Enhance your key transferable skills and enter a world of opportunity towards the most exciting and eventful career
Ever wonder what goes into creating large scale events such as the Olympics or Glastonbury? Or how businesses run cutting edge digital conferences and hotels put on unique experiences for guests? Do you want to be part of a team that delivers unforgettable experiences from concept to delivery? The MSc International event management will give you the skills and confidence to successfully manage events anywhere in the world. From hotel functions to mass sporting events or business trade shows you can help make these happen.
Accredited by the Institute of Hospitality, this qualification is recognised worldwide for international employment.
With international event management you will have the opportunity to position yourself in a wide range of sectors from business and non-profits to sport, arts, music, cultural events, festivals and hospitality this degree will open the door to a wide range of diverse roles.
As the event sector evolves and the local industry transforms, innovative, creative and professional people are needed to drive it forward - this could be you. Working in partnership with industry experts we have created an extremely relevant and practical course meaning you will graduate industry ready with the skills employers are looking for. Our modules encourage collaboration and forward thinking with the opportunity to share ideas and experience with a diverse network of international students.
With all assessment coursework based, you will cover topics such as, event management, strategic marketing, managing and leading people, business sustainability and innovation as well as exploring external factors to be aware of within the sector.
We know that choosing to study at university is a big decision, and you may not always be able to find the information you need online.
Please contact Ulster University with any queries or questions you might have about:
For any queries regarding getting help with your application, please select Admissions in the drop down below.
For queries related to course content, including modules and placements, please select Course specific information.
We look forward to hearing from you.
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For part-time students you can take up to 90 credits in an academic year. Your course director will be more than happy to work with you to find a schedule of modules that is suitable and works for you. Most students complete the degree within two and a half years.
Modules
Modules available include:
Semester 1
Event Management
This module introduces students to the events industry. The nature and scope of events are investigated together with the event planning process. It will provide students with a sound basis on which to plan, manage and evaluate an event.
Strategic Marketing
The module examines and applies the principles, concepts and theories of strategic marketing management including managing the marketing mix, strategy formulation, strategic decision making and evaluation of marketing performance. Moreover, the module provides students with an understanding and knowledge of a range of analytical models and tools which can be applied to marketing planning, implementation and control.
Managing & Leading People
The significance of leadership in achieving results is well established in research with findings highlighting that leadership behaviour is often responsible for the difference between success and failure in organisations. Management is essentially concerned with getting things done through people by exercising sound leadership. This module examines the key concepts of management and leadership with specific reference to the role of the Line Manager and the need for effective Leadership. Furthermore, it examines the critical role of the HR Function and Line Management when managing people within the international service industries.
Semester 2
Critical Event Studies
This module presents students with an opportunity to critically examine the impact of events and discuss the external factors that event organisers must contend with. It encourages students to look beyond the operational aspects of event management and appreciate the wider environment in which event organisers must plan their event. Through this critical lens students will develop a more balanced understanding of 'event planning' and recognise what is good and bad practice. This in turn will allow them to make better informed decisions as event managers.
Business Sustainability & Innovation
The module examines a range of theoretical and practical issues surrounding business sustainability and innovation. The use of case studies to apply business models develops an understanding of key business concepts including entrepreneurship, innovation, creativity, value creation and value capture. The development of business model use by student teams will immerse students in key methods of innovation and value propositions, which are relevant for contemporary managers as well as aspiring entrepreneurs.
Research Methods
This module will develop, enhance and assess the student's ability to design appropriate research, propose suitable methodologies and evaluate research philosophy, researcher positionality and research ethics. The module is designed to equip students with the technical skills to collect and analyse quantitative and qualitative data, using ICT packages. The module serves as a precursor to the MSc research dissertation.
Semester 3
Dissertation
The module element will enable students to undertake a Dissertation at postgraduate level, building on knowledge and skills gained through the course, including in particular the Research Methods module.
The course starts with a 3 day induction period to introduce you to your new network of students and staff.
As a part-time student you complete a maximum of two modules per semester and it will take six semesters - 2 to 2½ years.
All modules are taught in 3 day blocks (usually Wed-Fri 9-5) so you can fit your learning around your lifestyle. Classes are taught both online and at the Belfast campus.
A range of teaching methods will be employed, including traditional lectures, case studies, business simulation gaming and one-to-one tutor session videos. We also arrange a number of field trips to hospitality and tourism venues and live events where possible. Guest speakers are invited from industry.
