Choose Award
Duration

3 years full-time

UCAS Code

N820

Placement

48-week placement (optional) opportunities available

Entry

September, February

Fees

View Fees

Department of Hospitality and Tourism
Choose Award
Duration

2 years full-time

UCAS Code

N821

Placement

48-week placement (optional) opportunities available

Entry

September, February

Fees

View Fees

Department of Hospitality and Tourism
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1.3 million business events take place in the UK each year, with over 10,000 event venues to choose from!

The UK events industry is worth over £42.3 billion to the UK economy every year and growing

If you dream of managing major sports events and festivals or want to get involved in exhibitions and wedding planning, the events sector is full of exciting opportunities. Managing events is big business too, with the industry estimated to be worth more than £40 billion in the UK alone.

Combining business, enterprise and innovation with the practical skills of event planning and delivery, our Events Management degree will help you develop the skills you need to become an innovative leader who can build exceptional, unforgettable event experiences. From studying events planning, marketing and design to financial management and risk and crisis management, you will gain the in-depth knowledge needed to build a comprehensive platform for your future career. Furthermore, as academic partners of the Association of Event Venues, you will have exclusive access to networking and career opportunities built into your programme.

At University College Birmingham, we know first-hand industry experience is vital, so one of the highlights of our events management course is a 12-month paid work placement that will give you a distinctive advantage in the events job market. Great opportunities are available throughout the UK and around the world, with past students having worked in Brussels, Prague and Hong Kong. You will also take part in a wide variety of residential trips and have the chance to prove your practical skills by planning and managing your own ‘live’ event using Cvent, the world’s number one specialist event management software.

Why choose this degree course?

  • GAIN EXPERINCE – Students on this course will have many opportunities to gain experience of working on real events. In addition, you will have a guaranteed interview for the University Student Ambassador scheme; a paid role where you will work on a range of events for the University
  • NO EXAMS - If you are not keen on exams, this course is for you. Unlike many degrees, you will have no written exams during or at the end of the course
  • NETWORKING –  As academic associate members of the Association of Event Venues, students will have the chance to network with national and international event venues. The University also hosts the ITT Virtual Future You event which focusses on careers in travel, tourism and hospitality
  • ENRICHMENT – Through industry guest speakers, behind the scenes visits of event venues and a residential visit, you will have the chance to explore unique event venues such as Crufts and the Olympic sites, learning from industry professionals and networking across the sector
  • ADDITIONAL QUALIFICATIONS – You’ll use industry specialist software throughout your programme and have the opportunity to gain additional certification in event planning

Our facilities

Students on our Events Management course have access to our brand new Digital Creative Studio, where you can learn an array of skills for producing digital content including video and audio. Students also have access to our virtual reality technology and our humanoid service robot

We also provide a range of support services for student entrepreneurs through our Enterprise Hive.

Course breakdown

Students on the FdA have the option of progressing onto the final year upon completion of the foundation degree.

  • Year 1
  • Year 2
  • Year 3

Core Modules

Dynamic Events Environtment

The event industry is vast and ranges from small, personal life events such as weddings and funerals through to niche cultural events and art festivals and business conferences and exhibitions and global sporting events such as the Olympics. Accordingly, the events industry is a significant contributor to the UK and global economies, with many cities and regions (including Birmingham) positioning themselves as event destinations. In this module you will develop your understanding of the dynamic range of event types, the diverse industry sectors that operate in the industry, as well as evaluating emerging trends and the increasing importance of innovation and creativity. You will also develop the skills to assess the market demand for events as well as their impacts on stakeholders and the role events play within wider society.

Event Business Management

A successful event is ultimately the result of successful managemen t. You will develop knowledge of the key business concepts that relate directly to the events industry. You will explore principles of economics, marketing, human resource management and finance in order to enhance your ability to plan and work on live events in the future and most importantly become a manager of successful events.

Event Experience Design

The design and processes of staging an event require creativity, effective communication and appropriate planning. You will develop knowledge of event design and the processes of staging an event. You will develop the skills to design a unique event concept of your own. You will analyse the staging elements of your event and apply appropriate planning models. Through developing the event concept you will develop knowledge of event theming and programming, venue management, production, entertainment and elements of event finance.

