Course Overview
Attendance
- Full-time - September 2024
UK Fees £9,250*
International Fees £15,400*
Duration 3 or 4 years
Campus Harrow, North-West London
* Price per academic year
Course summary
OurMusic Production, Performance and Business BA degree will equip you for a successful career in all areas of the commercial and popular music industries.
Our course will inspire you to develop expertise and experience in the key fields of commercial music: music production,music performanceandmusic business/enterprise. In today's industry, only by having knowledge and understanding of all three specific areas will you be sufficiently prepared for employment and a career in music.
Whether you aspire to bea music artist, producer, performer, songwriter, composer, musicologist, journalist, DJ, technologist, entrepreneur, business specialist or educator,our course will nurture your aspirations and ensure you develop a broad range of transferable, music-related skills.
Weincorporatea strong focus on reflective practice and contextual studies, meaning that our graduates are positioned to become innovators and thought leaders forthe future of the constantly evolving music industries.
Our music industry links in the thriving London community allow us to provide guest lectures from leading professionals and maximise opportunities for you to network and begin your career whileon the course.
Based at Harrow Campus, the course also offers unique opportunities to collaborate with students from other academic disciplines including film, TV, radio, fashion and media, and provides networking opportunities with relevant professional societies and organisations. As a result, our graduates have excellent employment opportunities and the ability to build successful careers in many diverse areas of the creative industries.
Top reasons to study with us
- A flexible course– Our course allows you to follow the path that most suits your future career, while learning about the key fields of commercial music and gaining a broad range of skills
- Easy access to Central London– Based in Harrow, in north-west London, you'll be just a 20-minute tube ride from the heart of the city and its vibrantmusic scene, career opportunities and industry events. You'll also benefitfroma range of guest speakers thanks to our industry links
- A track record of success –Our graduates enjoy successful careers across the music industries, including in music synchronisation (Theodore, Wake the Town and Big Sync Music), music management (East City Management, Solar Management), media production (the BBC'S Banks and Wag, Aidan Lavelle, and Roll7's Stephen Bennett,and as artists and producers (Sigala, Bree Runway, Emmy the Great, Jamie Woon)
Course structure
The following subjects are indicative of what you will study on this course.
- Year 1
- Year 2
- Placement Year
- Year 3
Subjects of study include:
- Artist Development in Practice
- Artist Management and DIY Releasing
- Creativity and Collaboration
- Introduction to Music Publishing
- Introduction to the Music Industries and Entrepreneurship
- Music Production Fundamentals
- Producing Music
- Songwriting Track and Topline
- The Performing Artist
Credit Level 4
Subjects of study include:
- Composing for Media
- Music Marketing and Branding
- Music Production Studio and Live
- Synchronisation: Music and Brands
- The Artist Performer Studio and Live
- The Business of Live Music
- Work-based and Placement Learning
Credit Level 5
Between Years 2 and 3, you’ll have the opportunity to undertake a professional placement year in industry. Completing the placement year will lead to the final award Bachelor of Arts with Honours – Music Production, Performance and Business with Professional Experience.
Subjects of study include:
- Advanced Audio Production
- Artistry, Innovation and Technology
- Data and Analytics in the Music Industry
- Final Major Project
- Music Contracts and Intellectual Property
- Research Essay
- Starting a Business in the Music Industry
- The Freelance Music Professional
Credit Level 6
Programme specification
For more details on course structure, modules, teaching and assessment Download the programme specification (PDF).
To request an accessible version please email [emailprotected]
Prospectus
Get your copy of the University of Westminster prospectus and browse the range of courses on offer.
Request a prospectus
Get in touch
Contact us for general course enquiries:
+44 (0)20 7911 5000 EXT 65511
(Mon-Fri, 10am-3pm GMT)
[emailprotected]
Live chat with us
(Mon-Fri, 10am-4pm GMT)
Open days
Join us at an open day online or on campus. Get a feel for student life at the University of Westminster and talk to course leaders and our support teams.
Next open day
Saturday 23 March On campus
Book Now
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Careers
Our graduates have gone on to have huge and diverse success. Our alumni includemembers of the bands Rudimental, The Feeling, Plan B and Arctic Lake as well as successful artists such as Jamie Woon, Tom Baxter, Emmy The Great, globally established trance act Above and Beyond, and Grammy Award-winning Al Shux.
Successful graduates
Our graduates enjoy successful careers across the music industries, including in music synchronisation, music management, media production, and as artists and producers.
Play and perform at our masterclasses
You'll get the opportunity to perform and play your music to industry guests including publishers, artist managers, A&R and other songwriting and production specialists.
