23Nov
UndergraduateBIMM University has participated in the Teaching Excellence Framework. These ratings were awarded in 2023, for four years.
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Course summary
About the course The BA (Hons) Songwriting and Music Business will see you nurture your talents as a songwriter while making the most of our unparalleled music industry connections. You’ll graduate with an in-depth knowledge of your art as well as with invaluable experiences of the industry that supports it. You’ll focus on songwriting techniques, styles and genres, working with bands, music publishing and marketing. These topics ensure that once you graduate, you’ll be a musician with detailed knowledge of how the music business works. By combining your creative and artistic practices with your interest in business, you’ll be able to progress into a wide range of careers. These careers include becoming a self-managed artist or songwriter, composer for film or TV, entering into music publishing and copyright collection, live performance of original material or professional qualifications in areas such as entertainment law or music and business education. As you progress through the course, you can specialise in topics that interest you most. This is possible through our optional modules, such as creative performance, session skills, songwriting, technology, composing for film and TV, arranging, recording, teaching and research. By having these optional modules in place, you’ll be able to tailor your course to meet the career outcome that’s meant for you. Day to day collaboration with fellow songwriters, performers, producers and event management students will help you gain real-world experiences. You’ll also gain further real-world experience via our unrivalled work experience opportunities. These work opportunities give you the chance to develop hands-on industry knowledge through placements and internships with a variety of music-focused employers. You’ll also be supported in entrepreneurial ventures of your own design. Throughout your degree, you’ll be taught by experienced and inspiring lecturers who are still active in the industry today. They’ll be there – along with our Student Services and Careers Team – to help you define and reach your personal and professional goals. The BIMM University Graduate We make sure that when you graduate, your attributes and skills mirror the employment and creative needs of the music industry – both today and in the future. We aim to equip graduates with the following qualities, so they have a long lasting career.
- Employable and Entrepreneurial
- Creative, Collaborative and Connected
- Resilient and adaptable
- Globally Aware
- Professional
- Intellectually Curious
- Self-aware
Modules
Students can expect to study the following core modules: YEAR 1:
- The Creative Industries and you 1: Finding your path
- Context and culture of the creative industries
- Songwriting techniques
- Songwriting skills for ensemble
- Styles and genres
- The music business
- Music publishing
- Marketing and PR
- The Creative Industries and you 2: Creative Collaboration
- Creativity, identity and agency
- Music creation with technology
- Songwriting and arrangement
- Business and enterprise
- Financing creativity
- The Creative Industries and you 3: Professional Portfolio
- Final project
- Showcase and showreel
- Audience experience and motivation .
Assessment method
Assessment methods are varied and balanced to suit a wide range of students and may take practical, written, portfolio or other form. Students are given the opportunity to work collaboratively with those studying other music related disciplines, representative of the way in which the Music and wider Creative Industries also require collaboration. All written and portfolio assessments are submitted electronically by way of a Virtual Learning Environment and where possible, feedback is delivered in audio and/or video form, as well as written. Examples of methods used:
- Practical Exams
- Written exams
- Practical coursework
- Multimedia coursework
- Written coursework
How to apply
31Jan
This is the deadline for applications to be completed and sent for this course. If the university or college still has places available you can apply after this date, but your application is not guaranteed to be considered.
Application codes
Please select a course option – you will then see the application code you need to use to apply for the course.
Points of entry
The following entry points are available for this course:
- Year 1
International applicants
BIMM University welcomes applicants from International countries that will require a Student Visa to study in the UK. Applicants must meet requirements set by UKVI. Upon acceptance of an offer you will be required to attend a consultation with a member of the International Admissions team.
Entry requirements
Qualification requirements
UCAS Tariff - 64 points
A level - CC
Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma (first teaching from September 2016) - MMP
Additional entry requirements
Audition
Once your application is received, you will be contacted by a member of the admissions team to arrange an audition in person or by a demo submission. Full guidelines on what to prepare will be emailed to you.
Interview
Once your application is received, you will be contacted by a member of the admissions team to arrange an interview in person or by phone/skype Full guidelines on what to prepare will be emailed to you.
Other
Our auditions and interviews are conducted in a relaxed and supportive manner. They are as much about you assessing us and making sure BIMM Institute is the right place for you to study. The audition or interview also gives you another opportunity to learn more about the course you have applied for. Auditions, Interviews and Portfolio Submissions Depending on which course you choose, you may need to attend an audition, interview or submit a portfolio of work as part of your application. We have plenty of handy resources online to help you prepare for your audition or interview. The BIMM Institute Admissions Team will also send you preparation guidelines, which will be specifically for the course you have applied for. Undergraduate Courses including Joint Hons Requiring an Audition*: • Performance (Guitar, Bass, Drums, Vocals and Keyboards) • Songwriting (supporting material also required) Non-Performance Undergraduate Courses and Interviews*: • Music Business • Event Management • Music Marketing, Media and Communication Undergraduate Courses Requiring a Portfolio and Interview*: • Music and Sound Production • Electronic Music Production *Auditions/Interviews can be completed virtually by Zoom, or in person.
English language requirements
| Test | Grade | Additional details |
|---|---|---|
| IELTS (Academic) | 6 | a minimum of 5.5 must be achieved in each band (Reading, writing, listening, speaking) |
| Cambridge English Advanced | Level B2 | A minimum overall score of 170, and no lower than 165 in each band |
| TOEFL (iBT) | 80 | the minimum points must met in each band: Listening - 19 Reading - 19 Speaking - 21 Writing - 21 |
| PTE Academic | 50 | A minimum score of 50 overall. At least 42 must be achieved in all four skills |
We also accept the following qualifications: - ESOL Skills for Life Level B2 (Higher B2 on CEFR Scale) - IGCSE English Language (First Language) at C/4 or above - IGCSE English Language (Second Language) at B/3 or above - International Baccalaureate English Language at 5 or above in English A or B Applicants must have met the minimum requirement and be in receipt of results prior to enrolment.
Student Outcomes
Operated by the Office for Students
There is no data available for this course. For further information visit the Discover Uni website.
Fees and funding
Tuition fees
| Republic of Ireland | £9250* | Year 1 |
| EU | £15950* | Year 1 |
| England | £9250* | Year 1 |
| Northern Ireland | £9250* | Year 1 |
| Scotland | £9250* | Year 1 |
| Wales | £9250* | Year 1 |
| Channel Islands | £9250* | Year 1 |
| International | £15950* | Year 1 |
*This is a provisional fee and subject to change.
Tuition fee status depends on a number of criteria and varies according to where in the UK you will study. For further guidance on the criteria for home or overseas tuition fees, please refer to the UKCISA website .
Additional fee information
The tuition fee shown is for year 1 of study only.
Fees may be subject to increase on an annual basis, and do not cover additional costs such as:
Visa application costs
Living costs (rent/bills/travel)
Equipment required for your course
(computer and software/instrument/books)
Sponsorship information
Each year we offer various bursaries and scholarships. For further information, please view details on the BIMM University website
Provider information
BIMM University
38-42 Brunswick Street West
Hove
East Sussex
BN3 1EL
Course contact details
Visit our course page Enquiry Form