Undergraduate Course

BA (Hons) Events Management

Now In Clearing
BA (Hons)  Events Management

Overview

The details
Events Management
N888
October 2026
Full-time
3 years
Colchester Campus
Edge Hotel School

What is BA Events Management?

BA Events Management is a three year undergraduate degree, with the option to extend to four years through a placement year or study abroad.

This events management degree prepares you for an international career in the fast growing global events industry. You will develop the practical, creative and managerial skills needed to plan, deliver and evaluate events of all sizes, from corporate conferences and exhibitions to weddings, festivals and live experiences.

Why this course

The events industry operates on a global scale, offering exciting career opportunities across business, culture, tourism and entertainment. This course is designed to give you the professional skills, industry knowledge and real world experience needed to succeed internationally.

You will study core areas of events management including event planning and logistics, business innovation, contemporary management, cultural and festival events, digital marketing, human resources, and pitching for event contracts.

A strong focus on practical learning means you will apply theory to real event scenarios, building confidence and employability throughout your studies. Opportunities to gain industry experience help you understand how events are delivered across different sectors and cultural contexts.

You can also choose to study abroad or complete a placement year, allowing you to gain international experience, build a global network and enhance your employability in the worldwide events industry.

Who should apply

  • Students interested in pursuing a career in event planning and events management
  • Those who enjoy combining creativity with organisation, leadership and problem solving
  • Learners seeking an internationally relevant degree with practical industry experience
  • Anyone aiming to work in global events, festivals, conferences, exhibitions or hospitality

What you’ll learn

  • Event planning and delivery: Learn how to design, organise and manage successful events from concept to completion
  • Event logistics and operations: Understand scheduling, budgeting, risk management and on the day delivery
  • Business innovation and management: Develop commercial awareness and strategic thinking for the events sector
  • Cultural events, festivals and weddings: Explore a range of event types and their social and economic impact
  • Digital marketing for events: Learn how to promote events and engage audiences across online platforms
  • People and project management: Build leadership and teamwork skills essential for events professionals

Your learning experience

  • Hands on learning: Take part in live event projects and practical assessments
  • Industry experience: Gain exposure to real event environments through placements and project work
  • Expert teaching: Learn from academic staff with professional experience in events and related industries
  • Global opportunities: Choose to study abroad or work internationally as part of your degree
  • Professional development: Build confidence, communication skills and industry awareness throughout the course

Careers and outcomes

A degree in Events Management opens doors to a wide range of international career opportunities, including:

  • Event planner or event manager: Delivering corporate, cultural and live events
  • Festival and live events coordinator: Working on large scale public and cultural events
  • Conference and exhibition management: Planning business and professional events
  • Venue management: Managing event spaces, schedules and client relationships
  • Event marketing and client services: Promoting events and managing stakeholder engagement

Employers of graduates from this course

Graduates progress into roles across the global events, hospitality, tourism and creative industries. Employers include:

  • Event management and production agencies
  • Corporate event and marketing teams
  • Festival and cultural event organisations
  • Conference centres and event venues
  • Hospitality, travel and leisure organisations

Professional accreditation

Accredited by the Institute of Hospitality that academic, vocational and professional standards achieved are appropriate and programme content and delivery meet international Institute of Hospitality benchmark standards.

Why we're great.
  • Our lecturers have international industry experience to support your learning and development
  • Edge Hotel School graduates go onto careers all over the world
  • You will gain experience alongside your studies in a real 4* hotel to boost your employability

Specialist facilities

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Course content

Components and modules explained

Components

Components are the blocks of study that make up your course. A component may have a set module which you must study, or a number of modules from which you can choose.

Each component has a status and carries a certain number of credits towards your qualification.

Status What this means
Core
You must take the set module for this component and you must pass. No failure can be permitted.
Core with Options
You can choose which module to study from the available options for this component but you must pass. No failure can be permitted.
Compulsory
You must take the set module for this component. There may be limited opportunities to continue on the course/be eligible for the qualification if you fail.
Compulsory with Options
You can choose which module to study from the available options for this component. There may be limited opportunities to continue on the course/be eligible for the qualification if you fail.
Optional
You can choose which module to study from the available options for this component. There may be limited opportunities to continue on the course/be eligible for the qualification if you fail.

The modules that are available for you to choose for each component will depend on several factors, including which modules you have chosen for other components, which modules you have completed in previous years of your course, and which term the module is taught in.

