world over.
• Leading research: 93% of our research was considered to be ‘internationally excellent’ (Research Excellence Framework 2021).
• Your thriving music city: Leeds is home to national and international music venues, including the Leeds First Direct Arena, Leeds Grand Theatre, Opera North, Leeds Playhouse, and O2 Academy Leeds.
• Close links with culture: The School has close working relationships with prestigious arts organisations. We host BBC Radio 3 concerts, Leeds Lieder, and the Leeds International Piano Competition. We also engage with the flagship DARE partnership between the University and Opera North.
• Exciting placements: Our students have gained experience with the likes of the Walt Disney Company, SXSW London, Dolby Europe and Warner Bros.
• Excellent facilities: Support your learning with access to rehearsal, performance and practice spaces, recording and electronic music studios, and a music psychology lab.

Guaranteed industry experience

While studying at Leeds, you’ll have the chance to work with clients and gain consultancy experience as part of a 2-week online Global Industry Programme.

As well as giving you the opportunity to build key industry connections, you’ll also develop invaluable professional and practical skills that are highly valued by employers.

Course details and modules

The programme centres on a major Music Management Project where you'll tackle real industry challenges through substantial individual or group work. This might involve organising and marketing an event, producing an audio recording, providing music publishing business consultancy, or managing a musical group, venue or artist.

Your core modules provide the essential knowledge and skills to excel in this project: Live Music Management and Promotion, the Recording Industry Now, How Songs Make Money, and Creative Industries Management. Each module combines rigorous academic research with current industry practice and real-world case studies.

You'll also choose a specialist optional module to align with your career goals - Digital Business or Entrepreneurship and Enterprise Creation from our Business School, or Intellectual Property Management from the School of Law. This allows you to tailor your expertise to your specific industry ambitions.

If you choose to study part-time, you’ll study over a longer period and take fewer modules in each year.

Course structure

The list shown below represents typical modules/components studied and may change from time to time. Read more in our terms and conditions.

For more information and a full list of typical modules available on this course, please read Music Management MA Full Time in the course catalogue

Year 1 compulsory modules

Year 1 optional modules (selection of typical options shown below)

Learning and teaching

Academics in the School of Music are experts in their fields, and their activities inform their teaching directly. We use a range of inclusive, active and student-centred approaches to learning and teaching to engage you in your course and support you to develop your knowledge, understanding, and skills. Depending on the modules you choose, your learning and teaching methods may include workshops and practice-based sessions, as well as lectures, seminars, tutorials and other small-group learning classes.

Taught sessions are only a part of University learning, and on many of our modules you’ll be supplied with online learning resources designed to work in tandem with classroom sessions. Some modules may require you to engage with videos, podcasts, readings or other activities before class sessions, with some of the classroom time devoted to debate, discussion and deeper learning based on how students have interpreted the online materials. Your learning experience will offer opportunities for collaboration, a key aspect of music and the arts, and peer learning, as well as fostering a culture of reflection and self-awareness. Independent study is also an important part of your course, and you’ll develop your critical, creative and research skills through time spent in the University Library and Special Collections, practice rooms and studios, depending on your module choices.

We support your learning in several ways. Resources are made available through our virtual learning environment, Minerva, you can seek assistance as required from our experienced technical staff and your Academic Personal Tutor, and there is extensive support for students offered through the academic skills programme at the University Library. Additionally, all staff have office hours when they are available should you have questions, or you need to ask for help. We also work closely with the University’s Language Centre to ensure that international students are fully supported and able to thrive on our courses.

Fieldwork

Elements of local fieldwork may be embedded in modules that take you outside teaching spaces as part of the learning experience. You might undertake fieldwork as part of your Music Management Project, but this is not necessarily a requirement of this module.

Additional highlights

We are one of the largest schools of music in the country, which brings several benefits to our students. Our size enables us to incorporate an impressive range of specialisms within our curriculum, reflecting our ethos that music is music, regardless of genre or style. We attract a diverse body of students from across the UK and internationally, giving the School a vibrant community and culture. Decolonisation, equality and inclusivity are embedded within our curriculum so all our students can feel a sense of belonging and can thrive on their course no matter what their background and musical experience.

