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BA (Hons) Event Management

Discover everything you need to know about the magic of organising successful events - whatever size, scope, or budget. Work on live events from your first year and get a great practical grounding in every aspect of business.

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2022 Graduates organised the successful HBS Grad Ball at Hatfield House

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Undertake live event planning from your first year

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Top 20 in the UK for research quality (Complete University Guide, 2024)

Course overview

Co-creating an event is a bit like magic, from the moment you start to think through the initial ideas and plan it out, to the thrill of watching your audience live your vision.

There is a steep learning curve in the events industry, and it can take several years to get the skills you need. The experience you gain across all event disciplines on this course, and your involvement in actually running events, often fast tracks your career once you enter the events sector.

Learn about imagineering events, where you imagine an event and then work out how to make it happen using the different elements, expertise and experience at your disposal.

This course teaches you everything you need to know to organise successful events of any size, scope, or budget. Consider the project management, people, logistics, marketing, financial and legal aspects of this vibrant sector.

Enjoy working on live events from the first year, getting actively involved and truly appreciating the theory you learn.

Whatever career you go into, you’ll have a practical grounding in every aspect of business because each event is its own project and encompasses so many disciplines.

Develop your own strategies for success with a supportive team committed to helping you find your path, assisting you by providing several learning options, one-on-one tutoring, and other resources. If you have an entrepreneurial spirit, you are encouraged to enter the ‘Flare Ignite’ annual competition (win funding, support and training for your idea) and there are a ton of other CV-enhancing opportunities available.

Why choose this course?

Master the art of exceptional event management as you benefit from a mix of teaching and hands-on practical experience, developing the ability to think fast and be highly responsive.

Benefit from our industry links as you learn from award-winning live event professionals including Global Agency of the Year 2023 and key industry partner, EMC3. EMC3 work closely with our programme team to ensure teaching remains relevant, helping you appreciate the realities of working in tomorrow’s event industry, as well as delivering up-to-date insight into sustainable event planning and delivery, and the production of immersive experiences.

There are exciting and creative assignments to get stuck into. For example, one group planned an imaginary horror weekend event as part of an assignment in year one and had a lot of fun creating their own promotional video!

We work closely with the sector to maintain a strong focus on modern event management, including sustainability, technology, and entrepreneurship. Our collaborations enable us to bring in many successful industry speakers.

Explore an array of extracurricular opportunities that will help strengthen your network and skills and put your knowledge to practice before you graduate.

You get access to a lot of chances for volunteering, with a large number of opportunities to attend real events. This is the fastest route to being a super event organiser because you learn how the theory applies in practice.

If you are entrepreneurially minded, take part in the National University Business Challenge. Want to make a difference? Join our Enactus society, organising worthwhile projects for society.

There is an option for an international field trip in your second year, as well as regular field trips to experience events in action.

We are a caring and friendly university. Your team is fun, lively and super supportive ready to help you work through any academic and personal challenges.

Professional accreditations

Member of the Association for Events Management Education (AEME). The AEME was formed to promote events education in the United Kingdom and elsewhere. They provide a voice for events education, encouraging international exchange of ideas and sharing best practice information.

Your future career

This is an incredibly immersive and experiential course, planned to ensure you are ready to design and deliver a wide range of events that are successful and create the right impact on your customers.

Possible roles of employment include:

  • Event planner
  • Conference coordinator
  • Party organiser
  • Project manager
  • Marketing executive
  • Wedding planner

Join graduates at companies such as Muddy Boots Sleepovers, Rome Ltd, Kisaco Research, ETM Group Ltd and Disney. There are also a number of entrepreneurial graduates including the founders of Hays Events and Events 101.

This course naturally opens up positions in the event management sector. There is also the opportunity and flexibility to go into other roles such as project management or marketing, due to the broad base of sought-after and transferable skills.

See what recent graduates are up to

at Walt Disney World Resort, Florida

Meet Emily, a Go Herts award recipient who set up the Herts SU Disney Society and landed her dream job at the Walt Disney World Resort in Florida.

Life at Herts

Disney fan Emily achieved a Go Herts Award for her work with the Herts Students' Union.

Emily says, ‘from the moment I started at Herts I knew I wanted to start a society. When I heard that I could get a Go Herts Award for my work with the Disney society committee, I started gathering evidence of all the activities I had been involved with. As Society Chair, I organised weekly events, held meetings, planned trips and ran a stand at Freshers Fair. Other activities towards my Go Herts award included work shadowing, volunteering at events in the local area, working for the Students’ Union, as well as being a student rep for my course.