Modules

Modules are the individual units of study for your course. Each module has its own set of learning outcomes and assessment criteria and also carries a certain number of credits.

In most cases you will study one module per component, but in some cases you may need to study more than one module. For example, a 30-credit component may comprise of either one 30-credit module, or two 15-credit modules, depending on the options available.

Modules may be taught at different times of the year and by a different department or school to the one your course is primarily based in. You can find this information from the module code. For example, the module code HR100-4-FY means:

HR 100  4  FY

The department or school the module will be taught by.

In this example, the module would be taught by the Department of History.

The module number. 

The UK academic level of the module.

A standard undergraduate course will comprise of level 4, 5 and 6 modules - increasing as you progress through the course.

A standard postgraduate taught course will comprise of level 7 modules.

A postgraduate research degree is a level 8 qualification.

The term the module will be taught in.

  • AU: Autumn term
  • SP: Spring term
  • SU: Summer term
  • FY: Full year 
  • AP: Autumn and Spring terms
  • PS: Spring and Summer terms
  • AS: Autumn and Summer terms

COMPONENT 01: COMPULSORY

Finance for Events Business
(15 CREDITS)

This module introduces you to the regulatory frameworks for corporate bodies in the UK and sets the key financial documents into context (such as profit and loss, cash flow and balance sheets).  Financial ratios and comparative measures are described and analysed in the context of micro-economics both internally and industry wide.

View Finance for Events Business on our Module Directory

COMPONENT 02: COMPULSORY

The Event Business Environment
(15 CREDITS)

This module will enable you to analyse the macro, micro and internal business environments in which international hospitality and events businesses operate. A comprehensive understanding of the environments that an organisation operates in will enable you to interpret situations and allow you to make decisions that add value for stakeholders. The focus of the module is on the external and internal influences on organisations and the effect these have on business practices and internal aspects of organisational life. Contemporary business issues will be studied as they arise.

View The Event Business Environment on our Module Directory

COMPONENT 03: COMPULSORY

Marketing and Customer Behaviour
(15 CREDITS)

This module will introduce you to the importance and centrality of the customer experience as fundamental to all activity within hospitality and event businesses. You will understand the different types of customer and factors that will influence their behaviour and expectations. The module will identify the components of effective customer relationships enabling you to develop the knowledge required to effectively deliver customer excellence.

View Marketing and Customer Behaviour on our Module Directory

COMPONENT 04: COMPULSORY

Food and Beverage Management
(15 CREDITS)

The module aims to develop your understanding of gastronomy as well as current trends in food and beverage and how culture, societal expectations and consumer demands influence the food and beverage offerings of events, restaurants, hotels and other food establishments. It will provide you with an understanding and insight into food and beverage commodities, how they are created and used as well as the processes used in the sourcing, purchasing, production and service of food and beverage within the events and hospitality industry.

View Food and Beverage Management on our Module Directory

COMPONENT 05: COMPULSORY

Delivering Event Operations and the Customer Experience 1
(30 CREDITS)

This module will introduce you to the concept and importance of the centrality of the customer experience as fundamental to all activity within a hotel business. The module will provide you with the opportunity to reflect on and take part in delivering customer excellence within the various functions of the hotel operation.

View Delivering Event Operations and the Customer Experience 1 on our Module Directory

COMPONENT 06: COMPULSORY

Event Operations
(15 CREDITS)

This module will provide you with an understanding of the operational characteristics of a high quality event business and the importance of effective teamwork in delivering excellent customer service. You will be introduced to the legal and regulatory context in which events operate, understand and use basic financial and costing skills and utilise relevant technology to enhance business performance.

View Event Operations on our Module Directory

COMPONENT 07: COMPULSORY

Weddings and Festivals
(15 CREDITS)

This module will introduce you to the concept of cultural events, weddings and festivals in society. The module will provide the origins and impacts of events in this genre and will consider a range of ethnic, religious, sociological and cultural viewpoints.

View Weddings and Festivals on our Module Directory

COMPONENT 01: COMPULSORY

Management and Leadership
(15 CREDITS)

This module will equip you with a range of management and leadership skills to support your career development in the hospitality and event industries. You will identify how reflective practice enhances the effectiveness of managers, and assess your own skills set, identifying areas for development. You will show appreciation of the types of management skills that are transferable from academia to the work of hospitality and event managers, building on from the skills outlined within the Continual Professional Development module studied at level 5, for example team working, delegation and self-management.