3,000
Employers around the world
The University’sCareers and Employability Servicehas built up a network of over 3,000 employers around the world, helping all our studentsexplore and connect with exciting opportunities and careers.
Work experience
We have strong links with various record labels, publishers, writers and managers, as well as the music rights organisations PRS and PPL. We encourage as many students as possible to attend industry events togrow their contacts and seek work opportunities, by providing many students withfree passes to attend industry conferences, workshops and expos.
We invite industry professionals to speak at events on campus, providing students with additional opportunities to extend their networks and to ask key questions.
Our students have completed internships for various record labels and artist management companies, which in the past have included:
- AEG
- All Points East
- Beggars Banquet
- Big Sync Music
- British Summer Time Festival
- East City Management
- Full Time Hobby
- Mute
- Solar Management
Job roles
Our course equips you for diverse career opportunities, allowing you to follow a specific career path, whilealso gaining the transferable skills needed for employment in all areas of the music industry.
You'll beencouraged to develop your professional status whilestudying on the course, and to incorporate professional and industry-focused activities into youracademic work.
University of Westminster music graduateshave gone on to have successful careers as:
- Academics
- Artist managers
- Branding and marketing experts
- Entertainment lawyers
- Film sound designers
- Freelance musicians
- Live music promoters
- Music artists
- Music educators
- Music journalists
- Music producers
- Music publishers
- Music therapists
- Music venue managers
- Record label executives
- Social media managers
- Songwriters
- Studio engineers
Graduate success
Our graduates are employed throughout the London music industries at major and independent record labels, production studios and concert venues, media companies including Disney, and in various areas of entertainment law. Our graduates include:
- David Bass graduated in 2004 andformedtwo music synchronisation companies, Wake The Town and Theodore. Both companies werenominated for several awards by Music Week in 2019, and they are known for their Christmas IKEA advert, Silence the Critics
- Sigala graduated in 2013, and had a UK Number 1 single in September 2015 with ‘Easy Love’, and another three UK Top Ten singles in 2015 and 2016, when he was signed to Sony on a multi-year, multi-million-pound deal
- Tom Overbury graduated in 2010, and is a Senior A&R Manager with Warner Chappell UK. Tom was named as one of '30 under 30’ rising global music industry executives by Music Week in 2014
- Chelsea Zevenbergen graduated in 2010 and is an establishedartist manager, having assisted and managed artists for ATCincluding Laura Mvula and Eliza Doolittle. Shenow works as part of the team at East City Management managing Alt-J and Wolf Alice and leadsdevelopment in mindfulness and wellbeing for artists
- Szjerdene Mulcare graduated in 2010 and is now an established vocalist and musician primarily working with the British artist Bonobo, featuring on his 2013 album The North Borders (Ninja Tune), and accompanying world tour
- Nathan Cassells graduated in 2011, and in 2012 co-wrote and co-produced the song ‘What Now’ for Rihanna’s Unapologetic album. The single peaked at Number 21 in the UK and Number 25 in the US
- Charlotte Baker graduated in 2016, and took a position as tour manager for the rapper Angel Haze and Snoh Aalegra, and artist manager of AYA
- Kaz Rodriguez graduated in 2014 and has a distinguished career as a professional drummer and composer. In 2019 he signedto Josh Groban's label and continues his drumless recording series with his fourth album
- Andrew Stafford graduated in 2009 and has since set up Big Sync Music, a creative licensing agency whowork directly for brands and ad agencies. Clients include Heinz, Pepsico, Unilever, Samsung, BMW, ASDA, The National Lottery and Unicef
International Opportunities
Many of our courses offer international study and work experiences, and the University provides other global opportunities that all students can apply for - so whatever you're studying, you'll have the chance to go abroad.
Opportunities could include:
- Taking part in semester or year-long exchanges at institutions around the world
- Attending an international summer school or field trip
- Developing your CV through volunteering or work placements abroad
International experience broadens horizons, boosts self-confidence, and improves global understanding, alongside being fantastic for your career.
Find out more about our international opportunities, including funding options and where you can go.
Course Leader
More about meRead more about Leddra Chapman
Leddra Chapman
Senior Lecturer
Leddra is an independent singer/songwriter releasing heartfelt folk/pop music with over 30 million streams worldwide.Her debut album Telling Tales was noted as ‘pitch-perfect acoustic pop’ by The Independent, and one of Ed Sheeran's 'favourite albums of the year' (GQ). Leddra has collaborated numerous times with Sheeran and provided guest vocals on his album, +.
Her music has been playlisted many times by BBC Radio 2, including Record of The Week for her single All About You.Leddra has also toured throughout Europe, both as a headline act and supporting the likes of Ed Sheeran, Tom Jones, Ben Howard, Gabrielle, Katie Melua and more. She recently recorded new material at Spotify’s Secret Genius Studio at Metropolis, and returned to the stage in January 2023 with two sold out London shows.