In the recent national Research Excellence Framework (REF2021) exercise, 93% of our research was considered to be ‘internationally excellent’ or better in terms of its originality, significance and rigour, with 56% rated as ‘world leading’, the highest classification. Each of these measures places us within the top 10 Schools of Music in the UK. Our staff expertise feeds directly into our curriculum, with relevant specialisms including:

• music business in context
• music and new technologies
• performance and performance practice
• historical musicology
• film music
• popular music cultures
• music and wellbeing

We work closely with our students, particularly through our active Student Staff Partnership Forum, to ensure that we continue to offer the best possible experience to everyone studying in the School of Music. Our Industrial Advisory Board – an invited body of professionals from across the professional music sector, which includes several alumni within its membership – actively supports the ongoing development of our courses to ensure they deliver the skills and opportunities you will need to prepare you for life after University.

The School of Music is part of a strong musical community at the University of Leeds, and there are numerous Leeds University Union (LUU) clubs and societies that offer opportunities to get involved in music and performance activities. The Leeds University Union Music Society (LUUMS) is one of the Union’s largest societies and boasts ten ensembles including orchestras, choirs, brass and wind ensembles, and a composers’ collective; each one gives regular concerts, and some go on tour.

School of Music students also often participate in other campus-based ensembles such as the Clothworkers Consort of Leeds (led by School of Music staff members) and Student Union performance societies such as:

• the LUU Big Band
• musical theatre, opera and pantomime groups
• societies focused on jazz and blues, folk, and pop music
• a cappella singing
• electronic music and DJing

The Clothworkers Concert Hall in the School of Music hosts our diverse International Concert Series, the Students’ Union runs regular gigs. Beyond the University campus, the city provides numerous opportunities to engage with a wide variety of music at venues, including:

• Leeds First Direct Arena, a fixture on the national touring circuit for leading artists and bands
• Leeds Grand Theatre, which routinely presents touring West End musicals, comedy and other shows, and is the home of Opera North (a partner of the University) and Northern Ballet
• Leeds Playhouse, which presents a range of stage musicals and other theatrical productions, several of which then tour nationally
• Leeds Town Hall, home to the Leeds International Concert Season (LICS), which usually features a wide range of international orchestras within its programming
• O2 Academy Leeds
• Seven Arts
• The Brudenell Social Club
• The Howard Assembly Room

• Wharf Chambers, a non-profit music venue hosting a diverse range of experimental and DIY events

All these elements combine to make studying Music at the University of Leeds a distinctive and memorable experience that actively supports our students to pursue careers or future study within and beyond music.

Programme team

On this course, you’ll be taught by our expert academics, from lecturers through to professors. You may also be taught by industry professionals with years of experience, as well as trained postgraduate researchers, connecting you to some of the brightest minds on campus.

Assessment

We use a variety of assessment methods, each of which is chosen to best measure your achievement of a module’s learning outcomes and associated skills, so you and we can understand and support your progress and development. Depending on the modules you choose, across your degree you are likely to encounter a mix of project work, written assignments (e.g. essays, reports, reviews, reflective logs), presentations, and online assessments. Some assignments will be completed individually, some collaboratively, and some may require elements of group working leading to individual submissions.

You might be given a brief, question or problem to be addressed, or you may have scope to determine your own question or approach under the guidance of a member of staff. You’ll be given clear instructions regarding the assessment requirements and criteria, and you’ll receive feedback on your work to support your learning as you progress through your course. Assessments will usually require you to synthesise and evaluate learning from multiple taught sessions and learning resources (e.g. a module’s lectures, seminars, set readings and other online resources), and you should think of your course as a whole, and apply your learning across your modules. Creative and practical work may offer you the chance to take risks and experiment with new ideas and concepts, and in all cases we encourage you to challenge yourself, to think critically and creatively, to move as far beyond your comfort zone as you can, and to reflect on your working process and achievement.

Our assessments are designed to be fair and inclusive, to engage you intellectually and to help prepare you for life beyond University through the development of relevant skills, knowledge and experience.

Applying

Entry requirements

You’ll need a bachelor degree with a 2:1 (hons) or equivalent qualification, preferably in Music, Business Management or a related degree specialising in one of the following subjects indicated under 'Music Management related subjects'.

We will also consider applicants with relevant experience, an interest in music management, or coming from an area of expertise to which music management is complementary such as the ones listed under ‘Other areas’.

We will consider other relevant professional (or similar) experience in lieu of formal musical qualifications where a high level of suitable practical experience can be demonstrated at the point of application.

We welcome applicants from a diverse range of subject disciplines so please do not hesitate to apply if your subject is not listed.

All applicants will be required to respond to the questions in the supporting statement section of the online application form to explain why you wish to study this particular course and your career plans. Relevant professional experience may also be considered. We may request additional documentation to inform our decision.

