UNIVERSITY OF CENTRAL LANCASHIRE
Programme Specification
This Programme Specification provides a concise summary of the main features of the programme
and the learning outcomes that a typical student might reasonably be expected to achieve and
demonstrate if he/she takes full advantage of the learning opportunities that are provided.
Sources of information on the programme can be found in Section 17
1. Awarding Institution / Body
UCLan
2. Teaching Institution and
Location of Delivery
SSR Manchester, SSR London
3. University School/Centre
School of Film, Media and Performance
4. External Accreditation
N/A
5. Title of Final Award
BSc (Hons) Music Business and Creative Industries
6. Modes of Attendance offered
Part time and Full time
7. UCAS Code
W390
8. Relevant Subject Benchmarking
Group(s)
The QAA Business and management benchmarking
statement is key reference point:
http://www.qaa.ac.uk/Publications/InformationAndGuidance/
Documents/GeneralBusinessManagement.pdf
Marketing, Events
9. Other external influences
10. Date of production/revision of
this form
11. Aims of the Programme




July 2015
To develop a critical insight into the Music and Creative Industries Business, as well as intellectual
capabilities of research, problem-solving, evaluation, independent thinking and synthesis.
To prepare students for employment, as well as further study, through the development of
transferable knowledge and skills, while providing a range of practical competencies relevant to
Music and the Creative Industries.
To provide a broad critical, analytical and contextual understanding that will equip the graduate
with practical skills and knowledge that can be directly transferred into the workplace, and to
provide opportunities for work placement as an integral part of the programme to gain first-hand
relevant industry experience.
To provide industry specific training, incorporating industry-recognised guest lectures
To develop both creative and music business strategies with an underpinning practical and
theoretical knowledge of music production techniques through creative assignments and projects
12. Learning Outcomes, Teaching, Learning and Assessment Methods
A. Knowledge and Understanding
A1.
A2.
A3.
A4.
A5.
A6.
A7.
A8.
A9.
A10.
A11.
A12.
A13.
A14.
Explain how music, digital and creative businesses work and interact together to form a
successful industry
Discuss relevant concepts and ideas obtained from a variety of academic, industry and webbased sources
Identify and discuss efficiency of roles within a team
Demonstrate a fundamental knowledge and understanding of marketing concepts
Identify and discuss models, concepts, and tools of marketing
Summarise the history, development and creation of music from a musicological perspective
Discuss how historical, social and technological factors have influenced the development
and creation of music
Discuss the importance of IPR and Music law in the music, creative and digital industries
Identify and justify brand and synchronisation opportunities for a business
Identify and assess procedures for an efficient and safe approach to operating in the live
events environment
Discuss and appraise current business practices
Investigate and evaluate working practices in a real working environment
Identify an appropriate topic area that builds upon previous experience and knowledge
gained on the course, and define and justify the nature, scope, structure and relevance of the
topic
Integrate knowledge gained in a range of areas (e.g. social, legal, commercial, creative
aspects)
Teaching and Learning Methods
A blended learning approach is used – this comprises face-to-face practical/theory workshops and
online learning, with the majority of sessions being practical face-to-face sessions. You will attend
workshop sessions, and small group and individual tutorial sessions. In addition, students will use
an online learning support. Teaching and learning strategies are varied, and include practical
workshops, discussions, research, and practical project work. There is a strong element of workbased learning and students will be expected to make a contribution to the place of work, which
might include a project to improve productivity. Students will have the opportunity to network at
music industry conferences and also to build business relationships with industry ‘guru’ people who
come into the classroom on a regular basis throughout the three years.
Assessment methods
Assessment items are designated as: practical, presentation, and coursework. The work presented
for assessment is varied and could include:
• reflective activities where experiences are analysed and evaluated
• oral and written reports;
• journals and log books;
• plans (e.g., action plans, plans for your group activities);
• presentations;
• employer verification statements which verify that you have negotiated, agreed and conducted
work-based activities
• portfolios of evidence.
• Live events
B. Subject-specific skills
B1.
B2.
B3.
B4.