Event Logistics Management

Whether a small scale wedding or an international sporting event, the process of managing resources, venues and transportation revolves around effective logistics management. You will gain a knowledge of the diverse range of suppliers to the event industry, both internal and external. You will also study logistical aspects including staging, theming, hospitality and technology to equip you as a future professional with the skills needed to ensure exceptional and successful events.

Event Principles and Planning

Once you have an idea for an event, whether big or small, planning, implementation and evaluation are all equally important aspects of staging the event. . You will explore and apply models of events planning. You will develop knowledge of the stakeholder, event financing and health and safety implications encountered throughout the planning process. The models and tools for events planning will be developed further at Level 5 when you will organise yo ur very own live event.

Personal Branding

You will be introduced to the concept of future employability readiness within the international event industry. You will develop the knowledge and skills needed to develop your personal brand as an event professional or event entrepreneur of the future. This will include building an external profile, a range of experiences in event planning and operations as part of planned University internship experiences, and preparation for successful placement and work experience opportunities.

Core Modules

Applied Event Research

Research is essential to events managers and the events sector; enabling professionals to stay at the forefront of an ever-evolving industry, providing valuable insights for industry development, supporting decision making, and improving practices (specifically relating to sustainability, digital technologies and innovation). In this module, you will develop skills in the design, planning and management of applied research within the industry, focusing specifically on understanding the nature of applied research, building an effective basis for research, and evaluating appropriate methods for ethical data collection. The module will crucially prepare you for future research projects within industry and academia. It will provide you with an opportunity to investigate an interesting and contemporary area of your industry and propose a research project which focuses on events innovation and/or enterprise.

Digital Marketing

From small scale to global mega events, any event needs to be communicated with its audience in a captivating way to ensure success. The role digital and social media marketing plays in this has become increasingly significant in recent years, with influencers, viral social media campaigns and artificial intelligence driving how events are marketed. In this module, you will develop the skills and knowledge needed to plan, operate and implement successful digital and social media marketing plans within the context of the event sector. Examples from a variety of international events (such as festivals, sporting events and conferences) will be used as case studies, so that you can evaluate the success of digital and social media marketing and gain the knowledge and skills required in digital data analysis.

Event Project Management

This module provide s a technical foundation of academic underpinning knowledge to complement the 'Live event Creation module. This module focuses on the application of skills and knowledge within the discipline of operations management. Its purpose is to enable students to efficiently accommodate the needs and vision of a client through the processes of negotiation and consultation, as well as being able to effectively manage event requirements within operating teams including liaison with outsourced contracted services.

Live Event Creation

This module will help develop your project management and event operation skills by creating, planning, implementing and evaluating your very own live event! From inception to reflection, you will have control over the type of event, marketing and promotion, food and beverage, entertainment - every element! You will further gain an understanding of the effective planning and operational processes which determine whether a live event is a success or failure including the macro and micro environment and key principles of event management. Any financial profits made from the running of the live event are donated to a charity of your choice.

Operational Financial Management

Whether you are running an event for a big corporation, individual clients or charity it is vital to understand how to manage your finances. This module will help to develop skills required to analyse and evaluate financial data used within a range of business settings. It will help you gain understanding of the business macro and micro environment and key principles of revenue management. It will provide you with skills in decision making for creation of revenues, efficient use of costs controls and maximisation of profit.

Optional Placement module

Work Placement

You will gain valuable work experience on a 48 week work placement. This is an exciting opportunity to put what you have learned into practice, broaden your experience and demonstrate your abilities to potential employers.

Core Modules

Enterprise and Innovation Showcase

This module provides you with the opportunity to demonstrate your capabilities in researching, planning and delivering an industry or community-related projec t relevant to events, hospitality or tourism businesses/organisations . You will research a new business product, service or system and develop it into an idea that you can deliver in a professional report and presentation. This project designed to develop the graduate attributes of professionalism, critical enquiry and problem solving, enterprise, creativity, and innovation to support you in your career as a manager/entrepreneur of the future.

