Developing business leaders for the events industry.
The degree is designed to meet the needs of those who want to work in event management, which is now one of the world’s largest industries. You will develop a detailed knowledge of events and the associated leadership skills necessary for this dynamic and experience-driven industry. Ulster University is 2nd in the UK for Hospitality, Event Management and Tourism (The Guardian University Guide 2024).
We have an award-winning team of academic staff with a wealth of knowledge and experience in research and industry across a range of areas in events.
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.
In this section
The BSc (Hons) Event Management is an internationally recognised passport to a successful management career. The degree is for those who thrive in a fast-paced environment and want to provide customers with memorable experiences and develop the skill set to lead a team in this challenging but rewarding industry.
The four-year degree offers key business management subjects alongside specialist event management, media and leisure-related modules. You will enhance your knowledge in the key business management areas of strategy, marketing, finance, human resource management, operations management and entrepreneurship.
This programme is characterised by a blend of theoretical and applied components with emphasis placed on the development of skills, knowledge and theoretical concepts to meet the needs of the events industries. You will have the opportunity to apply theory to practice by organising live events and through our partners, volunteer at prestigious events such as the Belfast City Marathon and the Special Olympics.
You will also gain valuable industry experience through a placement year, which offers a wide range of international opportunities.
100% of the teaching team have achieved Fellowship of the Higher Education Academy and seven of these team members have Senior Fellowship of the Higher Education Academy.
The programme can be completed in five to seven years, depending on level of entry. You complete one or a maximum of two modules per semester, with class contact time approximately three hours per week per module. You will be expected to undertake independent study of around 10 hours per week per module. The modules will be delivered on the Coleraine campus and classes are scheduled in the mornings, afternoons and some evenings, each year, therefore some flexibility may be necessary.
The underpinning theory is delivered through lectures, seminars, tutorials and workshops. From a practical perspective you will have the opportunity to organise and volunteer at live events plus listen to talks from industry leaders. ICT skills are also taught within the course structure, for instance you will have the opportunity to design an event website in the eBusiness Strategy module.
Assessment Methods:
Assessment is principally through assignments, verbal presentations and practical exercises (live events). Assessment of teamwork is through submission of teamwork tasks, student peer and self-assessment, oral presentations and event evaluations.
The content for each course is summarised on the relevant course page, along with an overview of the modules that make up the course.
Each course is approved by the University and meets the expectations of:
As part of your course induction, you will be provided with details of the organisation and management of the course, including attendance and assessment requirements - usually in the form of a timetable. For full-time courses, the precise timetable for each semester is not confirmed until close to the start date and may be subject to some change in the early weeks as all courses settle into their planned patterns. For part-time courses which require attendance on particular days and times, an expectation of the days and periods of attendance will be included in the letter of offer. A course handbook is also made available.
Courses comprise modules for which the notional effort involved is indicated by its credit rating. Each credit point represents 10 hours of student effort. Undergraduate courses typically contain 10, 20, or 40 credit modules (more usually 20) and postgraduate courses typically 15 or 30 credit modules.
The normal study load expectation for an undergraduate full-time course of study in the standard academic year is 120 credit points. This amounts to around 36-42 hours of expected teaching and learning per week, inclusive of attendance requirements for lectures, seminars, tutorials, practical work, fieldwork or other scheduled classes, private study, and assessment. Teaching and learning activities will be in-person and/or online depending on the nature of the course. Part-time study load is the same as full-time pro-rata, with each credit point representing 10 hours of student effort.
Postgraduate Master’s courses typically comprise 180 credits, taken in three semesters when studied full-time. A Postgraduate Certificate (PGCert) comprises 60 credits and can usually be completed on a part-time basis in one year. A 120-credit Postgraduate Diploma (PGDip) can usually be completed on a part-time basis in two years.
Class contact times vary by course and type of module. Typically, for a module predominantly delivered through lectures you can expect at least 3 contact hours per week (lectures/seminars/tutorials). Laboratory classes often require a greater intensity of attendance in blocks. Some modules may combine lecture and laboratory. The precise model will depend on the course you apply for and may be subject to change from year to year for quality or enhancement reasons. Prospective students will be consulted about any significant changes.