More about meRead more about Leddra Chapman
Our curriculum reflects authentic industry practices, and our network of expert tutors and contacts within the vibrant London music community provides unique opportunities for experiential learning.
Course Team
- Pete Astor - Senior Lecturer
- Hussein Boon - Principal Lecturer
- Antony Farsides - Senior Lecturer
- Kirsten Hermes - Senior Lecturer in Music Performance Technology
- Mykaell Riley - Principal Investigator
- Cathryn Robson - Senior Lecturer
- Glenn Skinner - Senior Lecturer
- Jasmine Taylor - Senior Lecturer
- Professor Shirley Thompson - Dr Shirley Thompson
- Adrian York - Senior Lecturer
- Connor Haynes - Lecturer
- Zoe Hodge - Lecturer
- Dr Susanne Grunewald - Lecturer
- Julia Toppin - Lecturer
- Simon Gogerly - Senior Lecturer
- Shanaz Dorsett - Staff
- Sareata Ginda - Senior Lecturer
Why study this course?
Easy access to Central London
Based just a 20-minute tube ride from the heart of the city, you'll be perfectly placed to get involved in London's thriving music scene.
Music industry links
We have strong links with various record labels, publishers, writers and managers, as well as the music rights organisations PRS and PPL, and regularlyinvite industry professionals to speak at events on campus.
Learn in a creative environment
You’ll studyalongside students from film, photography, music, fashion and journalism, in a creative and collaborative environment.
Student work
Tracks from the University of Westminster’s music students - past and present - have been curated for your enjoyment in a special playlist on Spotify.
We have created a Spotify playlist that brings together some audio highlights from some of our talented and influential students.
All tracks on the playlist are either performed, written or produced by our Music students. Head over to Spotify to listen to the full playlist.
Westminster Degree Shows
The Westminster Degree Shows are an annual collection that showcases the creativity, vibrancy and artistic talent of our undergraduate arts courses. You can see the latest online collection on Westminster Degree Shows.
Entry Requirements
- UK
- International
- A Levels – CCC(96UCAS Tariff points)
- T levels – 96UCAS Tariff points
- International Baccalaureate –96 UCAS Tariff points from all components of the Diploma Programme. International Baccalaureate Career-related Programme will be considered on a case-by case basis Tariff points from the IB
- BTEC Extended Diploma – MMM
- BTEC Diploma – DD
- Access – 96UCAS Tariff points from the Access course
In addition to one of the above, you should have:
- GCSE English Language grade 4/C – IB grade 4 Higher Level
If your first language is not English, you will need an IELTS of 6.0 overall, with 5.5 in each component.
We also welcome applications from students who are taking a combinations of qualifications listed above. For further information, please contact Course Enquiries.
Our course encourages a diverse range of music styles and genres, covering everything including Rock, Pop, R&B, Grime, Jazz, Acoustic, EDM and more. Applicants with backgrounds and interests in music which fall outside of conventional music education such as DJs, underground music or electronica artists are strongly encouraged to apply.
Applicants who meet the entry requirements will be asked to submit a short portfolio of work relevant to their chosen specialism of music production, performance or music business/enterprise.
Successful applicants will be invited to attend an applicant open day spending time working alongside staff and students.
View more information about our entry requirements and the application process
- International Baccalaureate –96UCAS Tariff points from all components of the Diploma Programme. International Baccalaureate Career-related Programme will be considered on a case-by case basis
If your first language is not English, you will need an IELTS of 6.0 overall, with 5.5 in each component.
Our course encourages a diverse range of music styles and genres, covering everything including Rock, Pop, R&B, Grime, Jazz, Acoustic, EDM and more. Applicants with backgrounds and interests in music which fall outside of conventional music education such as DJs, underground music or electronica artists are strongly encouraged to apply.
Applicants who meet the entry requirements will be asked to submit a short portfolio of work relevant to their chosen specialism of music production, performance or music business/enterprise.
Successful applicants will be invited to attend an applicant open day spending time working alongside staff and students.
More information
- Country-specific entry requirements
- English language requirements
- How to apply
- Visas and advice
What our students say
Music: Production, Performance and Business BA
Our music facilities are probably the best I have ever seen. Our recording and live studios have everything you might need, and the technical team there is always available to help students. Area 51, the university’s live music venue (and personally my favourite place on campus), is an amazing space to level up your performance skills and practice with professional live gear.
Music: Production, Performance and Business BA - 2022
I’ve particularly enjoyed the flexibility of my course. It has allowed me to build my own ideas into reality. Course material is always up-to-date, and oftentimes we look at the new developments and problems that the music industry is currently facing.