‘The award is such a nice way to showcase the time and effort that I put into hosting events for fellow students, creating a welcoming society for students to enjoy. It also helps my CV stand out -it shows I can be organised and manage my time well.’

'My favourite memories at Herts all revolve around meeting people and the time spent with my friends. During the COVID lockdown I really got to know my flatmates and we spent so much time together in our kitchen, sharing the challenging experience and supporting each other. I also loved my late-night study sessions in the library with my friends from my course, there was nothing more fun than finishing an assignment and ordering waffles to treat ourselves at 1am!’

‘The thing I loved most about my course was the opportunity to study French alongside Event Management, and this was one of the reasons I chose Herts. My French class was small and personal, which was different to the larger lecturers and classes, and it was another opportunity to meet different people. Learning a new language was also so beneficial and Hatfield is a very convenient location to take the Eurostar to Paris.’

Dream job at Disney

Emily landed a three-month summer internship at Walt Disney World Resort in Florida with the Cultural Exchange program.

‘My summer at Disney was amazing, it has been my dream job as long as I can remember. My role involved queue management and customer service, and I was able to use my event management skills. It was the job of a lifetime and opened my eyes to global opportunities. As a Disney fan I had visited parks before, so to be able to see the logistics and operations of Disney World was so interesting. Sitting on my break and seeing Mary Poppins, Alice and Daisy Duck walking around was so fun!

‘I have now moved back home to Devon and work in hospitality, but in the future I would love to work for Disney Destinations International at their London headquarters, or in Disneyland Paris.'

Advice for other students and new graduates

‘My advice is to cherish the friends you make at uni, they will get you through good times and hard times. If it wasn’t for my friends, I wouldn’t have persevered and made it on to the Cultural Exchange program. Also, be creative, take time for yourself and reach out for help if you need it.

‘Apply for any job that sparks your interest, especially while you live in Hertfordshire, which is so close to London. This great location is one of the reasons I chose to study at Herts. You might make connections that will help you out further down the line.

‘I learnt about the Cultural Exchange Program by attending a virtual job fair with Yummy Jobs on Handshake and I would recommend that other students check this out too. There are also other exchange and study abroad opportunities on offer.’

What you'll study

In this fun and practical Event Management course, you are encouraged to develop your skills from the start. You will cover four modules each semester, each with a minimum of two hours of in-person teaching per week. You'll also need to do independent learning.

The programme offers a solid section of topics for the modern event organiser. All modules are practical, and sustainability is a key theme throughout.

Your first year offers a firm foundation in the industry and key areas such as marketing and professional skills. You also get the chance to get involved in live events straight away.

At the end of Level 4 (year one), you have the option to switch to tourism and event management for additional flexibility.

In your second year, delve deeper into key aspects of event management such as risk assessment, with the opportunity to look at areas of specific interest.

Your final year brings your skills together with immersive live projects and the chance to work with local businesses on their own events. You'll organise a student conference as part of your final year project.

The 2022 Hertfordshire Business School (HBS) Grad Ball was organised by Events students also running the events society. Not only was it a lot of fun for all who went but it provided an excellent CV boost for the organisers. It was a direct contributor to many getting GoHerts Awards alongside their degree.

What if I need support?

We provide specialised services to assist your transition to university life, including academic support, wellbeing support, and a personal tutor.

Our Student Success team is committed to providing an environment where all students can learn, and our Future Success network is here to assist you find internships, work placements and graduate positions.

The Business School Student Voice community welcomes new members, and its representatives meet with staff on a regular basis to ensure teaching remains relevant and effective.

Our in-house Centre for Academic Skills Enhancement (CASE) is open to all Business School students, for extra support with academic writing, numeracy and referencing.

Optional sandwich year

At the end of your second year, you have the option to experience a year of working life with a placement, or a shorter internship, a huge CV booster!

Professional work experience is the biggest contributor to your future employability. It allows you to put your knowledge into action, while learning how a business operates and making some handy professional connections.

We'll help you make the most of the experience, holding your hand from start to finish. You also get assistance with your CV, plus help preparing for interviews and presentations at our ground-breaking mock Assessment Centre Experience.

Students on the programme have recently had the opportunity to work at Disney, Bucharest, Four Seasons Hotel, Business Design Centre and Finlayson Media Communications.

