MUS21010 Music Industries

Academic Year 2024/2025

This module provides students with a critical and contextual understanding of the music industry, exploring its historical development, cultural significance, and the impact of technological advancements. By examining the roles of key agents, the processes involved in music creation and dissemination, and the implications of digital platforms, students will develop a nuanced perspective on the industry's complexities and dynamics. This module also features discussions with working musicians and industry professionals.

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Curricular information is subject to change

Learning Outcomes:

By the end of this module, students will be able to:

1. Analyse the historical development of the music industry and its cultural impact.
2. Critically assess the roles of key figures in the music industry.
3. Understand the processes of music production and distribution from a contextual perspective.
4. Evaluate the influence of digital technologies, particularly streaming platforms, on the music industry.
5. Discuss the legal, ethical, and sociopolitical considerations relevant to the music industry.

Indicative Module Content:

Cultural Milestones in the Music Industry
The Role of Artists and Musicians
Record Labels and Music Publishers
Production and Studio Practices
Traditional and Digital Distribution
The Impact of Streaming Platforms
Legal and Ethical Issues in the Music Industry
The Role of Live Music and Touring
Globalization and Local Music Cultures
The DIY Music Movement

Student Effort Hours: 
Student Effort Type Hours
Lectures

24
Specified Learning Activities

60
Autonomous Student Learning

40
Total

124
Approaches to Teaching and Learning:
The teaching and learning approaches are designed to complement and support the assessments throughout the module. Lectures and guest speakers provide foundational knowledge and real-world insights. Case studies, readings, and discussions develop critical thinking, research skills, and practical abilities. Reflective activities and independent study ensure continuous engagement and deep understanding, preparing students for both formative and summative assessments. This integrated approach ensures that students not only acquire knowledge but also develop the necessary skills to apply their learning effectively in various assessment formats.





 
Requirements, Exclusions and Recommendations

Not applicable to this module.


Module Requisites and Incompatibles
Not applicable to this module.
 
Assessment Strategy  
Description Timing Component Scale Must Pass Component % of Final Grade In Module Component Repeat Offered
Reflective Assignment: Weekly Reflective Question or Task Week 1, Week 2, Week 3, Week 4, Week 5, Week 6, Week 7, Week 8, Week 9, Week 10, Week 11 Standard conversion grade scale 40% No

20

 No
Assignment(Including Essay): Final Project Proposal Week 5 Standard conversion grade scale 40% No

20

 No
Student Negotiated or Choice of Assessment: Final Project -
Students choose between a research paper, a group project, or a creative project.		 Week 15 Standard conversion grade scale 40% No

60

 No

Carry forward of passed components
Yes
 
Resit In Terminal Exam
Autumn No
Please see Student Jargon Buster for more information about remediation types and timing. 
Feedback Strategy/Strategies

• Feedback individually to students, on an activity or draft prior to summative assessment
• Feedback individually to students, post-assessment
• Group/class feedback, post-assessment
• Peer review activities

How will my Feedback be Delivered?

The assessment feedback strategy for this module emphasises continuous improvement and reflective learning to enhance student understanding and performance. Regular feedback is provided on formative assessments, including weekly reflections/tasks and the mid-semester project proposal, to guide students in synthesising and applying their learning effectively. This iterative feedback loop ensures that students receive timely guidance on their progress, enabling them to refine their understanding and approach as they prepare for the summative assessment.