Music Management related subjects

• Music Business
• Music Management
• Music Marketing
• Arts Marketing
• Arts Administration
• Events Management
• Music
• Music Performance
• Performing Arts
• Music Technology
• Marketing
• Management
• Creative Industries
• Advertising and PR
• Accounting and Finance
• Cultural Studies
• Area Studies

Other Areas

• Law
• English
• Languages and Linguistics
• Human Resource Management
• Economics
• Tourism and Hospitality Management
• Fine Art
• Design
• Acting and Drama
• Media and Journalism
• Digital Business
• Education
• Electrical and Electronic Engineering
• Fashion
• Film
• Sports Management
• Religions and Theology
• History
• Philosophy
• Computing Planning and Real Estate
• Politics
• Anthropology
• Sociology
• Psychology

Our admissions team are experienced in considering a wide range of international qualifications. If you wish to discuss whether your qualifications will meet the necessary entry criteria, contact the School’s admissions team.

You can also check the accepted qualifications for your country or region.

English language requirements

IELTS 6.5 overall, with no less than 6.0 in any component . For other English qualifications, read English language equivalent qualifications.

Improve your English

International students who do not meet the English language requirements for this programme may be able to study our postgraduate pre-sessional English course, to help improve your English language level.

This pre-sessional course is designed with a progression route to your degree programme and you’ll learn academic English in the context of your subject area. To find out more, read Language for Business (6 weeks) and Language for Business (10 weeks).

We also offer online pre-sessionals alongside our on-campus pre-sessionals. Find out more about our six week online pre-sessional and our 10 week online pre-sessional. 

You can also study pre-sessionals for longer periods – read about our postgraduate pre-sessional English courses.

How to apply

Application deadline

Please see our How to Apply page for information about application deadlines.

The ‘Apply’ link at the top of this page will take you to information on applying for taught programmes and to the University's online application system.

If you're unsure about the application process, contact the admissions team for help.

Documents and information you'll need

• A copy of your degree certificate and transcripts, or a partial transcript if you’re still studying (please submit an official English translation where the original is not in English)
• Your approved English Language test* (if applicable)
• A personal statement in response to the questions asked in the supporting statement section of the application form
• A full up-to-date CV
• Any previous UK CAS, visa and BRP documents if you’re an international applicant who has previously studied in the UK on a Tier 4/ Student Visa.

* Applicants who have not yet completed an approved English language test may apply for a Masters course prior to taking a test.

Personal Statement Requirements

Please summarise your reasons for applying to this particular programme of study. Your response can include details of your previous study/work experience relevant to the programme and career ambitions. Your response can provide us with important information on your suitability for the course, so please complete carefully.

Please explain why you have chosen to apply for this Masters course at the University of Leeds by answering the following questions in separate numbered paragraphs:

1. What areas of this course particularly interest you and why? Have you studied these before? Please explain your reasons for applying to this particular Masters course

2. Why do you want to study this course at Leeds? Please comment on aspects such as available resources at the University and in the city, research specialisms within the school or academics you would like to work with.

3. What potential themes have you considered for dissertation research?

4. How will studying for this course help you to achieve your longer term goals?

5. Why do you see this course as a particularly valuable subject to study?

6. What skills and experience do you have that have prepared you for this course? You may like to give details of any final year work/projects you have previously undertaken, relevant work experience etc.

Relevant work experience might include: concert promotion and management, A&R, event production, recording and mixing, copyrights management, event logistics, artist management, venue operations, tour management, record label work, studio management, booking artists, cultural exchanges, arts funding and fundraising, merchandise business, equipment rentals, music media work, music distribution, digital music, audience development, orchestral management, ensemble leaderships, arts administration.

Next Steps

Where further information to support the assessment of your application is needed, we may ask for a recent sample of written work.

We do not generally request references, unless further information is required to support the assessment of your application.

Read about visas, immigration and other information in International students. We recommend that international students apply as early as possible to ensure that they have time to apply for their visa.

Admissions policy

University of Leeds Admissions Policy 2026

This course is taught by

School of Music

Contact us

Postgraduate Admissions

Email: pgtmusic@leeds.ac.uk

Fees

UK: £14,500 (Total)

International: £32,500 (Total)

Additional cost information

There may be additional costs of study that students need to cover. We estimate that these additional costs could be as described below, but this amount may vary depending on your chosen modules.

