MU3D13 - Major Project 01 Sep 2020 - 01 Aug 2026 | Version 1

Associated Module Information

Module Code: MU3D13
Module Title: Major Project
Faculty: Faculty of Business and Creative Industries
Faculty Group: Music and Drama
Faculty Sub Group: Music
Module Leader: Simon Kingman
Module Team: Lucy Squire, Anthony Thomas, Liam Newton, Rob Locke
First Intended Intake: SEP 2020 Final Year of Intake: 2025
Date Closed:
Credit Value: 40 Credit Level: 6
Language: English
Percentage of Module Taught in Welsh: 0
Equivalent Module:
HECOS codes: 100643 - music and arts management
HECOS Code Weighting: 100

Document Version Information

Version 1
Valid From 01 Sep 2020
Valid To 01 Aug 2026

Module Aims

The aim of the module is to identify, plan, develop and launch a real business initiative. This can be done in groups or individually. The module will provide students with general information, support and experience to support their future careers either in the employment of as self-employed entrepreneurs.

Content Summary

The project is a significant piece of group or individual work and will typically consist of the identification and launch of a new business initiative.

Students will be expected to work as either part of a small multi-disciplined team or as an individual to simulate a real-world environment.

Students will show an understanding of the key steps in the research process. Awareness of how research is designed and conducted. How to critically appraise the evidence using appraisal tools and methodologies. Students will gain exposure to different ways of conducting research and research paradigms, with a focus on two main paradigms Quantitive and Qualitative. Exposure to common methods used in research and how they are related to professional practice. For example, evidence of industry intervention effectiveness and evaluating impacts of professional practice on service users. Students will show consideration to ethical and cultural implications in research design.

The project will include critical decision- making, financial planning and market research. Students will determine the management structure of the business and regular review meetings will be held at which the allocation and progress of work will be monitored; these will appropriately

All work is expected to be completed to a high professional standard and full documentation produced.

This module contains a six-week immersive learning element.

Learning and Teaching Methods

Activity Type Hours
Lecture 24
Tutorial 24
Independent Study 256
Directed Study 72
Groupwork 24
Total Hours Selected 400

Learning Outcomes

# Learning Outcome
LO1 Demonstrate a coherent and detailed knowledge of project management and be able to produce formal project plans for complex projects, defining suitable progress-monitoring mechanisms with identified milestone activities and to critically analyse and interpret project outcomes.
LO2 Reflect critically on the nature of their professional practice and identify the gaps between their work-related capabilities and entertainment industry expectations.
LO3 To describe, analyse and evaluate the environmental, social, cultural, economic, legal and organisational aspects within business organisations.

Module Requisites

N/A

Assessment Criteria

Assessment Category Assessment Type Description Duration Word Count Weight (%) Best of? Pass Mark
Asynchronous Assessment Report 1 Business Plan and Personal critical assessment of project, including submission of supporting artefacts. 0 5000 75 No 40
Asynchronous Assessment Presentation (Asynchronous) 1 Group or Individual presentation with setting out the business plan, enhanced by use of digital technology. 20 N/A 25 No 40

Assessment Matrix

Assessment Type Learning Outcomes
LO1 LO2 LO3
Report 1
Presentation (Asynchronous) 1

Reading List

Herstand, A. (2019) HOW TO MAKE IT IN THE NEW MUSIC BUSINESS: practical tips on building a loyal following... and making a living as a musician. S.L.: Liveright Publishing Corp
Baskerville, D. and Baskerville, T. (2020). Music business handbook and career guide. Thousand Oaks, California: Sage Publications, Inc.
Harrison, A. (2017) Music the business: the essential guide to the law and deals. (7th ed). London: Virgin Publishing
Passman, D. (2019) All You Need To Know About The Music Business. (10th Ed). New York: Viking
Williams, S. (2019). The Financial Times guide to business start up 2019/20. Harlow: Ft Publishing.
Bland, D.J. and Osterwalder, A. (2020). Testing business ideas. Hoboken, New Jersey: John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Miller-Cole, B. and Cole, B. (2017). Self made: the definitive guide to business startup success. London: John Murray Learning.
Priestley, D. (2018). Entrepreneur revolution: how to develop your entrepreneurial mindset and start a business that works. Chichester, West Sussex, United Kingdom: Capstone, A Wiley Brand.
Ries, E. (2011). The lean startup: how constant innovation to creates radically successful businesses. London: Portfolio Penguin, Cop.
Goodman, E. and Hawkins, A. (2015). New business: next steps: the all-in-one guide to managing, marketing and growing your small business. Harlow, England; New York: Pearson.
Sweeney, B. and Clydebank Business (2017). Lean Six Sigma quickstart guide: the simplified beginner’s guide to Lean Six Sigma. Albany, Ny: Clydebank Media, Llc.