Music Production, Performance and Enterprise BA/BMus (now Music Production, Performance and Business BA) - 2022
Having a place to perform and practice a live set, available for students to use all week, is incredible. I wouldn't be at the musical level I am now without the practice rooms.
Learn new skills
Learn a new language
From Arabic to Spanish, you can learn a new language alongside your degree with our Polylang programme.
Develop your entrepreneurial skills
Ouraward-winningCreative Enterprise Centreoffers industry networking events, workshops, one-to-one business advice and support for your startup projects.
Gain extra qualifications
We provide access to free online courses in Adobe and Microsoft Office applications, as well as thousands of specialist courses on LinkedIn Learning.
Fees and Funding
- UK
- INTERNATIONAL
UK tuition fee: £9,250 (Price per academic year)
When you have enrolled with us, your annual tuition fees will remain the same throughout your studies with us. We do not increase your tuition fees each year.
Find out how we set our tuition fees.
Funding
As well as tuition fee loans, there is a range of funding available to help you fund your studies.
Find out about undergraduate student funding options.
Scholarships
The University is dedicated to supporting ambitious and outstanding students and we offer a variety of scholarships to eligible undergraduate students, which cover all or part of your tuition fees.
Find out if you qualify for one of our scholarships.
Additional costs
See what you may need to pay for separately and what your tuition fees cover.
International tuition fee: £15,400 (Price per academic year)
When you have enrolled with us, your annual tuition fees will remain the same throughout your studies with us. We do not increase your tuition fees each year.
Find out how we set our tuition fees.
EU Qualifications Welcome Award Scheme
If you are an international student accepted on an undergraduate programme starting in September 2023 or September 2024 at level 3 (Foundation) or level 4 (first year) on the basis of an eligible EU qualification only, you will be awarded a tuition fee reduction which will align your fee more closely to the one for UK students. For more information, see the EU Qualifications Welcome Award Scheme.
International student funding
Find out about funding for international students.
Additional costs
See what you may need to pay for separately and what your tuition fees cover.
Teaching and Assessment
Below you will find how learning time and assessment types are distributed on this course. The graphs below give an indication of what you can expect through approximate percentages, taken either from the experience of previous cohorts, or based on the standard module diet where historic course data is unavailable. Changes to the division of learning time and assessment may be made in response to feedback and in accordance with our terms and conditions.
How you'll be taught
Teaching methods across all our undergraduate courses focus on active student learning through lectures, seminars, workshops, problem-based and blended learning, and where appropriate practical application.Learning typically falls into three broad categories:
- Scheduled hours: examples include lectures, seminars, practical classes, workshops, supervised time in a studio
- Placement: placement hours normally include placement opportunities, but may also include live projects or virtual activity involving employers
- Independent study: non-scheduled time in which students are expected to study independently. This may include preparation for scheduled sessions, follow-up work, wider reading or practice, completion of assessment tasks, or revision
Year
1
27%73%
2
27%73%
3
26%74%
Scheduled hoursIndependent study
How you'll be assessed
Our undergraduate courses include a wide variety of assessments.
Assessments typically fall into three broad categories:
- Practical: examples include presentations, videos, podcasts, lab work, creating artefacts
- Written exams: end of semester exams
- Coursework: examples include essays, reports, in-class tests, portfolios, dissertation
Year
1
61%26%13%
2
64%26%10%
3
60%22%18%
Written examsPracticalCoursework
Data from the academic year 2022/23
Supporting you
Our Student Hub is where you’ll find out about the services and support we offer, helping you get the best out of your time with us.
- Study support — workshops, 1-2-1 support and online resources to help improve your academic and research skills
- Personal tutors — support you in fulfilling your academic and personal potential
- Student advice team — provide specialist advice on a range of issues including funding, benefits and visas
- Extra-curricular activities — volunteering opportunities, sports and fitness activities, student events and more
Visit our student hub
Course location
Harrow is our creative and cultural hub, home to most of our arts, media and digital courses. It houses state-of-the-art facilities for every discipline, including project and gallery spaces, film studios, creative labs, collaborative learning spaces, and the Westminster Enterprise Network.
Harrow Campus is based in north-west London, just 20 minutes from the city centre by train.
For more details, visit our Harrow Campus page.
Virtual tours
Take virtual tours of our Music Production Rooms & Area 51, Music Production Rooms (Downstairs) and District 9 Music studio.
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Contact us
Call our dedicated team on:
+44 (0)20 7911 5000 ext 65511
Opening hours (GMT): 10am–3pm Monday to Friday
[emailprotected]
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Undergraduate prospectus
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