Assessment methods vary and are defined explicitly in each module. Assessment can be a combination of examination and coursework but may also be only one of these methods. Assessment is designed to assess your achievement of the module’s stated learning outcomes. You can expect to receive timely feedback on all coursework assessments. This feedback may be issued individually and/or issued to the group and you will be encouraged to act on this feedback for your own development.
Coursework can take many forms, for example: essay, report, seminar paper, test, presentation, dissertation, design, artefacts, portfolio, journal, group work. The precise form and combination of assessment will depend on the course you apply for and the module. Details will be made available in advance through induction, the course handbook, the module specification, the assessment timetable and the assessment brief. The details are subject to change from year to year for quality or enhancement reasons. You will be consulted about any significant changes.
Normally, a module will have 4 learning outcomes, and no more than 2 items of assessment. An item of assessment can comprise more than one task. The notional workload and the equivalence across types of assessment is standardised. The module pass mark for undergraduate courses is 40%. The module pass mark for postgraduate courses is 50%.
The class of Honours awarded in Bachelor’s degrees is usually determined by calculation of an aggregate mark based on performance across the modules at Levels 5 and 6, (which correspond to the second and third year of full-time attendance).
Level 6 modules contribute 70% of the aggregate mark and Level 5 contributes 30% to the calculation of the class of the award. Classification of integrated Master’s degrees with Honours include a Level 7 component. The calculation in this case is: 50% Level 7, 30% Level 6, 20% Level 5. At least half the Level 5 modules must be studied at the University for Level 5 to be included in the calculation of the class.
All other qualifications have an overall grade determined by results in modules from the final level of study. In Master’s degrees of more than 200 credit points the final 120 points usually determine the overall grading.
Figures correct for academic year 2022-2023.
You will be taught by academics who are highly qualified and experts in their fields.
The University employs over 1,000 suitably qualified and experienced academic staff - 60% have PhDs in their subject field and many have professional body recognition.
Courses are taught by staff who are Professors (19%), Readers, Senior Lecturers (22%) or Lecturers (57%).
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 and learning support staff (85%) are recognised as fellows of the Higher Education Academy (HEA) by Advance 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 2022-2023.
Cromore Rd, Coleraine, BT52 1SA
A laid-back campus at the heart of a global tourist attraction.
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Our Campus in Coleraine boasts a variety of indoor and outdoor facilities that are open all year round to students and members of the public.
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At Student Wellbeing we provide many services to help students through their time at Ulster University.
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Here is a guide to the subjects studied on this course.
Courses are continually reviewed to take advantage of new teaching approaches and developments in research, industry and the professions. Please be aware that modules may change for your year of entry. The exact modules available and their order may vary depending on course updates, staff availability, timetabling and student demand. Please contact the course team for the most up to date module list.
Year: 1
Status: C
This module provides students with an overview of the diverse range of food and beverage tours, festivals and events that destinations can harness to diversify their tourism product offering and, therefore, increase their competitiveness. Food is a key part of all cultures, a major element of global intangible heritage and an increasingly important attraction for tourists. So therefore, it is important that students are aware of how food festivals, wine and other beverages tasting trails, cooking experiences and competitions, open farms, factories and food markets can enhance the tourist experience as well as the experience of the locals.
Year: 1
Status: C
The module explores the importance of media (with an emphasis on digital) to business success in the various sectors of the tourism, events and food industries. It develops student skills and understanding in relation to writing and creating content for a variety of media applications as well as providing introductory support in relation to writing and research for their degree studies. As such the module will foster digital creativity and innovation in a variety of contexts and situations applicable to the student's course and their respective industries, leading towards aspects of future employability and entrepreneurship
Year: 1
Status: C
This module introduces students to the business of events. The nature of events is investigated together with the factors leading to successful event planning and implementation. The basic principles of event management are introduced such as sustainability and digital innovation.
