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BA (Hons) Events Management

UCAS CODE: VFV1 (Full-time) or VFV4 (Foundation Year)
TARIFF: 88 - 112 (Full-time) or 32 - 56 (Foundation Year)
Jump to:
  • Study Mode: Full Time
  • Location: High Wycombe
  • Duration: Three or Four Years
  • Start Date: September 2023
Are you interested in learning to run events? From large scale festivals and arena gigs to conferences, corporate events, luxury product launches, grass roots venues and concert halls, our Events Management programme can prepare you for all.  
Taught by established industry professionals and experienced academics, you’ll discover the roles and responsibilities associated with the management and operation of every aspect of the event and entertainment industry and the economics, logistics and information flow that sustain it.

Pathways

Our Events Management programme gives you the opportunity to choose your specialism for your future career after your experience of the core curriculum in year one. Rather than having to make your big career decision before you join us, we introduce you to various specialisms and offer you the flexibility to choose the pathway which leads to your chosen career.

Make your application to BA (Hons) Events Management. You'll then choose one of the below pathways after your first year and your final degree award will be the pathway you have chosen.

These pathways are also offered as four-year programmes, including an initial Foundation Year. The Foundation Year will allow you to develop your academic study skills and build confidence in your abilities, identifying your own strengths and development needs for progression onto an undergraduate programme.

Events Festivals and Venue Management
BA (Hons) Events Management Pathway

What will I study on this pathway?

This pathway gives you all the skills to start a career in the events industry, whether you want to join an existing company or set up your own business. Whether you dream of being a wedding planner or organising international corporate events, the BA (Hons) Events Management pathway can give you the skills you need to succeed.

Interior design header
BA (Hons) Music and Live Events Management Pathway

What will I study on this pathway?

This programme focuses on the unique nature of working in music event management. You'll study a number of entrepreneurial approaches to the music business and spend time exploring the social and cultural factors that affect the production and consumption of popular music. You'll be able to gain a broad understanding of how events are planned, marketed, developed and run, through both classroom work and practical projects.

Why study this subject?

The UK events industry is thriving, with knowledgeable graduates in high demand. With no two days the same in an events role, an Events Management degree can give you the skills and experience to handle whatever comes your way.

Why study at Buckinghamshire New University?

Our programme is delivered by established industry professionals with diverse backgrounds within the industry. Your teaching team includes a Mercury Music Prize winner, an award winning concert promoter, wedding planners, former record company executives, touring musicians, and digital & brand partnership specialists. As well as this you’ll benefit from guest lectures and workshops from visiting industry associates, which can introduce you to new and emerging issues across the sector.

Our course combines theory and practical work, covering all the fundamental principles of event management, setting you up perfectly to enter this industry. You’ll learn key business skills such as PR and risk assessment as well as work on the real-life, real-time production of small, medium and large-scale events. From the beginning of your studies, you’ll collaborate with fellow students on other programmes, such as music or film courses, to bring events together.

In the first year, you’ll learn about the basic structures of the various types of events, such as conferences, exhibitions, festivals, sport events and the entertainment and experience industry as whole; details of how events are planned and organised professionally and about marketing and promotion of various types of events. You’ll also study core management skills, both for yourself and for the development of venues, artists and companies. You’ll finish your first year by learning the art of public relation (PR) as well as risk assessment and knowledge of various legislations required by the government in order to operate in the event industry safely and responsibly.

In second year, you’ll work on producing real events, and learning the skills necessary to translate business ideas into practice. This year will foster and develop communication and interpersonal skills, and problem-solving in real time, pressurised situations.

Your final year will be focused on an individual project, supported by modules that look at the strategic and long-term thinking that informs the industry. 

Opportunity modules are a key part of the BNU curriculum. You’ll choose modules in both your first and second year from a broad selection in areas such as sustainability, entrepreneurship, creativity, digital skills, personal growth, civic engagement, health & wellbeing and employment. Opportunity modules are designed to enable you to develop outside the traditional boundaries of your discipline and help you to further stand out from the crowd to future employers.

All our music degrees at Buckinghamshire New University come with membership of UK Music’s Music Academic Partnership (MAP). UK Music is the collective voice of the UK’s world-leading music industry. We represent all sectors of our industry – bringing them together to collaborate, campaign, and champion music. The members of UK Music are: AIM, BPI, FAC, The Ivors Academy, MMF, MPA, MPG, MU, PPL, PRS for Music. UK Music also has an informal association with LIVE (Live music Industry Venues & Entertainment). MAP is a ground-breaking collaboration between educational institutions and UK Music, and is designed to maximise the relationship between the industry and educational institutions in order to inform the next generation of industry professionals.

