Course Overview
Course summary
Our Music Production, Performance and Business BA prepares you for a dynamic career across all facets of the music industry. This course not only covers the essential areas of music production, performance, and business, but also emphasises the importance of collaboration within these fields.
At the heart of our curriculum are authentic group projects that mirror real-world music industry practices. These collaborative projects provide you with hands-on experience, allowing you to assume specific roles within a team and enhance your skills in teamwork, negotiation, and creative synergy. Such experiences are vital in today’s industry.
Whether you aim to be a music artist, producer, performer, songwriter, composer, musicologist, journalist, DJ, technologist, entrepreneur, business specialist, or educator, this course nurtures your aspirations through a blend of practical experience and academic study. Reflective practice and contextual studies are integrated into the course, positioning our graduates as pioneers and thought leaders in the ever-evolving music industry.
Our strong industry connections within London's vibrant music scene enable us to offer guest lectures from top professionals and maximise networking opportunities. These connections are further enriched through interdisciplinary collaborations with peers from film, TV, radio, fashion, and media studies.
Located at the Harrow Campus, the course facilitates a unique collaborative environment not just among music students but also across various creative disciplines. This interdisciplinary approach provides a broad spectrum of opportunities, preparing our graduates for diverse careers in the creative industries and ensuring they have the skills and contacts necessary to expand their professional network and enhance their creative potential.
Learn more about the course and why you should choose to study at Westminster in the Music Production, Performance and Business BA – Q&A with course leader, Leddra Chapman blog.
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 vibrant music scene, career opportunities and industry events. You'll also benefit from a 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.
Subjects of study include:
- Artist Development in Practice
- Collaboration: The Music Artist
- Creativity and Collaboration
- Introduction to the Music Industries and Entrepreneurship
- Music Production Fundamentals
- BMRU: Bass Cultures - The African Diaspora and Popular Music
- Introduction to Music Publishing
- Songwriting
Credit Level 4
Subjects of study include:
- Collaboration: The Live Industry
- Creative Identities and Making Digital Content
- The Principles of Music Marketing
- Work-based and Placement Learning
- BMRU: Funding and Investment Readiness in the Music Business
- Composing for Media
- Synchronisation: Music and Brands
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.
Find out more about the costs involved in taking a placement year.
Subjects of study include:
- Final Major Project
- The Freelance Music Professional
- Advanced Audio Production
- Advanced Songwriting
- BMRU: Cultural Identity, Music and Audiovisual Work
- Data and Analytics in the Music Industry
- Music Law: Rights & Contracts
- Performing with Technology
- Research Essay
- Starting a Business in the Music Industry
Credit Level 6
For more details on course structure, modules, teaching and assessment Download the programme specification (PDF).
To request an accessible version please email [email protected]
Get your copy of the University of Westminster prospectus and browse the range of courses on offer.
Contact us for general course enquiries:
+44 (0)20 7911 5000 EXT 65511
(Mon–Fri, 10am–4pm GMT)
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.
Can't attend? See more open events
Careers
Our graduates have gone on to have huge and diverse success. Our alumni include members 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.
Employers around the world
The University’s Careers and Employability Service has built up a network of over 3,000 employers around the world, helping all our students explore 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 to grow their contacts and seek work opportunities, by providing many students with free 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, while also gaining the transferable skills needed for employment in all areas of the music industry.
You'll be encouraged to develop your professional status while studying on the course, and to incorporate professional and industry-focused activities into your academic work.
University of Westminster music graduates have 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 and formed two music synchronisation companies, Wake The Town and Theodore. Both companies were nominated 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 established artist manager, having assisted and managed artists for ATC including Laura Mvula and Eliza Doolittle. She now works as part of the team at East City Management managing Alt-J and Wolf Alice and leads development 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 signed to 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 who work 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
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.
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 - Senior 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 regularly invite industry professionals to speak at events on campus.
Learn in a creative environment
You’ll study alongside 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
- A Levels – CCC (96 UCAS Tariff points)
- T levels – 96 UCAS 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 – 96 UCAS 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
Portfolio guidance
Number of recommended portfolio pieces.
A maximum of two portfolio pieces
What should I include in my portfolio submission?
Depending on your area of specialism(s), please choose 2-3 of the following:
- Tracks: Provide a link to 2 tracks you have either written or produced. This should demonstrate your skills in song writing, composition, or production, highlighting your technical proficiency and creativity.
- Performance: Provide a link to 2 recordings or videos of yourself performing an original or cover song. This should demonstrate your specific instrumental abilities and skills across either vocals, guitar, keys, bass, drums, etc., showcasing your technique and performance quality.
- Analysis: Submit a short report (500 words) or a 5-minute video on a modern artist, producer, or entrepreneur/business. Detail their sound, creative identity, and marketing efforts. You can also include considerations on how they challenge traditional music industry practices or incorporate ethical considerations and sustainability into their work.
- Business Pitch: Present a brief video pitch (2 minutes) for a new business venture or project. This should demonstrate your music industry knowledge, business acumen, and entrepreneurial spirit. Highlight how you would address ethical considerations or sustainability in your venture.
- Professional Presence: Provide links to your professional social media platforms that showcase content related to your specialism. This can demonstrate your engagement with an audience and/or your ability to maintain a professional online presence.
How should I structure my portfolio?
Format and Access:
- You may submit your portfolio via Google Drive, Dropbox, or a similar cloud storage service, ensuring that access is granted to anyone with the link.
- Alternatively, you can submit a PDF or Word document with hyperlinks to your work, such as tracks, videos, or reports.
- Written work must be submitted as a Word document.
