Online Study at NTU London

The course pages provide a full breakdown of modules, projects and learning outcomes for both the MA Commercial Songwriting & Production (Online) and MA Music Business (Online) courses, including the themes, practical projects and professional contexts explored throughout your studies.

Across both courses, the focus is on developing practical, industry-relevant knowledge that reflects how today’s music industry operates.

Whether you choose Music Business or Commercial Songwriting & Production, you’ll learn through project work, research, collaboration and live industry contexts that reflect how today’s music industry operates. Throughout the course, you’ll explore how creative careers, music businesses and professional practice intersect, helping you build both creative and commercial understanding alongside the confidence to apply it.

Alongside your studies, you’ll engage with industry-active tutors, live briefs, A&R panel events, professional networking opportunities and guest speaker talks during development weeks. These experiences provide insight into different areas of the music industry, helping you build knowledge, expand your network and better understand where your own skills and interests could take you.

This course is designed to help you develop the knowledge, skills and professional confidence needed to progress in the music industry.

Throughout your studies, you’ll work on practical projects and live briefs shaped by real-world expectations. You’ll have opportunities to engage with tutors, mentors, guest speakers and music businesses, helping you build valuable connections while developing work that reflects current practice. Industry engagement may include opportunities connected to Autonomy Music Group, Talentbanq Live Music Agency, Big Fish Music Partnerships and Raft Music. You’ll also benefit from opportunities such as online A&R panels, professional networking activity and guest speaker sessions, helping you build industry awareness, connections and insight alongside your studies.

Graduates may go on to work across areas such as artist management, music marketing, A&R, publishing, live music, label and project management, songwriting, production, sync and licensing, or portfolio careers across multiple areas of the music industry. For many students, the course also supports progression within an existing role or creative practice.

The course runs from September to July, following the academic year.

Alongside online study, you’ll have the option to attend two creative bootcamps at NTU London and an end-of-year showcase. These experiences are entirely optional and not required to complete the course. For students who choose to attend, they provide opportunities to meet peers face-to-face, collaborate creatively, receive feedback and expand professional networks.

As a distance learning student, the course is designed to be completed online, so ongoing access to campus studios and facilities is not required.

The course is designed to be flexible, structured and interactive, allowing you to study around work, freelance projects and other commitments.

Each week, you’ll engage with on-demand video content, guided activities and independent learning through the NTU Online Workspace, giving you the flexibility to study at a time that suits you. Alongside this, you’ll take part in facilitated online group sessions designed to support discussion, collaboration and feedback.

For each 60-credit module, you'll receive approximately 120 hours of guided learning through a combination of online group sessions and on-demand content. You'll then build on this through self-directed study, research and project work, applying your learning to your own creative and professional practice at a pace that works for you.

Alongside this, you’ll benefit from regular tutor support, workshops and live discussion to support key areas of your development.

The course is designed to be flexible, structured and interactive, allowing you to study around work, freelance projects and other commitments.

Each week, you'll engage with on-demand content, guided activities and independent learning through the NTU Online Workspace, giving you the flexibility to study at a time that suits you. Alongside this, you'll take part in facilitated online group sessions in the late afternoon and early evening, designed to support discussion, collaboration, feedback and practical development.

A typical week may include recorded content, reading, research, project work, peer discussion, workshops, guest speakers, creative critique and collaborative activity linked to professional music practice.

For each 60-credit module, you'll receive approximately 120 hours of guided learning through a combination of online group sessions and on-demand content. You'll then build on this through self-directed study, research and project work, applying your learning to your own creative and professional practice at a pace that works for you.

Alongside your studies, you'll benefit from regular tutor support, live discussion and industry-focused workshops to support key areas of your development.

You'll also engage with live briefs, A&R panel events, professional networking opportunities and guest speaker talks from industry professionals, helping you build insight into different areas of the music industry.

If you need additional support, you'll have the flexibility to book one-to-one sessions with your course leader throughout your studies, providing personalised academic and creative guidance when required.

You’ll receive regular support to help you develop your work and progress confidently.

For key projects, you’ll work with an industry mentor who can offer professional insight and feedback connected to your area of interest. You’ll also be able to book one-to-one sessions with your course leader whenever you need additional academic or creative support.

You won’t be left to work independently without guidance. Tutor contact, live sessions and peer interaction are built into the course to help you stay connected and keep progressing.

Additionally, as an NTU student, you’ll also have access to wider university services, including academic guidance, employability. wellbeing support and student services.

Yes. Collaboration is built into the course from the outset.

The creative industries rely on collaboration to succeed, whether that is between artists, producers, writers, managers, marketers, creatives or wider industry teams. For that reason, opportunities to work with others have been embedded throughout the course experience.

As an online student, you’ll regularly collaborate through live sessions, shared project activity, peer discussion, feedback and creative tasks, helping you exchange ideas and learn from others with different perspectives, experiences and professional backgrounds. Studying online also creates opportunities to collaborate without the usual geographic limitations of an in-person course, allowing you to connect with students based in different locations, time zones and areas of the music industry.

You’ll also connect with students across both online music courses and the wider NTU London community, with optional in-person experiences providing further opportunities to meet, collaborate and build professional relationships.

Assessment reflects real music industry practice and focuses on practical, project-based work rather than traditional exams.

Depending on your modules, this may include presentations, written work, research, creative outputs, songwriting or production projects, industry responses and reflective practice.

You’ll receive feedback throughout, helping you strengthen both your work and professional approach. By graduation, you’ll have developed a substantial portfolio of original, industry-informed work that can support applications, collaborations, freelance opportunities or career progression.

You’ll need access to a computer, a reliable internet connection and a suitable setup for online study.

Depending on your course, you may also need access to software or equipment linked to your practice, such as music production software (DAW), headphones or monitors. Guidance will be available to help you understand what is needed and get set up. You do not need extensive professional experience to apply. Students join from a range of academic, professional and creative backgrounds, including those already working in music and those looking to move into a new area of the industry.

What matters most is your interest in the subject, your potential and your willingness to develop your practice.

You’ll access your course through the NTU Online Workspace, a dedicated online platform where your learning materials, recorded content, resources, activities and course information are all brought together in one place.

The platform is designed to make studying flexible and easy to manage, allowing you to access learning materials, review session content, submit work and stay connected with tutors and fellow students from wherever you are studying.

You’ll use the platform to take part in online sessions, access guided activities and course resources, contribute to discussion and manage your weekly study. Everything is structured clearly to help you keep track of your progress and balance study around other commitments.

You’ll also receive guidance on getting started, and support is available if you need help navigating the platform or accessing materials.