You can take a sandwich year abroad, making that decision in your second year. Studying at one of our international partners is a huge personal development opportunity and an amazing experience.

More and more companies are now working internationally, the experience of living in another country will make a great impression on future employers. Put knowledge into action, learn how a business operates and make professional connections.

With over 100 partners in 40 countries, the world really is your oyster!  Our dedicated study abroad office advises you on your options, to help you make the most of this opportunity.

If you study abroad between your second and third year of study, you’ll pay no tuition fee, either to the partner university or us.

At the end of your second year, you have the option to experience a year of working life with a placement, or a shorter internship, a huge CV booster!

Professional work experience is the biggest contributor to your future employability. It allows you to put your knowledge into action, while learning how a business operates and making some handy professional connections.

We'll help you make the most of the experience, holding your hand from start to finish. You also get assistance with your CV, plus help preparing for interviews and presentations at our ground-breaking mock Assessment Centre Experience.

Students on the programme have recently had the opportunity to work at Disney, Bucharest, Four Seasons Hotel, Business Design Centre and Finlayson Media Communications.

Find out more about work placements

You can take a sandwich year abroad, making that decision in your second year. Studying at one of our international partners is a huge personal development opportunity and an amazing experience.

More and more companies are now working internationally, the experience of living in another country will make a great impression on future employers. Put knowledge into action, learn how a business operates and make professional connections.

With over 100 partners in 40 countries, the world really is your oyster!  Our dedicated study abroad office advises you on your options, to help you make the most of this opportunity.

If you study abroad between your second and third year of study, you’ll pay no tuition fee, either to the partner university or us.

Find out more about study abroad options

Where you'll study

You'll be taught on our modern de Havilland Campus, with our 24/7 Learning Resources Centre, offering open and private study spaces. You also get online self-study materials to further support you.

There are dining options, a bar, and a recreational space on campus where you can shoot some pool or play video games. It also houses Hertfordshire Sports Village, featuring a gym, swimming pool, coffee shop and climbing wall.

Discover the Enterprise Hub, a vibrant destination where local firms and students work and learn in comfort.

The Student Union bar and additional facilities are only a 20 minute walk (or short bus ride) away at our second campus, on College Lane. Student housing is available at both campuses.

A train to central London takes just over 20 minutes, and you are also conveniently located on the A1(M) with access to the road network, making travel quick and convenient.

Who you'll learn from

Your teaching team is a fun, enthusiastic and lively group with strong commercial and academic backgrounds in event management, but also the closely related tourism industry. All are focused on delivering an experience the customer will never forget.

It includes multiple nominees for teacher of the year and several winners, meaning you are getting an inspirational and experienced team to learn from.

It includes experienced teachers, presenters and industry professionals with expertise in running regional, national and international events.

There are a number of strong researchers, including those with experience in festival and events research. We are constantly expanding our networks locally, regionally and nationally to further enhance the links between the course and relevant business communities.

Working together, your teaching and support teams are available to assist you in appreciating and reaching your true potential.

Check out our student blogs

How we support our students

At the University of Hertfordshire, we want to make sure your time studying with us is as stress-free and rewarding as possible.

We offer a range of support services, from childcare to counselling, ensuring that you make the most of your time at Herts and can focus on studying, having fun, and have the support you need.

Busy cafe

My typical day

My typical day at university starts with revising materials for the subjects that I will have lectures from on that day. I revisit both recorded lectures and my notes that I gathered from tutorials. This allows me to keep consistency in my learning and allows me to be prepared.

After that, I leave the house and go to the gym. I study on the de Havilland campus, which makes it very convenient for me to combine keeping healthy with studying. The gym is located in the main building. When I am done with working out, I grab a meal at the restaurant, which is only a one-minute walk away. Since I started using the restaurant, I have saved money on food and time on preparing it! I really appreciate the fact that all the facilities are so close to each other which is a massive time saver; I don’t have to make multiple trips. This makes working everything around my university schedule easy.

During the lecture presentations, I follow along on my computer, make notes and try to be active (sometimes it earns you extra points!) After lectures me and my friends use the Learning Resource Centre (LRC) to study together and work on group projects. Sometimes we stay in late and grab a coffee from the LRC café which comes in handy!