Event Crisis Resilience

You will develop a critical understanding of crises within the context of the events industry, gaining knowledge of the challenges and issues facing event organisations every day. You will review how strategic approaches to managing crises can vary according to the type of crisis experienced, whilst simultaneously needing to respond and meet societal and stakeholder expectations. The module seeks to enhance and develop your understanding of effective crisis management by reviewing theoretical concepts, industry guidelines and analysing examples of crisis management within events practice, to improve resilience.

Event Tourism Strategy

The location of any event can be influenced by the local destination and existing policies and plans. Mega sporting events require up to a decade of negotiation at local, regional and national levels before taking place. Therefore, it is crucial that you have the skills, knowledge and understanding to navigate the policy and planning issues surrounding events at local, regional and national levels and within the context of wider international issues. You will develop knowledge of the importance of the links between heritage, culture, the arts and festivals. You will explore the wider destination concept within event tourism, and you will look at strategies and tools used in promoting and enhancing destinations as event hosts.

Innovative Events

For event and conference centres and destinations alike, the bidding process to ensure an event is hosted by you can be lengthy and complex. In this module you will explore, analyse, and assess the creative processes which contribute to the production of creative events and innovative event management. You will develop the skills required for 'pitching' a creative and effective event bid with the aim of winning an event contract on a range of scales. You will gain the knowledge required to effectively integrate a range of tools and techniques to communicate the event. Furthermore, the development of new concepts and techniques in the staging and marketing of events will be a key element of your learning.

Sustainable Events Management

Increasingly, events are turning to sustainable management to mitigate the long-term impacts on the environment and society. In this module, you will develop a critical understanding of sustainability within the context of international events, gaining an appreciation of the challenges and issues facing international event organisations. You will develop knowledge of different approaches to managing event operations in a sustainable way, whilst meeting environmental, societal and economic expectations. The module seeks to enhance and develop your understanding of sustainable event management by reviewing theoretical concepts and analysing examples of event sustainability in practice.

The modules listed above for this course are regularly reviewed to ensure they are up to date and informed by industry as well as the latest teaching methods. On occasion, we may need to make unexpected changes to modules – if this occurs, we will contact all offer holders as soon as possible.

Entry requirements

Events Management BA (Hons)

A-levels: An A-level grade profile of CCC.

T-levels: A T-level graded Pass with a core component of grade C.

BTEC: A BTEC grade profile of MMM. This can be achieved from either an Extended Diploma or a combination of smaller BTEC qualifications.

Tariff: Other Level 3 qualifications are accepted for entry. A minimum of 96 UCAS Tariff points will be required.

Access to Higher Education Diploma: 96 UCAS Tariff points including a minimum of 15 Level 3 credits at Distinction.

Events Management FdA

A-levels: An A-level grade profile of CD.

T-levels: A T-level graded Pass with a core component profile less than C.

BTEC: A BTEC grade profile of PP. This can be achieved from either an Extended Diploma or a combination of smaller BTEC qualifications.

Apprenticeship: Achieve an advanced apprenticeship (Level 3).

Tariff: Other Level 3 qualifications are accepted. A minimum of 48 UCAS Tariff points will be required for entry.

Access to Higher Education Diploma: 48 UCAS Tariff points.

Non-tariff: Non-UCAS Tariff-based Level 3 qualifications are also considered for entry. Please complete our enquiry form here to check your eligibility.

Work-based: We also give equal consideration to applicants who are currently in work and wish to apply to University College Birmingham. To apply, you must have a minimum of 3 years’ relevant work experience, demonstrating management or supervisory duties. Your application must also include a reference from your line manager supporting your entry to higher education. For further details, please contact Admissions.

International students

For academic and English entry requirements for EU and international students, please visit the Country Specific Information page.

Please note: As an International Student, when choosing optional placement, a visa extension may be required.

Key information

Teaching and assessment

Note: Indicative information only – actual timetables and assessment regimes will be issued at your induction. 