There are no formal examinations. Assessment includes written essays, short synopsis, personal reflections and peer reviews, case studies, objective tests, business reports, computer modelling, individual and group presentations.
The University employs over 1,000 suitably qualified and experienced academic staff - 59% have PhDs in their subject field and many have professional body recognition.
Courses are taught by staff who are Professors (25%), Readers, Senior Lecturers (20%) or Lecturers (55%).
We require most academic staff to be qualified to teach in higher education: 82% hold either Postgraduate Certificates in Higher Education Practice or higher. Most academic staff (81%) are accredited fellows of the Higher Education Academy (HEA) by Advanced HE - the university sector professional body for teaching and learning. Many academic and technical staff hold other professional body designations related to their subject or scholarly practice.
The profiles of many academic staff can be found on the University’s departmental websites and give a detailed insight into the range of staffing and expertise. The precise staffing for a course will depend on the department(s) involved and the availability and management of staff. This is subject to change annually and is confirmed in the timetable issued at the start of the course.
Occasionally, teaching may be supplemented by suitably qualified part-time staff (usually qualified researchers) and specialist guest lecturers. In these cases, all staff are inducted, mostly through our staff development programme ‘First Steps to Teaching’. In some cases, usually for provision in one of our out-centres, Recognised University Teachers are involved, supported by the University in suitable professional development for teaching.
Figures correct for academic year 2021-2022.
High quality apartment living in Belfast city centre adjacent to the university campus.
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The Belfast campus is situated in the artistic and cultural centre of the city, the Cathedral Quarter.
We recognise a range of qualifications for admission to our courses. In addition to the specific entry conditions for this course you must also meet the University’s General Entrance Requirements.
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Applicants must normally have gained:
A second class honours degree or better from a recognised university of the UK, Republic of Ireland, from the Council for National Academic Awards, the National Council for Educational Awards, the Higher Education and Training Awards Council, or from an institution of another country which has been recognised as being of an equivalent standard; or
An equivalent standard (normally 50%) in a Graduate Diploma, Graduate Certificate, Postgraduate Certificate or Postgraduate Diploma or an approved professional qualification or other qualification; and
Provide evidence of competence in written and spoken English to GCSE grade C or equivalent. Non-English speakers must demonstrate that English ability is appropriate for studying at this level and provide evidence of English competence to IELTs 6.0.
Applicants do not have to hold their primary degree in a cognate area, but prior knowledge of studying tourism and/or hospitality at an undergraduate level or relevant work experience may be beneficial.
In exceptional circumstances, where an individual has substantial and significant experiential learning, a portfolio of written evidence demonstrating the meeting of graduate qualities (including subject-specific outcomes, as determined by the Course Committee) may be considered as an alternative entrance route. Evidence used to demonstrate graduate qualities may not be used for exemption against modules within the programme.
An interview may form part of the selection process.
English language requirements for international applicants
The minimum requirement for this course is Academic IELTS 6.0 with no band score less than 5.5. Trinity ISE: Pass at level III also meets this requirement for Tier 4 visa purposes.
Ulster University recognises a number of other English language tests and comparable IELTS equivalent scores.
Do you have another qualification awarded by Ulster University or by another university or other educational institution, or have evidence of accreditation of prior learning?
These may be considered for exemption from part of the programme, provided that you register as a student at Ulster University for modules amounting to at least the final third of the credit value of the award at the highest level.
What exemptions can I get?
The Course Director can advise candidates as to the eligibility of their accredited course.
How do I apply for exemptions?
When accepted on the Course you are asked to complete an exemptions form, which is reviewed by the Course Director and exemptions are then agreed during the Induction process.
Exemption is not permitted from the dissertation or business project.
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This internationally recognised course will provide you with the diverse knowledge and skills needed to operate across the industry within a vibrant and diverse range of sectors from business and non-profits to sport, arts, music and hospitality.
You could find yourself working within event management companies, in-house for an organisation or freelance organising large or small events ranging from personal events like weddings and parties, through to business to consumer (B2C) events like festivals and business to business (B2B) events like conferences and exhibitions.
Whether you are currently working in the industry and want to progress your career to management level or are a recent graduate who wants to enter the sector for the first time the knowledge and skills learned will equip you for working in a diverse range of job roles.
