Events Management

Event Management at the University of the West of England offers a comprehensive and dynamic program designed to equip students with the essential skills, knowledge, and industry insights needed to succeed in the fast-paced world of events. This course combines theoretical foundations with practical application, ensuring graduates are well-prepared for diverse roles within the events industry. Throughout the program, students will explore key areas such as event planning, marketing and promotion, logistics, budgeting, risk management, and sustainability. They will also develop essential soft skills including communication, leadership, teamwork, and problem-solving, which are critical for managing successful events. The curriculum features a blend of lectures, workshops, and real-world projects, often involving collaborations with industry partners to provide hands-on experience. Students will have opportunities to organize and deliver various events, from small corporate gatherings to large-scale public festivals, fostering confidence and professional competence. The course emphasizes the importance of digital tools and innovative technologies in contemporary event management, preparing students for the evolving landscape of the industry. Additionally, the program offers modules on cultural awareness and international event management, enabling students to operate effectively in a global context. With access to UWE's state-of-the-art facilities and strong industry connections, students can benefit from networking opportunities, guest lectures from industry experts, and placement options that enhance employability. Upon graduation, students will be equipped to pursue careers as event planners, project managers, marketing coordinators, venue managers, and other roles within various sectors including entertainment, tourism, nonprofit, corporate, and public sector events. The program also provides a solid foundation for those interested in starting their own event management businesses. Overall, UWE’s Event Management program is designed to foster creativity, strategic thinking, and professional skills, ensuring graduates are prepared to meet the challenges and seize the opportunities of the dynamic events industry worldwide.

You will study the theories and practice of event management, which will be underpinned by marketing, project management, leadership and tourism modules. As part of the course, you will also study the various sectors of the event industry, develop knowledge of the significance of different types of events and festivals, and have the opportunity to investigate particular events that interest you.

The Postgraduate Certificate is made up of the following four core modules.

Core modules

• Critical Issues in Tourism and Events Management introduces you to event studies, an interdisciplinary field that studies all planned events, and meanings attached to events and the event experience.
• Meeting Customer Needs introduces you to marketing and operations management knowledge, in the context of understanding customer needs and fulfilling those needs in ways that offer greatest value to customers and organisations.
• Events and Festivals: Planning and Management equips you with knowledge and understanding of planning and managing events and festivals, including pitching , accessing funding, project management for events, and regulatory frameworks and policy contexts.
• Staging and Evaluation of Events explores the various challenges and responsibilities of managing a range of resources to stage events and festivals, including designing the event, and evaluating and monitoring events with regards to the customer experience.

The Postgraduate Diploma is made up of the above modules, along with the following three core modules and one option module.

Core modules

• Management Research enables you to understand the importance of gaining and using evidence to inform management decision-making and academic study.
• Work-based Learning in Events and Tourism provides you with the opportunity to hone your practical skills by getting involved in real-world events and projects. You will undertake a short work placement, volunteering for an events or festival organisation.
• Leadership enables you to critically examine and evaluate leadership theory and practice, and to develop a capacity for self-awareness and reflective learning with regards to leading and managing within organisations.

Option modules

You will also choose one of the following option modules:

• Project Management offers a theoretical and practical perspective on critical factors for the successful management of projects, and provides you with a comprehensive insight into the realities of project management processes in a variety of contemporary organisational settings.
• Managing Finance aims to develop knowledge and understanding of the principles and techniques of managing accounting and information management, to support decision-making in a global context.

Dissertation

If you are studying for the full Masters, in addition to these modules you will write a dissertation, giving you the chance to research an issue of academic, management or policy relevance in the field of event management or, as an alternative, undertake a significant work-based project. You can focus on an issue of particular interest and/or relevance to your career or organisation.

You will need:

• An honours degree (minimum 2.2) from a recognised Higher Education institution or equivalent from a recognised overseas institution.

or

• At least two years event management responsibility or as a consultant/sole practitioner.

Applicants may be interviewed prior to being accepted onto the course.

The University of the West of England offers various financing options for students enrolled in the Events Management program to support their academic pursuits and associated costs. Domestic students can benefit from the UK government’s student support schemes, including Tuition Fee Loans and Maintenance Loans, which help cover the cost of tuition fees and living expenses respectively. These loans are repayable after graduation, contingent upon income levels, and are available to eligible students through the Student Loans Company. International students are typically advised to consider alternative funding sources such as scholarships, external bursaries, and sponsorship opportunities. The university provides a range of scholarships specifically for international students, which may include merit-based awards or awards aimed at supporting students from certain regions.

In addition to scholarships and loans, students can explore part-time work opportunities both on and off-campus, which can supplement their income and help manage expenses. The university’s Career Service offers guidance on employment opportunities and may facilitate connections with local employers. Additionally, students are encouraged to apply for external funding sources such as government grants or private sponsorships, depending on their nationality and circumstances. For students requiring financial assistance, the university’s Financial Support team is available to provide advice and support, including information on budgeting and managing living costs.

The university also offers specific funding schemes for certain categories of students, such as postgraduate students or those undertaking work placements as part of their degree. For instance, there may be funded internships or partnership programs that include financial support. Students are advised to consult the university’s official website and admissions office for detailed and up-to-date information regarding all available funding options for the Events Management programme. Overall, the university’s comprehensive approach to student financing aims to ensure that financial barriers do not prevent qualified applicants from pursuing their degree in Events Management at UWE.

The Bachelor of Arts (BA) in Events Management at the University of the West of England is designed to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of the planning, coordination, and execution of a wide range of events. The programme aims to equip students with the practical skills, theoretical knowledge, and industry insights necessary to succeed in the dynamic field of events management. Throughout the course, students explore key areas such as event design, logistics, marketing, risk management, and sustainability. The curriculum combines academic theory with practical application, often involving live projects, industry placements, and opportunities for networking with professionals in the field. The university collaborates with local and national event organizations, offering students real-world experience and sector-specific insights. Students develop core competencies in budget management, stakeholder engagement, and digital marketing, preparing them for roles in event planning agencies, corporate event teams, festivals, conferences, and hospitality sectors. The programme emphasizes the importance of innovation and sustainability, encouraging students to develop environmentally responsible event strategies. With access to dedicated facilities and a vibrant campus environment, students can hone their organisational and creative skills. Graduates of the programme are well-positioned to pursue careers in event management, marketing, public relations, and related fields, with many alumni successfully working in high-profile event organisations both nationally and internationally. The course also offers progression pathways into postgraduate study or entrepreneurial ventures within the events industry. Overall, the programme aims to foster skilled, adaptable, and industry-ready professionals capable of delivering memorable and successful events in diverse contexts.