- For tracks, you can hyperlink to streaming platforms. Please ensure that private YouTube or SoundCloud links are accessible with the provided link.
- For videos, ensure they are of a high enough quality to be viewed clearly (preferably 720p or higher).
Labelling:
- Clearly indicate each piece of work with the option you have chosen (e.g., "Track 1 - Production," "Performance Video 1," "Business Pitch Video").
How will my portfolio be evaluated?
Your portfolio will be evaluated based on the following criteria:
- Creativity and Originality - We are looking for work that reflects your individual style and ideas.
- Technical Proficiency and Skill - Demonstrate your abilities in your chosen specialism/s, whether it's production, performance, song writing, composition or business.
- Passion and Potential for Growth- Show your passion for music and your specialism/s, your potential for growth, and highlight any areas where you wish to have an impact or bring about positive change.
What happens next?
Selected applicants receiving an offer will be invited to an applicant event that allows you to experience the university campus and course learning. This event also provides a chance for us to learn more about you and your creative goals.
Top Tip from our course team
Whatever the genre or field of the music industry you are most interested in or have skills in, showcase your originality and creativity. Let your unique voice and aspirations shine through in your portfolio.
Please do not send in portfolios until requested to do so by the University's Admissions team. You will be notified by email about when to submit your portfolio.
- 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. You can refer to the UCAS calculator to determine your point score
- We accept a wide range of international high school level qualifications. Please see information on Country-specific entry requirements
- We work in partnership with Kaplan International College London who provide International Foundation Certificate courses for students who don’t meet our entry requirements. Upon successful completion, you can progress to your chosen degree at the University of Westminster. Find out about a range of university preparation courses that are accepted for entry.
English language requirements
- If your first language is not English, you should have an IELTS score of 6.0 overall, with a score of 5.5 in each component. Please note we accept a wide range of English language qualifications and assessments. Find out more at English language requirements.
- If you don't meet the English language requirements yet, then we offer online and on campus pre-sessional English programmes to help develop your English language skills to the required level before you start your course. Find out more about our pre-sessional English programmes.
More information
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.
Portfolio guidance
Number of recommended portfolio pieces.
A maximum of two portfolio pieces
What should I include in my portfolio submission?
Depending on your area of specialism(s), please choose 2-3 of the following:
- Tracks: Provide a link to 2 tracks you have either written or produced. This should demonstrate your skills in song writing, composition, or production, highlighting your technical proficiency and creativity.
- Performance: Provide a link to 2 recordings or videos of yourself performing an original or cover song. This should demonstrate your specific instrumental abilities and skills across either vocals, guitar, keys, bass, drums, etc., showcasing your technique and performance quality.
- Analysis: Submit a short report (500 words) or a 5-minute video on a modern artist, producer, or entrepreneur/business. Detail their sound, creative identity, and marketing efforts. You can also include considerations on how they challenge traditional music industry practices or incorporate ethical considerations and sustainability into their work.
- Business Pitch: Present a brief video pitch (2 minutes) for a new business venture or project. This should demonstrate your music industry knowledge, business acumen, and entrepreneurial spirit. Highlight how you would address ethical considerations or sustainability in your venture.
- Professional Presence: Provide links to your professional social media platforms that showcase content related to your specialism. This can demonstrate your engagement with an audience and/or your ability to maintain a professional online presence.
How should I structure my portfolio?
Format and Access:
- You may submit your portfolio via Google Drive, Dropbox, or a similar cloud storage service, ensuring that access is granted to anyone with the link.
- Alternatively, you can submit a PDF or Word document with hyperlinks to your work, such as tracks, videos, or reports.
- Written work must be submitted as a Word document.
- For tracks, you can hyperlink to streaming platforms. Please ensure that private YouTube or SoundCloud links are accessible with the provided link.
- For videos, ensure they are of a high enough quality to be viewed clearly (preferably 720p or higher).
Labelling:
- Clearly indicate each piece of work with the option you have chosen (e.g., "Track 1 - Production," "Performance Video 1," "Business Pitch Video").
How will my portfolio be evaluated?
Your portfolio will be evaluated based on the following criteria:
- Creativity and Originality - We are looking for work that reflects your individual style and ideas.
- Technical Proficiency and Skill - Demonstrate your abilities in your chosen specialism/s, whether it's production, performance, song writing, composition or business.
- Passion and Potential for Growth- Show your passion for music and your specialism/s, your potential for growth, and highlight any areas where you wish to have an impact or bring about positive change.
What happens next?
Selected applicants receiving an offer will be invited to an applicant event that allows you to experience the university campus and course learning. This event also provides a chance for us to learn more about you and your creative goals.
Top Tip from our course team
Whatever the genre or field of the music industry you are most interested in or have skills in, showcase your originality and creativity. Let your unique voice and aspirations shine through in your portfolio.
Please do not send in portfolios until requested to do so by the University's Admissions team. You will be notified by email about when to submit your portfolio.
What our students say
Daria Greth
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.
Csilla Jakab
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.
Tom Piner
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
Our award-winning Westminster Enterprise Network offers 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 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: £17,000 (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 2024 or September 2025 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
How you’ll be assessed
Our postgraduate courses include a variety of assessments, which typically fall into two broad categories:
- Practical: examples include presentations, podcasts, blogs
- Coursework: examples include essays, in-class tests, portfolios, dissertation
Data from the academic year 2023/24
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
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.
Contact us
Call our dedicated team on:
+44 (0)20 7911 5000 ext 65511
Opening hours (GMT): 10am–4pm Monday to Friday
Opening hours (GMT): 10am–4pm Monday to Friday
More information
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