Grocery shopping is what usually comes next. I and my flatmates pick up our reusable bags and head towards either ASDA or Aldi, which are about 10 minutes away from the de Havilland Campus. We try to shop for a whole week’s worth of food just once but somehow, we always end up going there every two days ;).

My typical day usually finishes with making popcorn and watching a movie with my friends after I have worked on my individual projects.

Business-and-Event-Management

Things you need to know before studying Events Management & Marketing at university

Hi! Here are a couple of things worth knowing before you decide to study Events Management & Marketing!

Workload 📚

Don’t fear the joint courses! You won’t be studying twice as much, and you won’t be buried in work! Comparing my course with my friends, who study either only Marketing or only Event Management, I have realised that a joint course brings together the best of both worlds and allows you to have a bigger overview of the matter. What more can you ask for? 😇

Consistency

Consistency is key! There is nothing more important than revising regularly and making sure you have done the required reading for the next lecture. It is the best way to learn and makes exam revision way easier. Having said that, don’t stress over missing a revision session once or twice – we all need rest sometimes!

News 📺

Since it is a subject that is taught within the Business School, you will be needed to follow along with any business news that might be applicable. It will be useful not only during your lectures but also later when writing exams. Many times, exam questions will ask for examples from current world situations. Make reading at least one news channel your daily habit and you’re good to go!

Hands-on experience 🖐

Throughout the course, lecturers will be sending out suitable work opportunities they find. Make sure that you try to get at least one job experience. Choosing to go on a placement year is also a promising idea. Having experience is a huge plus to have on your CV (Curriculum Vitae) and future career prospects! If you’re not sure how to go through the recruitment process, Careers and Employment will help you with that. Just book an appointment!

Overall, I am sure you will have an amazing experience on this course, I certainly have! 😊

Accommodation

Why I chose Herts

When deciding on which university to choose I was thinking about many factors. I tried to consider both academic life and my free time. Academically, I chose Herts because of the amazing Business School. I was convinced that the lecturers will provide me with all the knowledge that I will need when starting my career and I was not wrong. Even during my first work experiences I have references and went back to what I learned in the university multiple times.

I also decided to go to Herts because of its facilities. I have lived on both campuses and used both Learning Resource Centres (LRCs), which turned out to be amazing! They not only have teaching materials but also have quiet zones that will help you study and write your assignments. I am also a health-oriented person and having a gym on both campuses came in handy. I was able to go there straight from my classes saving me time. The food available at the restaurant has also been useful when I forgot to pack lunch or was too busy to make one.

When choosing a university, it was important to me for it to have nightlife. When will you party if not in your early 20s, right 💃?! Fortunately, Herts has an amazing club with many themed parties that will keep you up all night! If you don’t enjoy dancing and just want to grab a drink with your friends, on-campus cafes are your places to go.

After studying in Herts for three years, I can honestly say these were some of the best experiences of my life. I have made amazing friends for life, grown as a person and received a great education. If I could make the decision again, I would choose Herts without a doubt! 💞

Entry requirements

The University of Hertfordshire is committed to welcoming students with a wide range of qualifications and levels of experience. The entry requirements listed on the course pages provide a guide to the minimum level of qualifications needed to study each course. However, we have a flexible approach to admissions and each application will be considered on an individual basis.

Typical offer (UCAS points)104–112
Typical A Level offerBCC–BBC
Typical IB offer104–112
Typical BTEC offerDMM
Typical T Level offerDesign Survey and Planning for Construction; Design Production, Design and Development; Education and Childcare; Healthcare Science; Health; Science; Digital Support Services; Digital Business Services; Onsite Construction; Building Services Engineering for Construction; Accounting; Design and Development for Engineering and Manufacturing; Engineering, Manufacturing, Processing and Control; Finance; Maintenance, Installation and Repair for Engineering and Manufacturing; Management and Administration; Agriculture, Land Management and Production; Legal Services.
GCSEGrade 4/C in English Language and Mathematics.
Access courses104–112
Additional informationFind out more about our Undergraduate Entry Requirements.

English language

All students from non-majority English speaking countries require proof of English language proficiency, equivalent to an overall IELTS score of 6.0 with a minimum of 5.5 in each band.

If you do not have the required IELTS or equivalent for direct entry on to your degree programme, our Pre-sessional English and International Foundation courses can help you to achieve this level.

Additional information

Find out more about International Entry Requirements.