From coming up with creative ideas and researching the market to setting targets, choosing suppliers, establishing timelines and managing the event on the day itself this course covers the competencies and qualities needed for employment and career growth.
There is no defined work placement on this course, however there is an option to complete this degree with an Advanced Practice Pathway.
By choosing the Advanced Practice option you will complete either an internship or an applied consulting project, working with an industry sector partner. This will enable you to apply your knowledge and skills in a real life organisational setting providing you with invaluable work experience. It will enhance your employability and career prospects by building your confidence in a business environment, providing you with tangible experience and allowing you to network and showcase your skills to potential employers.
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.
The price of your overall programme will be determined by the number of credit points that you initiate in the relevant academic year.
For modules commenced in the academic year 2023/24, the following fees apply:
| Credit Points | NI/ROI/GB Cost | International Cost |
|---|---|---|
| 5 | £186.65 | £440 |
| 10 | £373.30 | £880 |
| 15 | £559.95 | £1,320 |
| 20 | £746.60 | £1,760 |
| 30 | £1,119.90 | £2,640 |
| 60 | £2,239.80 | £5,280 |
| 120 | £4,479.60 | £10,560 |
| 180 | £6,719.40 | £15,840 |
NB: A standard full-time PGCert is equivalent to 60 credit points per year. A standard full-time PGDip is equivalent to 120 credit points per year.
The highest performing student in the module 'Event Management' will receive the Belfast City Council Award and an opportunity to network with stakeholders for Tourism and Events at the planning stages for an event.
An opportunity is available for the highest performing student in the module, 'Managing and Leading People' to receive the Titanic Hotel Award 'Talent for Success'.
It is important to remember that costs associated with accommodation, travel (including car parking charges) and normal living will need to be covered in addition to tuition fees.
Where a course has additional mandatory expenses (in addition to tuition fees) we make every effort to highlight them above. We aim to provide students with the learning materials needed to support their studies. Our libraries are a valuable resource with an extensive collection of books and journals, as well as first-class facilities and IT equipment. Computer suites and free Wi-Fi are also available on each of the campuses.
There are additional fees for graduation ceremonies, examination resits and library fines.
Students choosing a period of paid work placement or study abroad as a part of their course should be aware that there may be additional travel and living costs, as well as tuition fees.
See the tuition fees on our student guide for most up to date costs.
We know that choosing to study at university is a big decision, and you may not always be able to find the information you need online.
Please contact Ulster University with any queries or questions you might have about:
For any queries regarding getting help with your application, please select Admissions in the drop down below.
For queries related to course content, including modules and placements, please select Course specific information.
We look forward to hearing from you.
Studying the Event Management programme was a great decision as it provided a great step between my undergraduate degree and a career. The course provided me with an appropriate blend of subjects which gave me inspiration for a career in event management. Since completing the programme, I have been working as an Events Assistant with the Northern Ireland Hotels Federation. In this role, I have been able to transfer the skills learnt throughout the programme and use these practically in the organisation of events.
(Judith Potts Northern Ireland Hotels Federation)
‘Committing to the MSc. International Event Management programme was a decision I considered carefully as I had been working professionally for several years. However, I can confidently say that the professional and personal benefits of returning to post-graduate study have been advantageous. The International Event Management programme provided a platform to demonstrate my current highest academic potential through the challenge of post-graduate study. Throughout this experience, I was afforded the opportunity to forge events industry contacts who continue to support my progress in the Event Management field. Within a few months of graduating with Distinction, I was successful in my application as Programme Officer at Culture Night Belfast – one of the largest events in the NI event calendar. For those inspired by the potential of furthering a career in events and tourism industry, I cannot recommend this programme highly enough’.
(Claire Leonard, MSc. International Events Management, Programme Officer with Culture Night Belfast and Cathedral Quarter Trust Projects)
‘Studying the Event Management programme was one of the best decisions I have ever made. Having enjoyed my undergraduate degree in Events Management, I was delighted to return to the University of Ulster to undertake a Masters in International Event Management. The course inspired me from the beginning as it provided me with an interesting mix of subjects to help me learn and grow as an individual academically and professionally. All these acquired skills help me daily in my role as Event Manager for the Belfast City Marathon and Belfast City Half Marathon’.
(Claire O’Reilly, Belfast City Marathon)