B5.
Identify and assess the structures of the media, creative and digital industries
Effectively pitch ideas to potential stakeholders or partners
Apply basic marketing concepts to a range of problems and situations
Work collaboratively and independently in the execution of a project
Employ effective techniques in project planning related to brand awareness
B6.
B7.
B8.
B9.
B10.
B11.
B12.
B13.
B14.
B15.
B16.
Apply knowledge of the financial, legal, marketing, and contractual issues, and stakeholder
expectations, in planning a live event
Plan, organise and manage a live event
Analyse management or business issues and offer recommendations for improvement
Implement effective management skills and techniques
Design and evaluate solutions to resolve technical, creative and personal issues
Manage and administrate a project to an appropriate level for the area of study
Make and justify decisions for successful business planning
Prepare effective financial projections
Demonstrate appropriate competencies and skills required for the successful completion of
work-related tasks and project activities
Produce a portfolio of work which demonstrates an understanding of the specialist field of
study
Investigate work placement opportunities and propose strategies for securing a placement
within a chosen field
Teaching and Learning Methods
A blended learning approach is used – this comprises face-to-face practical/theory workshops and
online learning, with the majority of sessions being practical face-to-face sessions. You will attend
workshop sessions, and small group and individual tutorial sessions. In addition, students will use
an online learning support. Teaching and learning strategies are varied, and include practical
workshops, discussions, research, and practical project work. There is a strong element of workbased learning and students will be expected to make a contribution to the place of work, which
might include a project to improve productivity. Students will have the opportunity to network at
music industry conferences and also to build business relationships with industry ‘guru’ people who
come into the classroom on a regular basis throughout the three years.
Assessment methods
Assessment items are designated as: practical, presentation, and coursework. The work presented
for assessment is varied and could include:
• reflective activities where experiences are analysed and evaluated
• oral and written reports;
• journals and log books;
• plans (e.g., action plans, plans for your group activities);
• presentations;
• employer verification statements which verify that you have negotiated, agreed and conducted
work-based activities
• portfolios of evidence.
• Live events
C. Thinking Skills
C1.
C2.
C3.
C4.
C5.
C6.
C7.
C8.
C9.
C10.
C11.
C12.
C13.
C14.
Interpret a client brief, and deliver to deadlines
Plan an event within a group, and reflect upon individual contribution
Assess marketing strategies and their integration with other functional disciplines
Analyse different aspects of musicology within the context of era
Appraise IPR principles and practices relevant to the music, creative and digital industries
Examine and assess the current and future impact of IPR on practices within music, creative
and digital industries
Evaluate personal performance and the outcome of the project
Propose a project and argue for its feasibility
Justify decisions and evaluate the outcome of the project
Analyse and evaluate personal development needs
Analyse and evaluate your role and personal development throughout the project
Critically evaluate company structures and business start-ups
Analyse and evaluate personal performance and the final project output
Evaluate personal performance during a period of work placement
Teaching and Learning Methods
A blended learning approach is used – this comprises face-to-face practical/theory workshops and
online learning, with the majority of sessions being practical face-to-face sessions. You will attend
workshop sessions, and small group and individual tutorial sessions. In addition, students will use
an online learning support. Teaching and learning strategies are varied, and include practical
workshops, discussions, research, and practical project work. There is a strong element of workbased learning and students will be expected to make a contribution to the place of work, which
might include a project to improve productivity. Students will have the opportunity to network at
music industry conferences and also to build business relationships with industry ‘guru’ people who
come into the classroom on a regular basis throughout the three years.
Assessment methods
Assessment items are designated as: practical, presentation, and coursework. The work presented
for assessment is varied and could include:
• reflective activities where experiences are analysed and evaluated
• oral and written reports;
• journals and log books;
• plans (e.g., action plans, plans for your group activities);
• presentations;
• employer verification statements which verify that you have negotiated, agreed and conducted
work-based activities
• portfolios of evidence.