Typical offer (UCAS points)104–112
Typical A Level offerBCC–BBC
Typical IB offer112–120 UCAS points
Typical BTEC offerDMM
Typical T Level offerDesign Survey and Planning for Construction; Design Production, Design and Development; Education and Childcare; Healthcare Science; Health; Science; Digital Support Services; Digital Business Services; Onsite Construction; Building Services Engineering for Construction; Accounting; Design and Development for Engineering and Manufacturing; Engineering, Manufacturing, Processing and Control; Finance; Maintenance, Installation and Repair for Engineering and Manufacturing; Management and Administration; Agriculture, Land Management and Production; Legal Services.
GCSEGrade 4/C in English Language and Mathematics.
Access courses112–120 points
Additional informationFind out more about our Undergraduate Entry Requirements.

English language

All students from non-majority English speaking countries require proof of English language proficiency, equivalent to an overall IELTS score of 6.0 with a minimum of 5.5 in each band.

If you do not have the required IELTS or equivalent for direct entry on to your degree programme, our Pre-sessional English and International Foundation courses can help you to achieve this level.

Additional information

Find out more about International Entry Requirements.

Ready to apply?

UK and EU applicants with pre-settled/settled status in the UK
Start date Study typeApply
September 2025 Full time Apply via UCAS
Full time with placement year Apply via UCAS
Full time with study abroad year Apply via UCAS
Part time Apply with Herts

International and EU applicants without pre-settled status in the UK

Apply through our international/EU application portal

Fees and funding

At Herts, we’re dedicated to providing world-class teaching supported by industry-level facilities and incredible social spaces. We believe cost shouldn’t be a barrier to higher education, and we strive to keep both our standard and additional costs as low as possible.

Study typeFees
UK students Full time £9,250 for the 2024/2025 academic year
Part time £1,155 per 15 credits for the 2024/2025 academic year
EU students Full time £15,500 for the 2024/2025 academic year
Part time £1,940 per 15 credits for the 2024/2025 academic year
International students Full time £15,500 for the 2024/2025 academic year
Part time £1,940 per 15 credits for the 2024/2025 academic year

Tuition fees are charged annually. The fees quoted above are for the specified year(s) only. Fees may be higher in future years, for both new and continuing students. Please see the University’s Fees and Finance Policy (and in particular the section headed “When tuition fees change”), for further information about when and by how much the University may increase its fees for future years.

Scholarships, grants  and bursaries

Depending on your circumstances, you may be eligible for a non-repayable scholarship, grant or bursary to support your studies.

Disabled Students' Allowance

The Disabled Students’ Allowance can cover any study-related costs you have because of a mental health problem, long term illness or any other disability.

Student loans

Find out about securing a student loan, from how much you could be eligible for to when you need to start making repayments.

Accommodation costs

We offer a great choice of student accommodation, on campus or nearby in the local area, to suit every student budget.

Additional course fees

Read more about additional fees in the course fact sheet.

Study typeFees
UK studentsFull time£9,250 for the 2025/2026 academic year
Part time£1,155 per 15 credits for the 2025/2026 academic year
EU studentsFull time£15,965 for the 2025/2026 academic year
Part time£1,995 per 15 credits for the 2025/2026 academic year
International studentsFull time£15,965 for the 2025/2026 academic year
Part time£1,995 per 15 credits for the 2025/2026 academic year

Tuition fees are charged annually. The fees quoted above are for the specified year(s) only. Fees may be higher in future years, for both new and continuing students. Please see the University’s Fees and Finance Policy (and in particular the section headed “When tuition fees change”), for further information about when and by how much the University may increase its fees for future years.

Scholarships, grants  and bursaries

Depending on your circumstances, you may be eligible for a non-repayable scholarship, grant or bursary to support your studies.

Disabled Students' Allowance

The Disabled Students’ Allowance can cover any study-related costs you have because of a mental health problem, long term illness or any other disability.

Student loans

Find out about securing a student loan, from how much you could be eligible for to when you need to start making repayments.

Accommodation costs

We offer a great choice of student accommodation, on campus or nearby in the local area, to suit every student budget.

Additional course fees

Read more about additional fees in the course fact sheet.

More about the course

Course fact sheets
BA (Hons) Event Management Download PDF
Programme specifications
BA (Hons) Event Management Download PDF
Additional information

Applications open to international and EU students

Yes

Course length

Full Time, 3 YearsPart Time, 6 YearsSandwich, 4 Years

Not ready to apply?