Middlesex University London has teamed up with music industry body the Association of Independent Music (AIM) to launch a distance learning course for music professionals.
The MA Music Business programme is designed for emerging artists and executives who want a formal qualification to ground their skills and experience, with students able to study alongside their working commitments.
The course, which begins in September, forms part of the university's strategy to open opportunities to groups under-represented in professional fields, and nurturing radical creativity and workplace skills.
It has been developed in close collaboration with AIM, the not-for-profit organisation representing and supporting the UK’s independent music community.
AIM’s Chief Executive Paul Pacifico said: "I have a deep commitment to social justice, diversity and inclusion and making sure that there is a level playing field.
"AIM is there to make space for new entrants to the market and for people who have come from unexpected places and do something brilliant."
Richard Osborne, Associate Professor in Music and the Creative Industries at Middlesex University, who will be programme leader for the course, said: “It is tremendously exciting to be working on this programme, which will help music industry professionals to gain the academic recognition and career progression that their work richly deserves."