Who this route is for
An organiser who is more interested in artist development, releases and rights than producing the recording.
Point Blank London · rights, artists and releases
Music Business
Music Business is for applicants who want to organise the people, rights, decisions and campaigns around music. The programme moves from recording and distribution, copyright, management and publishing into events, analytics, licensing, artist development and business planning, so it should be judged by the working decisions students practise—not by proximity to performers.
Independent guidance by GUGAWhat must be checked
The exact qualification variant, current entry and English rules, available start, fee status and the full budget.
Your next useful step
GUGA Education can compare the BA and CertHE, structure an honest evidence set, verify current terms and coordinate the documents and timeline.
What Music Business covers—and who it suits
Point Blank lists a three-year BA (Hons) and a one-year CertHE for Music Business, with no accelerated route in the verified data. The typical week comprises two classes plus project and independent study.
Good fit if…
- An organiser who is more interested in artist development, releases and rights than producing the recording.
- A creative-project lead who enjoys budgets, calendars, negotiation, audience evidence and accountable teamwork.
- An applicant who wants to build practical business cases inside a specialist music environment.
Compare another route if…
- Music Production & Software Engineering: Compare this if your preferred responsibility is building audio tools and systems rather than managing rights and campaigns.
- Music Production & Sound Engineering: Compare this if making and engineering recordings is more important than organising their route to market.
Typical timetable: Two classes per week, plus project and independent study
Qualifications, duration and published tuition
| Qualification | Duration | Mode | UCAS code | Home fee / year | International fee / year |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| BA (Hons) Music Business | 3 years | Standard | W5W5 | £9,790 | £15,750 |
| CertHE Music Business | 1 year | Standard | MBC1 | £9,790 | £15,750 |
This GUGA guide uses the partner prospectus and current published programme information. Details can change; GUGA rechecks the applicant’s chosen route before submission.
Modules and course structure
Level 4
- Music History & Culture
- Recording & Distribution
- IP & Copyright
- Music & Artist Management
- Music Publishing
- Professional Development
Level 5
- Live Music & Events
- Branding & Promotion
- Digital Marketing & Analytics
- Music Licensing & Sync
- The Global Music Industry
- Artist Development
Level 6
- Business Planning & Management
- Music Rights & Legal Affairs
- Music Futures
- Business Portfolio Project (I)
- Business Portfolio Project (II)
Module titles are indicative and can change. GUGA checks the current structure before an application is submitted.
Entry requirements and application materials
The family offers a three-year BA (Hons) and a one-year CertHE; no accelerated BA is listed in the verified dataset. The CertHE can provide a concentrated introduction, while the BA develops the subject through live music, licensing, global-industry and portfolio work. Check current academic, English and application-document requirements for the exact route.
The published standard degree-entry benchmark is 112 UCAS points, A Levels BBC or BTEC DMM, plus GCSE English at 4/C. Other routes can be accepted, so GUGA checks the equivalency of your education separately.
English-language benchmark
The published benchmark is IELTS for UKVI Academic 6.0 overall with at least 5.5 in each component. CertHE applicants using the Student Visa route may need an approved SELT. GUGA checks your specific case rather than applying one threshold to everyone.
How to prepare a portfolio, audition or motivation
Even where a formal portfolio is not requested, prepare honest evidence of decisions: a release plan, an artist-development memo, a rights map, an event concept or an analytical review. Label hypothetical work clearly, protect confidential information and show what changed because of your analysis rather than presenting decorative charts or borrowed industry language.
Planning the full study budget
Published tuition is only one part of the budget. Accommodation, travel, equipment, software, immigration and personal costs can be separate.
Information checked 1 September 2026. Before submission, we recheck fee status, the current amount, any deposit and payment timing.
Possible career directions
Relevant directions include A&R, artist or label management, publishing, licensing and sync, events, digital marketing and music entrepreneurship. These roles require accuracy, communication and evidence of delivered projects; a Music Business degree does not guarantee access to a label or management position.
- A&R manager
- Artist manager
- Label manager
- Music publisher
- Licensing or sync specialist
- Event promoter
- Digital marketer
- Music entrepreneur
These are possible directions, not promised outcomes. Experience, portfolio quality, network and location all affect employability.
Broader guides for choosing your direction
These articles answer broader questions about subject choice and career direction. This page remains the source for exact programme-specific facts.
Compare another route if…
Common questions about the programme
Do I need to perform or produce music to study Music Business?
The programme data does not make performance the core of the route. Practical familiarity with how music is created can strengthen decisions, but your main evidence may come from organisation, analysis, communication or a project you helped deliver.
What is the difference between the BA and CertHE?
The CertHE is a one-year higher-education qualification focused on the first-stage modules. The three-year BA continues into events, marketing, licensing, global industry, legal affairs and a larger business portfolio.
What can I prepare if no portfolio is formally required?
Create two or three concise case-based pieces that demonstrate a real decision, evidence, constraints and reflection. Never imply that you officially represent an artist or disclose private information without permission.
Does the course cover copyright and publishing?
Yes. The listed modules include intellectual property and copyright, music publishing, licensing and sync, and later legal affairs. The degree develops literacy; a real transaction still requires suitably qualified legal advice.
Which starts are listed?
October 2026 and October 2027 are listed for this family. Confirm current availability, deadlines and fee terms before planning around either date.
GUGA Education
Build a Music Business application around decisions you have actually made
GUGA Education can compare the BA and CertHE, structure an honest evidence set, verify current terms and coordinate the documents and timeline.
No external university link is needed: GUGA checks programme fit, academic and English documents, portfolio or audition evidence, the current deadline, fee status and full budget, then coordinates submission.
Editorial source note. Point Blank states that it holds Full Degree Awarding Powers and awards qualifications subject to internal validation. This GUGA guide uses the partner prospectus and current published programme information. Details can change; GUGA rechecks the applicant’s chosen route before submission.