Gateway building with various rides at event
Winterland Annual Event
Bucks Live Roadside Advertising feature
Bucks Live – Roadside Advertising feature
ex students in box office for event
Subwoofers box office staffed by ex students
children on teacup rides at event near gateway building
Teacups at Winterland
ice rink in zen rose garden on campus
Ice Rink at Winterland
Former Events Students Celebrating International Women’s Day
Former Events Students Celebrating International Women’s Day
former events students outside gateway building
Former Events Students
Former Events Students Interview on Local radio
Former Events Students Interview on Local radio
students in sunshine at Subwoofers Student Event
Subwoofers – Student Event
I graduated in 2019 having taken part in both the first Winterland and the first Bucks Live events to be taken onto another site - SubWoofers. Both of these events were highly valuable to the course and I think they give great advantage to students as I don't know anyone else who has been given these opportunities.
Lauren Robinson

What facilities can I use?

Our library is packed with all the information you need for your assessments and there’s plenty of room to knuckle down for some quiet study.

Whilst studying with us you will also use our AppsAnywhere web service, which provides access to many of the software applications you use for learning and studying. AppsAnywhere can be used from your own device or from a University owned PC or laptop, from any location.

It would have been near impossible for me to have already experienced being an event manager for an event that drew in over 3,000 customers if it wasn’t for Bucks Live. It puts the students on this course a step ahead of those on other event courses across the country, and I imagine it must have a significant impact on the immediate employability of graduating students.
Jessie Hall

How will I be taught and assessed?

  • On this course you will be taught with a mixture of:
  • Lectures
  • Seminars
  • Workshops
  • Event planning tasks

You will be assessed in a number of ways, including written assignments, group presentations, and practical exams.

Previous work experience and internship opportunities

In previous years we’ve been able to offer our students a range of different opportunities to work at a range of different events, festivals & projects. Including, but not limited to:

  • Reading Festival - Assistant Zone Managers
  • Wireless Festival - H&S Inductions, Licensing Office
  • Hyde Park British Summertime - H&S Inductions, Licensing Office
  • Wembley Arena
  • Creamfields - H&S Inductions, Licensing Office
  • Download Festival - H&S Inductions, Licensing Office
  • Aylesbury Waterside Theatre
  • Mind Body & Spirit
  • Common & Steelyard - H&S Inductions, Licensing Office
  • Ginger Owl Productions - Various Roles and Opportunities across a wide range of events.
  • BBC Radio 1 Weekender - H&S Inductions, Licensing Office & Production Office
  • ILMC Conference - Assistants roles at the biggest Music Industry Conference in UK, with all major Artists Agents, Promoters, Artists Management companies, Venue and Arena Operators and Festival Organisers
  • Plus many more!

BA (Hons) Event Management Programme Specification

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Open Days

We understand that when it comes to deciding where you’d like to study, there are a lot of things to consider. Come along to our Open Day and discover why BNU could be the place for you. You can find out more about your course, meet the course team, and get all your questions answered.

 

Book your spot today
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Application Guide

For everything you need to know about applying, check out our Application Guide. You can find useful information for each stage of your application journey – from before you even apply to what to do if you receive an offer, and everything in between.   

 

Read more
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Students' Union

At BNU, we believe in putting our students first. That’s why we’re the only university in the UK to offer free access to such a diverse and exciting range of activities through our SU – all to enrich your university experience.

 

Get involved

What are the course entry requirements?

A typical offer will require a UCAS tariff score of: 88 - 112 (Full-time) or 32 - 56 (Foundation Year)

A minimum of 2 A-levels (or equivalent) is required. Every application is considered on an individual basis.

For further details of our international English entry requirements, please visit our international pages.

Applicants who do not meet the minimum requirements for the three-year undergraduate programme, or those who do not feel fully prepared for a degree course, can apply for a four-year programme including a Foundation Year; find out more.

Modules

This provides a guide of the modules that make up your course. You can find more information about how your course is structured on our Academic Advice section.

