Music business, master

Why study here

As a student in our master’s programme, you will be part of the acclaimed Finnish education system, gaining new perspectives on the evolving field of music business. In your daily life as a student, you will feel the care and attention we provide to all students in our community. You will study in exceptional facilities and have tools to connect digitally with partners across the globe. 

You will connect to the artistic and creative communities of the Sibelius Academy, known for its world-class quality, wide international recognition and variety of musical genres and fields of academic research. The academy is part of Uniarts Helsinki, which brings also the performing arts and visual arts into the picture.

Our programme is international and the degree language is English. You will have the chance to meet and learn from world-class experts and academics from all over the world. Our students develop networks with colleagues and professionals in Finland and internationally.

You will have a chance to work on students’ co-productions, festivals and events within Uniarts Helsinki and be part of highly relevant international projects. After graduation, you will have diverse work opportunities in the music industry, including as an entrepreneur in the creative sector.

Content and structure of the programme

The Music Business Master’s Programme is structured around three main tracks: music and social dynamics of the field; industry (managerial, economic and business); and academic (research-based). Each track provides a distinctive approach and perspective to the field of music business, enabling students to customise their academic journey to align with their career aspirations. The programme is aimed at artists, music professionals, entrepreneurs and researchers.

After successfully completing the master’s degree programme, graduates will have a comprehensive and interdisciplinary understanding of the music business. They will have acquired an advanced mastery of theoretical concepts and practical expertise across key domains within the field. This includes not only the analytical skills needed to navigate complex industry structures but also the ability to critically assess and engage with the evolving challenges and opportunities present in various sub-industries.

Students will emerge with a deep appreciation for and an ability to apply sustainable practices and integrate the latest advancements in digitalisation as fundamental, cross-cutting themes throughout their professional endeavours. This holistic perspective equips them to contribute innovatively and responsibly to the future of the global music industry.

Study modules

The new music business programme is structured around six modules, highlighting a comprehensive, interdisciplinary approach that connects music industry insights with practical business and technological applications.

Module 1 focuses on the foundational understanding of the music business ecosystem, emphasising roles, structure, innovation and the impact of state policy on creative cities.

Module 2 explores practical aspects, including copyright management, genre-specific strategies, live event sustainability and the evolving influence of digital platforms and AI.

Module 3 delves into global markets, strategic distribution, branding, and economic models while promoting sustainable leadership in music management.

Module 4 emphasises societal perspectives, discussing the cultural value of music, intercultural communication and the influence of popular culture.

Module 5, music business research and methodologies module, introduces students to academic research theories, models and practices and provides support in writing a master’s thesis in music business.

Module 6, elective and optional studies, covers a wide range of topics, related to Music Business.

All six modules (all courses) address the topics of sustainability, ecology and digitalisation as cross-cutting themes.

Students will need to have 90 credits from the compulsory subject modules and 15 credits from the elective subject (vaihtoehtoinen) module. Students complete the remaining 15 credits by choosing freely from the selection of optional (vapaavalintainen) studies.

Lecturers

The department head is responsible for the programme and the teaching staff are responsible for the supervision of master’s theses. Top-level experts in their respective fields regularly visit the programme as lecturers. These guest lecturers from Finland and abroad serve as vital links to working life and help students to broaden their professional networks during their studies.