Year: 2
Status: C
This module examines the principles of management and applies them to the practice of operational management. The module is both people and action-oriented and examines a range of topics including the development of management theories, the impact of the internal and external business environment and how management contributes to sustainable business futures.
Year: 2
Status: C
This foundation module introduces students to the key concepts involved in the study of tourism and events, including definition, historical development, supply and demand, impacts, current and future challenges facing this industry sector.
Year: 2
Status: C
This module provides students with an understanding of the operating environment in which the management and leadership of events take place today: the eventscape. Students will learn how events are part of an industry that delivers culture, food and drink in a cultural, political, social and economic context. Students will conduct market research into current issues, trends and event case studies and make practical recommendations into improving how real events are managed to meet 21st century drivers such as sustainability, equality, diversity and inclusion and citizenship to minimise environmental impact and maximise social inclusion to event participation.
Year: 3
Status: C
People management forms a large part of every manager's job whether they work in a large multinational organisation, a not-for-profit organisation, or a charity. People management processes are usually designed by HR specialists within the organisation; however, line managers play a pivotal role in implementing and enacting HR policies and practices. Where employees feel positive about their relationship with their line managers, they are more likely to have higher levels of job satisfaction, commitment and loyalty, which are in turn associated with higher levels of performance.
Year: 3
Status: C
This module presents students with an opportunity to gain in-depth knowledge of one of the most important facets of event management, sustainability. Students will learn how to manage the economic, environmental and social impacts within an event context. This will help them understand the complexities involved in the management of sustainable events and the wide range of issues that must be addressed.
Year: 3
Status: C
This practical module explores, digital Innovation and capabilities where students apply theory in utilising digital tools and software to enhance and refine visual creations. The module is designed for students to develop a key digital and soft skills to apply to forthcoming subject related modules and those required by industry.
Year: 4
Status: C
This module focuses on managerial decision making for both SMEs and larger corporations in the tourism and hospitality sectors. The content includes costing, budgeting, investment appraisal and working capital management. The student will be expected to apply knowledge to the decision-making process and discuss alternatives relevant to the service industries.
Year: 4
Status: C
This module introduces students to the importance of responsible business events and provides valuable insights into sustainable practices, social inclusivity, ethical decision-making, community impact and societal wellbeing. Students will learn how to enhance professional business event management practices responsibly, drive positive change, and contribute to a more sustainable and responsible business events industry.
Year: 4
Status: C
Within this module, the key concepts and practices of contemporary marketing are introduced. The module defines marketing and explores the marketing environment and key aspects including segmentation, consumer behaviour, the marketing mix, sustainability and digital marketing. The inquiry-based learning assessment provides the opportunity to apply these concepts to today's evolving marketplace developing employability and innovation skills.
Year: 5
Status: C
This module investigates theory and current practice in the management and leadership of the creation of visitor experiences within the event and tourism industry. There is an emphasis on how event and tourism experiences that include food, drink and culture can be actively managed and take account of current trends in today's current environment, regarding sustainability and technology. This module allows students to develop professional skills of digital innovation and capabilities, along with creativity and communication, through being are engaged in practical, problem-solving activities.
Year: 5
Status: C
This module will develop and enhance the student's ability to carry out research within their chosen business field. The lecture and seminar schedule will cover the main concepts and principles encountered in research design, and each student will be required to write a research proposal on a contemporary issue.
Year: 5
Status: C
This module examines the complete event management process. It examines the requirements for successful event management and integrates with other modules of study, in particular marketing, accounting and people management. Being involved in a live event is an integral part of this module as it provides the opportunity for students to be innovative and develop their management skills.
Year: 6
Status: C
The module explores the current importance and future potential of the internet and digital media to business success in the various sectors of travel/tourism, leisure/events and retail/food management. It deals with planning, development and marketing of such enterprises in today's evolving digital marketplace and seeks to develop student skills with regard to digital creativity and innovation, management and leadership, and entrepreneurship from a strategic perspective to aid in future employability.
