Event management courses

Whether you dream of organising trade shows, high-profile conferences, or large-scale music festivals, there's a course tailored just for you

Your job involves planning events, ensuring their smooth execution, and evaluating their success. To learn more about what this role involves, the necessary skills, and the salary, see the event manager job profile.

Employers place a real emphasis on work experience, and they will expect you to demonstrate your skills and expertise, whether this is through formal placements or experiences like running events for a university club or society. To gain knowledge in this field, search for hospitality and event management work experience.

There are also event management courses available at both undergraduate and postgraduate levels, which can provide you with the necessary qualifications to increase your chances of getting a job. Many courses include a year in the industry, which can offer you the best of both worlds in terms of knowledge and experience.

Event management degrees

Studying an undergraduate course in event management will provide you with a general overview and practical experience to start a career in a range of events, such as business conferences, weddings, trade fairs, and music festivals.

For example, the BA (Hons) Events Management at Leeds Beckett University is taught at The UK Centre for Events Management and will teach you everything from planning events to running your own event business. The course covers a range of topics, from the societal impact of events to sustainable event planning. You'll also gain experience in specific event sectors and learn how to manage staff and suppliers.

Many UK universities offer general event management degrees, but others have a more specific focus on certain types of events. For example, the Sustainable Festival Management BA from Falmouth University offers modules on festival design and project, financial and crisis management. You can also take an optional practical placement year, where you'll gain experience, industry knowledge, and professional connections, building a portfolio to highlight your work and growth throughout the placement.

Some courses combine event management with tourism. For instance, the Tourism and Events Management BA at the University of Westminster provides a mix of practical skills like budgeting and planning, with the theory behind tourism and event management. The programme also includes international field trips and emphasises skills development for the workplace.

Courses in event management usually have a heavy emphasis on practical projects and coursework rather than written exams. Many of them also offer a placement year, so it's worth checking with your chosen university.

Postgraduate courses in events

If you're interested in pursuing a Masters degree in event management, it's important to look for courses that match your interests. Bournemouth University's MSc Events Management offers specialisations such as crisis and disaster management, conference tourism, entrepreneurship, international sports management, or global food and drink. Tuition fees for the 2024/25 academic year are £10,250 for UK students, with an additional £1,850 for a placement year.

Another popular option for event management students is the MSc International Events Management at Manchester Metropolitan University. This programme offers a range of business skills, including participating in projects, internships, workshops, volunteering, and even earning free certifications from companies like Microsoft and Adobe. These experiences and certifications not only enhance your CV but are also applicable to many career paths.

Another option  is the International Events Management MSc at the University of Surrey, which includes a compulsory live events project. This requires you to plan and execute events to add to your portfolio, and you'll be responsible for everything from marketing and budgeting to running the event itself. Tuition fees for UK students starting in September 2024 are £11,900.

To see what other event management courses are available, search for postgraduate courses in event management.

Event management short courses

If you're looking to qualify without spending thousands on tuition fees, short courses can be a great option. These courses can last from one day to several weeks and some are recognised by industry bodies. While they may not go into the same depth as undergraduate or postgraduate study, they can still provide you with a solid foundation in both theory and practice. If you're already working in the industry, your employer may be willing to cover the cost of your training.

For example, Event Academy offers a five-day Foundation Certificate that costs £1,255. The course runs from Monday to Friday, and you'll be introduced to the events industry while being assessed through a group project and an exam. Alternatively, the intensive Diploma  lasts for one week and can be delivered virtually. The course costs £1,795 and is assessed through a group project based on a live client brief and an exam.

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