- MSc in International Music Business at Rennes School of Business equips students with business knowledge, industry insight and an international perspective for global music careers.
- Europe led 2024 growth with 8.3% revenue increase; global music revenues exceed $29 billion and Europe accounts for 29.4%.
- Partnership with EMIC combines creative industries expertise and business management, covering artist management, marketing, distribution, IP and strategy.
- Hands-on learning through real projects, industry partners and mandatory internships: two months in year one, four months in year two.
- Direct access to executives from Sony Music Entertainment, Spotify, TikTok/SoundOn, Deezer and Believe, boosting international career prospects.
A career in music goes far beyond performing on stage. Behind every successful artist, album, festival, or streaming campaign are professionals with adaptable skills working in management, marketing, publishing, distribution, rights management, and business strategy. A new programme at Rennes School of Business, the MSc in International Music Business, equips students with the business knowledge, industry insight, and international perspective needed to succeed in today’s global music sector.
Europe’s music industry increased revenues by 8.3% in 2024, more than any other region that year. Globally, the music industry revenues have exceeded $29 billion, and the European market accounts for 29.4% of this – so there are plenty of opportunities for students with the right skills and network reach. As the music industry evolves through digital innovation and globalisation, employers seek graduates who understand both the creative and commercial sides of the sector.
Through a combination of world-class business education, specialist music industry expertise through EMIC, direct access to leading industry professionals, and international internship opportunities, the MSc helps students develop practical business skills for an international career in music.
Why specialised music business education matters
It’s a common belief that you can’t break into the music industry unless you know the right people, but that is a myth. A well-rounded, specialised academic education combined with professional experience gives you an edge that can help you overcome any networking barrier.
The music industry is in constant flux: in recent years, the rapid growth of streaming platforms (over 750 million people globally use music streaming services), social media, and data-driven decision-making has transformed how artists build audiences and generate revenue. As a result, the commercial side of music has become inseparable from the creative side.
Specialised postgraduate programmes, like Rennes SB’s MSc in International Music Business, which is unique in Europe, actively help you develop this knowledge in a structured way. This programme offers opportunities to explore the industry’s key stakeholders, gain insight into emerging trends, and learn how different areas of the sector connect.
A programme built by music business specialists
One of the most distinctive aspects of the MSc in International Music Business is its partnership with EMIC (École de Management des Industries Créatives), a specialist institution focused on the creative industries.
In the programme, you will explore topics such as artist management, music marketing, digital distribution, intellectual property, and business strategy. Instead of focusing on just one part of the industry, the curriculum helps you understand the entire music value chain and how different areas work together in a rapidly changing global market.
Alongside immersion in the creative industries through EMIC, Rennes School of Business brings business management expertise and is ranked among the top 100 business schools in the world.
Learning through real professional experience
The music business is highly practical, and employers value hands-on experience as much as academic knowledge. That is why professional development plays a central role throughout Rennes’ MSc.
You will work on real-world projects, engage with industry partners, and participate in learning experiences that reflect current challenges within the sector. The programme also requires you to complete a minimum two-month internship in the first year and a four-month internship in the second, either in France or abroad.
With this approach, you move beyond theory and grow the confidence to apply your knowledge in professional environments. By graduation, you will have encountered situations similar to those you may face in record labels, streaming platforms, publishing companies, talent agencies, and cultural organisations.
Insights from industry experts
In addition to the professional immersion, your experience at Rennes will include learning from executives and experts at influential organisations, such as Sony Music Entertainment, Sony Music Publishing, Sacem, Deezer, Believe, TikTok/SoundOn, and Spotify.
These industry leaders share current knowledge and practical perspectives in the classroom, helping you connect academic concepts with real business decisions. If you hope to build a career in music, these connections will give you valuable insights into how the industry operates behind the scenes.
Start an international career in music
By the end of the programme, students on the MSc in International Music Business are ready to pursue careers within record labels, music publishers, streaming platforms, artist management agencies, live entertainment companies, music-tech startups, cultural institutions, and international media organisations.
Possible graduate careers include:
- Label manager
- Creative assets manager
- Music marketing or social media manager
- Music entrepreneur
- Creative manager
Today’s artists reach audiences across continents through streaming platforms, international tours, social media, and digital marketing campaigns, which makes understanding international markets fundamental. Europe has the second-largest music market region in the world, second only to the US, so starting your career here can be a lucrative move.
Rennes SB’s English-taught MSc also brings together students from diverse backgrounds and nationalities – one-third of those enrolled are international students. In this global cohort, you will develop the intercultural awareness and international outlook you need to thrive in a global industry.
Is this programme right for you?
The MSc in International Music Business is an excellent fit if you are passionate about music but see yourself working behind the scenes rather than performing, especially if you are interested in the intersection of creativity, technology, and business.
Through international business education, practical industry engagement, and direct access to professionals from leading music organisations, you will explore one of the world’s most dynamic creative industries and develop skills that will serve you across a variety of career paths.
Ready to turn your passion for music into an international career? Applications are open now for the MSc in International Music Business at Rennes School of Business.
What do students say about Rennes School of Business?
To give you an idea of what it’s like to study at Rennes School of Business, here are some recent student reviews that speak to the school’s focus on employability and industry connections. Remember, you can read more student reviews on Rennes SB’s EDUopinions profile.
Student Review – Master’s in Digital Marketing Management
Digital Marketing ...
Priya
FR
A Global and Practical Learning Experience
My experience at Rennes School of Business offered a highly international learning environment, strong industry connections, and a practical, hands-on approach to business education.
leveraging in Digital Marketing, Social Media Management, and Content Creation, my School has provided exposure to real-world marketing challenges, case studies, and networking opportunities. Plus, the CSR winter session in Valencia has added an extra dimension to my learnings, blending sustainability with business strategies.
Programme: Digital Marketing Management
Degree: Master's
Graduation: 2025
Campus: Rennes
My experience at Rennes School of Business offered a highly international learning environment, strong industry connections, and a practical, hands-on approach to business education.
leveraging in Digital Marketing, Social Media Management, and Content Creation, my School has provided exposure to real-world marketing challenges, case studies, and networking opportunities. Plus, the CSR winter session in Valencia has added an extra dimension to my learnings, blending sustainability with business strategies.
Student Review – Bachelor’s in Data Analysis, Intelligence and Security
The professors at Rennes School of Business are a unique mix of international experts, with 90% of the faculty coming from outside France. This diversity fosters a truly global perspective in teaching and research. Professors are organized into five key academic areas—Finance & Accounting, Marketing, Management & Organisation, Strategy & Innovation, and Supply Chain Management & Information Systems—which ensures a focused and interdisciplinary approach.
Many professors are deeply involved in both academia and industry, contributing to cutting-edge research and practical applications. For example, Dr. Yi Liu, heading the Supply Chain Management & Information Systems department, brings extensive expertise in supply chain optimization. Similarly, Dr. Saqib Aziz combines his academic role in Finance with responsibilities like directing DBA programs, highlighting the faculty’s active role in professional development.
Overall, the faculty’s emphasis on collaboration, innovation, and cross-cultural understanding makes Rennes School of Business a leader in international business education.
Student Review – Master’s in International Finance
Ever since I got into Rennes SB I’ve felt like I have a handful of tools to develop my professional careers besides just my classes. The school really cares about your development and placement in the workforce and has special teams that help you to do so.
Additionally, the professors I’ve had are just great. They are experts in their fields that really challenge
you and push you to learn.
Another thing I love is the multiculturalism there is in my classmates, as most of them come from different countries and backgrounds so it’s really interesting to know them.
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