View Management and Leadership on our Module Directory

COMPONENT 02: COMPULSORY

Sustainability in Events
(15 CREDITS)

This module offers a broad overview of sustainability concepts as they apply to the tourism, hospitality, and events sectors, with consideration of social, economic and environmental perspectives. The module requires you to experientially engage with debates by devising, presenting and carrying out a meaningful project, which relates to sustainable practices in the tourism, hospitality and events sectors. It promotes key sustainability competences by encouraging you to critically reflect on your project and its impact on stakeholders. These projects may take a wide range of forms and pursue diverse goals, encouraging you to address real-world sustainability needs within these sectors. The module will cover an array of topics and activities across the sessions. Each session includes essential and recommended readings to support your preparation and extend your learning. Please note that the schedule may be updated during the module to ensure it continues to meet the learning objectives. This module is built around a group project that focuses on identifying and addressing a specific social, economic, and/or environmental issue. Working collaboratively, you are required to design, implement, and complete a small-scale sustainable project.

View Sustainability in Events on our Module Directory

COMPONENT 03: COMPULSORY

Digital Marketing and Revenue Management
(15 CREDITS)

This module will develop your understanding of the underlying themes and forces acting on an organisation relating to its digital business, and in particular e-marketing. This is an evolving and growing aspect of modern marketing and you will research different strategies used throughout all industries to gain customers and improve brand recognition. You will learn about revenue management and the use of data to inform decision makers when maximising revenue in hospitality and events.

View Digital Marketing and Revenue Management on our Module Directory

COMPONENT 04: COMPULSORY

Continual Professional Development
(15 CREDITS)

The purpose of this module is for you to consolidate your professional and personal learning and to focus on the development of techniques and strategies for self-management of your continuous professional development. You will develop critical self-reflection skills as well as provide an understanding of the role and relevance of research for managers in decision making. The module will also provide opportunity to develop a range of skills to prepare you for career advancement and employment opportunities.

View Continual Professional Development on our Module Directory

COMPONENT 05: COMPULSORY

Live Events Design and Supervision
(15 CREDITS)

This module provides an in-depth exploration of events designed to raise funds and awareness for a charitable cause. You will work collaboratively with other students to conceptualise, plan, deliver, and critically evaluate a live charity event. Building on knowledge developed in other modules, you will apply key principles of event project management within a real-world context, ensuring sustainable and ethical practices. The module emphasises practical implementation, allowing you to translate theoretical understanding into professional practice. As an autonomous learning experience, this module allocates dedicated time for individuals and teams to independently plan and organise their events. You will develop advanced knowledge of operational events management including budgeting, risk assessment, logistics, stakeholder engagement, marketing, on-the-day coordination, and post-event evaluation. In addition, you will explore the role of data and technology in event management. This includes exploring and analysing event industry trends, measuring team performance, and evaluating event outcomes, impact, and legacy. Through adopting digital and technological tools, these methods will enhance meaningful and memorable event experiences that effectively support a chosen charitable cause. By the end of this module, you will have strengthened leadership, teamwork, problem-solving, and professional practice skills, preparing them for employment within the events industry.

View Live Events Design and Supervision on our Module Directory

COMPONENT 06: COMPULSORY

Contemporary Issues in the Event Industry
(15 CREDITS)

This module will enable you to analyse current contemporary issues that impact on management, staff, operations and customers within the events industry. Contemporary management practice will be studied within changing organisational, consumer and environmental contexts to enhance your understanding of factors that impact on competitive positioning within the industry.

View Contemporary Issues in the Event Industry on our Module Directory

COMPONENT 07: COMPULSORY

Delivering Event Operations and the Customer Experience 2
(30 CREDITS)

This module will introduce you to the concept and importance of the centrality of the customer experience as fundamental to all activity within a hotel business. The module will provide you with the opportunity to reflect on and take part in delivering customer excellence within the various functions of the hotel operation.

View Delivering Event Operations and the Customer Experience 2 on our Module Directory

COMPONENT 01: COMPULSORY

Business Strategy for the Hospitality and Events Industries
(15 CREDITS)

You will analyse the strategic implications of managing within dynamic industry environments and evaluate the necessary theories, tools and skills needed to develop realistic, coherent and effective strategy for hospitality and events organisations. You will engage in critical analysis of different strategic options developing a critical understanding of vision and mission statements, and the nature of strategic change. You will provide a critical analysis of change management strategies, and overcoming barriers and resistance to strategic change.