Reading materials

You’ll have access to a good supply of books, academic journals, periodicals, etc., that are available in the University libraries. You’ll also have online access to an extensive range of reading resources. You might decide, however, to purchase required books that are recommended on your programme.

Study trips and placements

There may also be the opportunity for optional study trips and individual projects / placements. Costs will depend on the project / placement undertaken, and on the nature and location of each trip.

There may be general additional costs related to being a student at the University of Leeds – you can read more about this here.

There may be additional costs related to your course or programme of study, or related to being a student at the University of Leeds. Read more on our living costs and budgeting page.

Scholarships and financial support

If you have the talent and drive, we want you to be able to study with us, whatever your financial circumstances. There may be help for students in the form of loans and non-repayable grants from the University and from the government.  Find out more at Masters funding overview.

Scholarships are also available to help fund your Masters. Find out more and check your eligibility below: 

• Scholarships for International students 
• Scholarships and funding for UK students
• Your subject area may also offer scholarships

Career opportunities

This postgraduate degree gives you valuable subject knowledge, cultural and social awareness, and a strong balance of musical and transferrable skills.

Skills, such as communication, leadership, time and resource management, and the ability to work independently and collaboratively are particularly attractive to employers. You’ll be able to demonstrate the flexibility, resilience and confidence needed to adapt to new situations and environments.

Your subject-specific knowledge will bring your critical, creative, research and problem-solving abilities to the fore. You’ll also be able to articulate how your postgraduate experience has prepared you for whatever comes next, whether entering the world of work or doctoral research.

Our postgraduate courses equip our graduates to work in a wide range of areas within the music industry, including:

• concert promotion
• artist management and representation
• art events curation
• music publishing and copyright
• marketing and digital marketing
• music production
• music supervision
• branding and sponsorship
• music business consultancy

Graduates from our postgraduate courses also often go on to undertake Doctoral research here at Leeds and elsewhere.

Where this degree could take you

Our music graduates have gone on to work for the likes of:

• ASTRO (All Asia Network PLC)
• BBC
• Beethoven-Haus
• BIMM Institute
• Chetham's School of Music
• Christians Against Poverty
• Culture Creative Limited
• De Wolfe Music

Careers support

At Leeds, we help you to prepare for your future from day one.

Our Careers Service has the global expertise and sector-spanning industry partnerships that, combined, go way beyond simply helping you get a job. They provide you with the resources you need to upskill and achieve the future you aspire towards – even in the face of lightning-paced change.

• Dedicated Employability Team – meet with our qualified careers consultants and specialist employability and placements officers, on hand to help you choose the right path and develop the skills to get there. They can support with CV and cover letter writing, LinkedIn profile building, mock interviews and navigating AI: get confident with tailored advice and techniques.
• Employability and networking events – get involved in a full range of events, including careers fairs and specialist industry talks with employers who are actively recruiting. You’ll also benefit from mentoring and a supportive careers community, helping you make connections, build your network, and shape your journey as a future professional.
• Skills training – we embed transferable skills training in all our programmes to support your transition to the workplace. Gain expertise employers value, such as communication, problem-solving and research and data analysis.
• MyCareer system —– access a dedicated portal where you can book careers appointments, view helpful resources and browse vacancies and events. Access digital tools, including LinkedIn support, video‑interview preparation, plus global job market and visa guidance. We also offer pre‑arrival support to help you prepare for career planning in the UK and make the most of your time with us.
• Exclusive opportunities – bring your enterprise to market with our award-winning business advice service, Spark. Apply for vacancies only available to our students. And hone your skills further with Leeds University Union, home to volunteering opportunities and over 300 clubs and societies.

Work placements and industry experience

As a Masters student at Leeds, you’ll have the unique opportunity to gain real-world industry experience with our Global Industry Programme.

You’ll develop key professional skills and gain invaluable insight into working in your chosen field, helping to solve a real business problem from a live company brief.

This experience will enhance your CV, helping you to stand out in the competitive graduate jobs market and improving your chances of securing the career you want.

Benefits of the Global Industry Programme:

• Fully online and designed to fit around your studies.
• Opportunities to make professional networks in areas such as digital marketing, business growth, sustainability and funding strategy.
• Gain valuable insight and build consultancy experience with a UK or international organisation, working on a time limited brief.
• Work as part of a team across disciplines to tackle real business needs.
• Advance your experience and hands-on skills by putting the course teachings into practice.
• Improve your employability prospects.
• Make new friends, build confidence and consider your future plans.