• Live events
D. Other skills relevant to employability and personal development
D1. Present information effectively using ICT
D2. Apply appropriate research techniques and employ academic conventions
D3. Assess personal skills and develop short/medium and long term aims for self-management
D4. Communicate ideas effectively in a range of methods
D5. Communicate effectively with artists and other professionals
D6. Work collaboratively with others while planning a project
D7. Undertake a period of work placement
D8. Work collaboratively with an employer to define and manage a project
D9. Critically evaluate personal experience and performance, and identify points of personal
development
D10. Articulate arguments to an appropriate standard for the level of study
D11. Provide Evidence of troubleshooting Skills
Teaching and Learning Methods
A blended learning approach is used – this comprises face-to-face practical/theory workshops and
online learning, with the majority of sessions being practical face-to-face sessions. You will attend
workshop sessions, and small group and individual tutorial sessions. In addition, students will use
an online learning support. Teaching and learning strategies are varied, and include practical
workshops, discussions, research, and practical project work. There is a strong element of workbased learning and students will be expected to make a contribution to the place of work, which
might include a project to improve productivity. Students will have the opportunity to network at
music industry conferences and also to build business relationships with industry ‘guru’ people who
come into the classroom on a regular basis throughout the three years.
Assessment methods
Assessment items are designated as: practical, presentation, and coursework. The work presented
for assessment is varied and could include:
• reflective activities where experiences are analysed and evaluated
• oral and written reports;
• journals and log books;
• plans (e.g., action plans, plans for your group activities);
• presentations;
• employer verification statements which verify that you have negotiated, agreed and conducted
work-based activities
• portfolios of evidence.
• Live events
13. Programme Structures*
Level
Level
6
Module
Code
RP3201
RP3202
RP3203
RP3204
Level
5
RP2201
RP2202
RP2203
RP2204
RP2205
RP2206
RP1201
RP1202
RP1203
RP1204
Module Title
People and Project Management
Self-Employment in Music and
Creative Industries
Advanced Work Based Learning
Major Project
IPR and Legal Issues
Synchronisation and Branding
Live Events
Entrepreneurial Skills
Preparation for Industry Work
Work Based Learning
Level
Music, Digital & Creative Industries
4
Study Skills & Professional Dev.
Group Project and Pitching
Marketing for the Music & Creative
Industries
RP1205
Introduction to Musicology
15. Personal Development Planning
14. Awards and Credits*
Credit
rating
Bachelor Honours Degree
40
20
Requires 360 credits including a
minimum of 120 at Level 5 or
20
above and 120 at Level 6
Bachelor Degree
40
Requires 320 credits including a
minimum of 120 at Level 5 or
above and 80 at Level 6
20
20
20
20
20
20
40
20
20
20
Diploma of Higher Education
Requires 240 credits including a
minimum of 120 at Level 5 or
above
Certificate of Higher Education
Requires 120 credits at Level 4 or
above
20
Personal Development Planning (PDP) is a key aspect of all courses at SSR. PDP is integrated within
all modules and across the totality of study. PDP, through the creation of a personal document
referred to as a Progress File, helps to define and focus educational and professional aims and goals;
it will assist the student in considering how to engage with the learning opportunities the course offers
to achieve personal career and professional objectives.
This course consists of modules with fixed syllabi that together enable students to gain the knowledge
and develop the skills essential to be a successful practitioner. However the course is designed to
allow students to choose or negotiate many aspects of their learning in ways which are appropriate to
their abilities, learning preferences and vocational intentions. This is referred to as a student-centred
learning approach. When coupled with the self-monitoring and evaluation of PDP, study shifts from a
tutor-led/teaching activity to a personally-defined learning experience. This is close to the way many
professional artists operate and the terms ‘reflective practitioners’ or ‘thinking artist’ describe the kind
of graduate we expect students to become
16. Admissions criteria
Programme Specifications include minimum entry requirements, including academic qualifications,
together with appropriate experience and skills required for entry to study. These criteria may be
expressed as a range rather than a specific grade. Amendments to entry requirements may have
been made after these documents were published and you should consult the University’s website for
the most up to date information.
Students will be informed of their personal minimum entry criteria in their offer letter.