View Business Strategy for the Hospitality and Events Industries on our Module Directory

COMPONENT 02: COMPULSORY

Innovation and Entrepreneurship
(15 CREDITS)

The aim of this module is to develop your awareness of entrepreneurship and innovation so that you have an awareness of the knowledge and skills needed to start a business in the hospitality and event industry. You will be expected to create an innovative business plan considering all relevant constraints and describe actions to comply with these. The plan will be expected to show how the business will be sustained and contingencies if targets are not met and options for expansion. This must be justified using valid and reliable research.

View Innovation and Entrepreneurship on our Module Directory

COMPONENT 03: COMPULSORY

Human Resource Management
(15 CREDITS)

This module will provide you with an understanding of the need for effective human resources practices within hospitality. You will develop a critical awareness of the role of performance and reward management strategies on staff motivation, retention and business performance as well as becoming competent in carrying out job interviews and selecting the right candidates within hospitality recruitment.

View Human Resource Management on our Module Directory

COMPONENT 04: COMPULSORY

Dissertation
(30 CREDITS)

For your 8,000 word dissertation, you will manage a piece of individual research in the context of the commercial hospitality industry. You will be expected to demonstrate expertise with a range of business data, research resources and methodologies, as well as personal communication skills.

View Dissertation on our Module Directory

COMPONENT 05: COMPULSORY

Creative Event Design
(15 CREDITS)

This module will provide you with core knowledge and skills in designing a proposal and pitching it in a presentation to an external client. The module aims to develop your understanding of the process of winning a contract from an event client, including taking a brief, research skills, preparing a proposal document and pitching your proposal to the external client.

View Creative Event Design on our Module Directory

COMPONENT 06: COMPULSORY WITH OPTIONS

EG325-6-FY or EG327-6-FY
(30 CREDITS)

Entry requirements

Clearing entry requirements

We currently have places available in Clearing across a range of our courses with most offers expected to be made at CCD - CDD (88 - 80 UCAS tariff points) or equivalent.  A complete breakdown of expected Clearing entry requirements, by course, is available on our Clearing entry requirements page.

We consider each application individually and requirements may be lower for some of our courses, so please still get in touch if your grades are below those outlined.

English language requirements

English language requirements for applicants whose first language is not English

IELTS 6.0 overall with a minimum of 5.5 in each component, or specified score in an equivalent test that we accept.

Details of English language requirements and the tests we accept for applicants who require a Student visa (excluding Nationals of Majority English Speaking Countries) can be found here

If we accept the English component of an international qualification it will be included in the academic levels listed above for the relevant countries.

Pre-sessional English courses

If you do not meet our IELTS requirements then you may be able to complete a pre-sessional English pathway that enables you to start your course without retaking IELTS.

Additional Notes

If you’re an international student, but do not meet the academic requirements for direct admission to this degree, you could prepare and gain entry through a pathway course. Find out more about opportunities available to you at the University of Essex International College

Fees and funding

Home/UK fee

£9,790 per year

International fee

£21,500 per year

Fees will increase for each academic year of study.

If your course has the option to include a placement year or study abroad, and you choose to do so, you will pay the following:

Placement year

20% of your standard tuition fee for that year

Study abroad

Full year abroad

15% of your standard tuition fee for that year

Single term abroad

Standard tuition fee

Scholarships and financial support

There may be scholarships, bursaries or discounts available to help with the cost of this course.

Fees and funding guide

Home/UK fees and funding information

What's next

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Our events are a great way to find out more about studying at Essex. We run a number of Open Days throughout the year which enable you to discover what our campus has to offer. You have the chance to:

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Check out our Visit Us pages to find out more information about booking onto one of our events. And if the dates aren’t suitable for you, feel free to book a campus tour here.

2026 Open Days (Colchester Campus)

  • Saturday 15 August 2026 - Clearing Open Day
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How to apply during Clearing

Once you’ve checked that we have the right course for you, applying couldn’t be simpler. Fill in our quick and easy Clearing application form with as much detail as you can. We’ll then take a look and get back to you with a decision.

If you already hold an offer from Essex

Please don't reapply through Clearing. We'll review your existing application using our Clearing entry requirements. If you're worried about meeting your offer or would like to change course, please contact our Admissions Team on ugquery@essex.ac.uk.

Interviews

We don’t require an interview for most of our courses that are available through Clearing, however there are some courses such as those in our School of Health and Social Care and East 15 Acting School where an interview (or audition) may be required. If this is something that’s required for the course you have applied for, we’ll email you with all of the details.


Apply now
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