Overview
UK music acts have been making a global impact for decades. The quality and range of musical talent, as well as the skills of those who find, nurture and promote them, is recognised the world over.
As a nation we are have a diverse and entrepreneurial workforce with an estimated 142,000 jobs spanning recording, distribution, marketing, post-production and other associated areas (creativeindustries.co.uk). And with this figure increasing year-on-year, the music industry has a lot to offer graduates.
As a music student at UCA, you’ll be stretched creatively and will learn how devise innovative solutions in a variety of different artistic scenarios. You’ll explore the theoretical context behind your practice and be encouraged to put your ideas into diverse and exciting projects.
Collaboration is at the heart of UCA’s music culture. Some of the best moments in music history have been down to collaborative opportunities with like-minded artists. Here at UCA, you’ll have the opportunity to create projects in conjunction with our film, television, performance and marketing students.
We have a wealth of expert technical support from staff who have first-hand industry knowledge in broadcasting, composing, performance, artist development and music marketing. Our academics have worked with artists including Emma Smith (Gorillaz) and the Edinburgh Quartet, and at music giants such as BBC Radio, Sony and Universal Music Group.
Tuition is carried out through small group working tutorials, workshops and seminars, so you’ll receive an engaging learning experience during your time here.
Music courses
Music courses are available at the following locations:
UCA Epsom
UCA Farnham
Maidstone TV Studios
Distance learning
Careers in Music
Our Music courses will prepare you for exciting careers in the music promotion and journalism industries
Instilled with an deep sense of professionalism, our graduates leave UCA fully prepared for life in the music industry. Our alumni have successfully landed roles at organisations such as Radio 1, London Live, NME, Vice, Clash, Absolute Radio, as well as independent record labels.
Graduates from our Music Promotion and Music Journalism courses enter the music world armed with all the skills they need for successful careers in a wide range of roles, including:
- Music publishing
- Journalism
- Music promotion
- Artist management
- Marketing
- Product management
- International marketing
- Advertising
- Public relations
- Concert promotion
- Branding and merchandising
- Copywriting
- Public relations
- A&R
- Producing
- TV presenting
With our close industry connections, you’ll be able to access competitive work placements and make music business contacts that will support your progression in the industry and help you get your foot in the door. Our previous students have been invited to work on projects for well-known music brands including Kerrang!, XL Recordings, MOJO and Q. UCA graduates have also been offered roles at recognised media organisations including the BBC, London Live, Vice and Absolute Radio.
Situated less than 15 miles from central London, Epsom is ideally placed to give you access to the UK’s largest record labels, venues and media organisations, whilst still allowing you to explore a smaller, more localised music scene on and near the campus. And with a course team of professional journalists, we have long-established links with some of the most high profile music publications and record labels, including:
- Kerrang!
- MOJO
- NME
- Clash
- The Quietus
- Rock Sound
- The Guardian
- Sony
- Universal
- XL
- Mute
- Domino
- Q
Case studies
Find out what some of our students and graduates think about their time at UCA
"My favourite aspect of studying at UCA has definitely been the small-scale class sizes. For me, this means the student and tutor interaction and help offered has been the best it can be."
Bill Baker
BA (Hons) Music Marketing & Communications, UCA Epsom
"What drew me to UCA was the proximity to London and the Open Day convinced me. I found the course staff extremely helpful and thought it would be the best place to springboard a career."
Cal Cashin
BA (Hons) Music Marketing & Communications, UCA Epsom
Virtual Tours
Take a look around our campuses and view 360 images of some of our creative studio spaces and workshops.