Status: O
Year: 6
This module is optional
In this module students are engaged in practical entrepreneurship and will develop their knowledge of entrepreneurship and the entrepreneurial process. This will be evidenced through the development of a business plan for new venture creation, enterprise development, project management or a community-based development project.
Status: O
Year: 6
This module is optional
The contemporary workplace is changing and there has probably never been a more challenging time to be responsible for managing and leading people. Human Resource teams and Line Managers have a major role to play in driving performance, productivity and achieving sustainable competitive advantage. This module provides an opportunity for students to acquire the necessary knowledge and skills needed to help attract, engage and retain the best and most diverse talent pool nationally and internationally.
Status: O
Year: 6
This module is optional
Within this module, students will complete individual research on a topic of interest related to their course and chosen industry. Such inquiry-based learning allows students to further develop key employability and innovation skills while presenting the opportunity to become a subject specialist in their field.
Status: O
Year: 6
This module is optional
This module focuses on managerial decision making for both SMEs and larger corporations in the tourism and hospitality sectors. The content includes costing, budgeting, investment appraisal and working capital management. The student will be expected to apply knowledge to the decision-making process and discuss alternatives relevant to the service industries.
Status: O
Year: 6
This module is optional
Within this module, the pivotal role of digital marketing management is examined. The key elements and practices of developing and executing comprehensive digital marketing strategies, to create impactful campaigns are explored and applied. The inquiry-based and authentic learning approach allows students to enhance vital employability skills and digital innovation capabilities while applying strategic concepts to drive sustainable business growth.
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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A minimum of 5 subject passes (A*-C) to include either three at GCSE (including English and Maths) and two at A Level OR two at GCSE (including English and Maths) and three at A Level.
If you are a mature applicant who lacks formal academic qualifications, you may be admitted to the course if you can satisfy the Course Committee of your ability to complete the course satisfactorily.
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 recognises a number of other English language tests and comparable IELTS equivalent scores.
If you have already obtained the required grade in the relevant Foundation Degree you can opt to complete bridging modules prior to progressing onto the final year of the course. Other qualifications may be considered for exemptions and/or advanced entry based on your prior certificated learning or prior experiential learning.
What exemptions can I get?
Based on recent and successfully completed accredited learning, students can seek exemptions from the programme. 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.
In this section
Graduates from this course are now working for:
With this degree you could become:
Continuing growth within the events industry nationally and internationally provide wide-ranging opportunities for employment and include Events and Conferences Management, Project Management, Marketing and PR, Heritage and Visitor Attractions, Entertainment, Leisure, and Sport.
Opportunities also exist to progress onto postgraduate study including MSc International Tourism Management, MSc International Hospitality Management and MSc International Event Management.
Placement is not a requirement for the part-time programme.
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.
2024/25 Fees
Fees for entry in 2024/25 have not yet been set. See our tuition fees page for the current fees for 2023/24 entry.
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.
I graduated in 2006 and have worked in the events industry ever since. The course offered a unique blend of management theory and practical learning. The classes were engaging and there was a lot of support from the tutors. The course is designed in such a way that graduates leave with the relevant, practical skills employers are looking for. Without this course, I would not have a career I love’
Niamh Cunningham, Events Coordinator at The Open University, Belfast
‘I thoroughly enjoyed studying for my degree in Event Management at Ulster University. It was delivered by the most supportive and enthusiastic lecturers. The course covered a varied and interesting range of topics. There were many opportunities to get involved in live events and gain practical experience. All in all, the course has given me a firm foundation for a successful and exciting career in event management
Gina Conroy, Leisure Manager Causeway Coast and Glens District Council.
‘In addition to obtaining an internationally recognised qualification studying the BSc Event Management at Ulster University has made me more confident and independent. The positive aspects of the course included organising live events, the interactive workshops, projects and seminars. However, for me the highlight was the 48-week industrial placement which helped me secure my current job in the industry.
Sarah Campbell, Marketing and Promotions Manager Argento, Belfast.