UK Applicants:
Except in exceptional circumstances, UK applicants must attend an interview. Once your application
has been processed you will be sent a letter stating the date you that you are required to attend, and
what will be required of you.
If it is not possible for you to attend on the date proposed, please contact us to rearrange a date or
agree alternative arrangements.
All successful candidates must have achieved the following:
 A minimum of 240 UCAS tariff points at A2 or equivalent
 Grade C in GCSE Maths and English or an equivalent; UK equivalents include key skills level 3
or functional skills level 2
European Applicants:
European applicants may not be able to attend an interview in the UK. Once your application has
been processed, you should submit an e-portfolio, CD or DVD of your recent work; this will be
followed by a telephone interview.
17. Key sources of information about the programme



This programme has been developed and written with a steering group whose members work in
the music and creative industries. Industry professionals teach the programme and visiting ‘guru’
practitioners bring up-to-date industry developments and work placement opportunities. Students
are able to attend yearly conferences where they are able to network and take part in practical
workshops.
This programme works closely with the various music organisations including Music Managers
Forum, Musicians Union, etc.
SSR already offers other academic and industry courses in the field of Sound Engineering and
Live events, and so there is ample opportunity for collaborative projects and networking with other
students.
18. Curriculum Skills Map
Please tick in the relevant boxes where individual Programme Learning Outcomes are being assessed
Core (C),
Programme Learning Outcomes
Compuls
ory
(COMP)
Module
or Option
Level Code
Module Title
(O)
Knowledge and understanding
Subject-specific Skills
LEVEL 6
A1 A2 A3 A4 A5 A6 A7 A8 A9 A10 A11 A12 A13 A14 B1 B2 B3 B4 B5 B6 B7 B8 B9 B10 B11 B12
RP3201
RP3202
RP3203
RP3204
RP2201
LEVEL 5
RP2202
RP2203
RP2204
RP2205
RP2206
LEVEL 4
RP1201
RP1202
RP1203
RP1204
RP1205
Note:
COMP
COMP
COMP
Advanced Work Based Learning
COMP
Major Project
COMP
IPR and Legal Issues
COMP
Synchronisation and Branding
COMP
Live Events
COMP
Entrepreneurial Skills
COMP
Preparation for Industry Work
COMP
Work Based Learning
Music, Digital & Creative Industries COMP
COMP
Study Skills & Professional Dev.
COMP
Group Project and Pitching
Marketing for Music & Creative Inds. COMP
COMP
Introduction to Musicology
x
People and Project Management
x
x
x
Self-Employment in Mus & Ctve Inds
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
Mapping to other external frameworks, e.g. professional/statutory bodies, will be included within Student Course Handbooks
18. Curriculum Skills Map (Continued)
Please tick in the relevant boxes where individual Programme Learning Outcomes are being assessed
Core (C),
Programme Learning Outcomes
Compuls
ory
(COMP)
SubjectModule
or Option
specific
Level Code
Module Title
(O)
Skills
Thinking Skills
Other skills relevant to
employability and personal
development
LEVEL 6
B13 B14 B15 B16 C1 C2 C3 C4 C5 C6 C7 C8 C9 C10 C11 C12 C13 C14 D1 D2 D3 D4 D5 D6 D7 D8 D9 D10
RP3201
RP3202
RP3203
RP3204
RP2201
LEVEL 5
RP2202
RP2203
RP2204
RP2205
RP2206
LEVEL 4
RP1201
RP1202
RP1203
RP1204
RP1205
COMP
People and Project Management
Self-Employment in Mus & Ctve Inds COMP
COMP
Advanced Work Based Learning
COMP
Major Project
COMP
IPR and Legal Issues
COMP
Synchronisation and Branding
COMP
Live Events
COMP
Entrepreneurial Skills
COMP
Preparation for Industry Work
COMP
Work Based Learning
Music, Digital & Creative Industries COMP
COMP
Study Skills & Professional Dev.
COMP
Group Project and Pitching
Marketing for Music & Creative Inds. COMP
COMP
Introduction to Musicology
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x