Teaching 

Example of a typical teaching week (up to 15 contact hours): 

  • Large group teaching – 5 hours 
  • Smaller group teaching – 5 hours 
  • Tutorials – 3 hours 
  • Workshop – 2 hours 
  • Field trips and visits 

You will also need to commit around 20 hours per week for individual study time. 

Assessment

Estimated breakdown of assessment for this degree course:

  • Coursework – 66%
  • Practical assessment – 34%

Our teaching and assessment is underpinned by our Teaching, Learning and Assessment Strategy 2021-2024.

Additional qualifications and training

  • You will be supported to complete a range of CV-enhancing training opportunities, such as a BIIAB Level 2 Award for Personal Licence Holders
  • You will have the opportunity to work towards the Cvent Professional Events Management Certificate

Tuition fees

UK students

If you are a UK student enrolling on a standard-length Foundation Degree or a BA/BSc at University College Birmingham, your fee for this academic year will be £9,250. A half-year tuition fee is £4,625. There will be no change to this tuition fee for the forthcoming two academic years (2023/24 and 2024/25).

View undergraduate fees

International students

If you are an international student enrolling on a full-time foundation degree or a BA/BSc in 2023/24, your fee for this academic year will be £13,500 per year. The course fee for academic year 2024/2025 is £14,000 per year.

If you complete a placement year, there will be an administration fee of £500 for a full year or £250 for a half-year placement.

View international fees

Kick-Start Scheme

As a new student studying this course full-time, you will receive £300 per year through our Kick-Start Scheme (UK students only, eligibility criteria applies). This scheme will support your studies and future career by contributing to course-related materials, uniform or selected items on campus. You may also qualify for an additional £500 per year.

Find out more about the Kick-Start Scheme here.

Unibuddy Community - meet other students on your course

Starting university is an exciting time, but we understand that it can sometimes feel a little daunting. To support you, you will be invited to join our Unibuddy Community, where you can meet other students who have applied for the same course at University College Birmingham, before you start studying here.

As soon as you have been made an offer, you will be sent an invitation email to complete your registration and join the Unibuddy Community. For more information, check out our Unibuddy Community page.

1st

Stats show a year-long placement boosts your chances of First Class Honours

Work placements

Work placements are vital for gaining real-life experience and for building your confidence and skills before you finish your course – and they may even lead to a job when you graduate. Our HIRED team can help find the ideal placement for you. 

Our FdA and BA Events Management courses both feature a 12-month paid placement. Opportunities are available in the UK and overseas. (There is also the option to study the course without the placement.)

Work alongside experts in your sector

A snapshot of some of the employers we have worked with:

  • Ritz Carlton Hotel
  •           The Total Event Company

  • Coworth Park
  • Enterprise Holdings
  • Compass Group (Edgebaston Cricket Ground)
  • Amadeus (NEC Group Ltd)

The most valuable part of the course has been, for one, receiving that kind of support to help me get the best out of my studies. On top of that, the trips and visits throughout the course, talks from renowned industry figures and real-life focused assignments have all been amazing.

Nika Gurung Events Management BA (Hons)

Career opportunities

The example roles and salaries below are intended as a guide only.

Events/festival manager

Average Salary: £33,000

Conference centre manager

Average Salary: £36,000

Marketing executive (graduate)

Average Salary: £37,500

Digital marketer

Average Salary: £30,000

Tour manager

Average Salary: £27,500

Project manager (graduate)

Average Salary: £39,197

Want to take your studies to the next level? Completing the BA (Hons) degree will enable you to move onto our postgraduate courses such as Global Meetings and Events Management MSc/PGDip or Hospitality with Tourism Management MSc/PGDip (Pathway A).

HIRED

We are here to support your career goals every step of the way. 

Find out more

Charlie’s Story

Charlie Hobbis, studied the Events Management Degree at University College Birmingham and now owns a multi-6 figure business.

Read Story

What our students on this course say...

100%

of students on this course say that staff are good at explaining things

100%

of students on this course say they have had a chance to explore ideas and concepts in depth

90%

of students at the University say their course is intellectually stimulating

*National Student Survey (NSS) 2023
**Course statistics relate to the BA (Hons) degree

Course statistics

BA (Hons)

FdA

Undergraduate students

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