BA (Hons) Events Management Pathway
Core Modules
Credits
Discover career choices in the music industry and study what it takes to forge a career related to music. You'll also learn key industry-related words and phrases to help you understand terms used in future modules in undergraduate programmes in the areas of audio and music.
You’ll learn about the overlap between study skills and employability skills and develop your existing abilities in both areas. You’ll be prepared for successful progression to Level 4 academic study whilst preparing yourself for employment through inquiry-based learning, problem solving and critical and creative thinking.
You’ll develop the skills associated with leadership and self-development and social and ethical awareness and responsibility, which are essential for success in higher education and in the world of work. This module will prepare you for successful progression to Level 4 academic study while allowing you to learn about employment in the twenty-firs...

Read more

This module has been designed to develop your understanding of key concepts and themes as well as basic methodologies and approaches to academic work. You’ll have the opportunity to analyse a problem or question that relates to your subject area, making use of information gathered from various sources using different methods and strategies.
Core Modules
Credits
You'll be taught how to examine the range and role of music & entertainment organisations responsible for the management and administration of the industry, and key issues they currently face. You'll look at artist management, record & publishing companies, copyright & collection societies, retail, streaming, broadcast, social media and DIY culture...

Read more

This module is an introduction to events planning. The basic business structures of events and a thorough knowledge of venue selection and the differences on offer within the event industry will be discussed. This module aims to foster an in-depth understanding of the process, planning, budgeting, staging and evaluation of various types of events.
This module looks at branding and the creation of identity across multiple platforms, both on and offline, with a focus on managing a personal brand in the context of the mainstream and independent music and entertainment industries. You'll also be introduced to fundamental principles of management, both self and in the context of organisations.
You'll be introduced to the principles of marketing theory in the context of the event & entertainment industries & explore links between identifying event attendees’ needs & wants and event marketing. You'll study how these principles can offer an understanding of the market, including how marketing impacts fans, events and other facilitators.
This module introduces the key principles of the Licensing Act 2003 and its application within the event industry. The module also aims to provide a thorough knowledge of how to comply with the Four Key Pillars of the Licensing Act 2003 and health & safety management.
Opportunity Modules

You must choose 2 x 10 credit Level 4 Opportunity modules from the Opportunity module catalogue.

Core Modules
Credits
This module aims to provide you with knowledge of the structure, inter-relationship & interdisciplinary nature of tourism, hospitality & events. You'll study conceptual frameworks, typologies and definitions to better understand the sector and motivational factors for consumers as well as their impact on sustainability & local community.
You'll study the processes required for planning, managing and co-ordinating all aspects of staging a live event at a professional level. The finished event will be reviewed and evaluated in the context of the initial aims and objectives as well as design and creation of the event’s experience using a range of business and management theories.
The aim of the module is to provide you with an introduction to research methods and the skills necessary for planning and conducting research and enquiry within their field of study, discipline or professional contexts.
Optional Modules
Credits
This module builds on the foundations of the Level 4 Introduction to Artist Development module, focusing now on concepts pertinent to contemporary artist management. Teaching sessions will be delivered by members of the academic team and, where appropriate, guest speakers from industry.
You'll study the diversity and cultural significance of private parties across the globe with a focus on the planning and design of weddings and the impact of the wedding industry on the UK economy. We'll help you gain a thorough knowledge of the process, planning, staging and evaluation of hosting private parties in the UK and abroad.
Building on theories and practices in the events industry introduced at level 4, you'll study the specifics of venue management and event promotion, including events management, marketing principles, budget structures, the different management roles within the events industry and the production processes of organising an event.
This module aims to provide you with insight into key areas of managing sport events. You'll study sports marketing, sponsorship, PR & media, finance, and international mega sport. You'll also have the chance to develop managerial and enterprise skills to be able to successfully implement and manage local, national and international sports events.
Opportunity Modules

In addition, you must choose 2 x 10 credit Level 5 Opportunity modules from the Opportunity module catalogue.

Core Modules
Credits
This module will give you a thorough understanding of the fundamental topics needed to manage projects within a complex and ever-changing environment. You’ll develop a deeper understanding of both theoretical and practical aspects of project management and gain the essential skills necessary to plan, monitor, control and deliver successful projects...

Read more

You'll study operational & strategic management strategies in the context of corporate & business events. This module aims to provide you with business acumen in the corporate events sector. You'll undertake analysis of changing global trends and what these mean for key stakeholders, such as destinations, venues and the business community at large.
This module aims to give you the ability to understand & implement concepts of leadership and management, their relationship with one another and the challenge of definition in differing organisation contexts. The industry is multi layered so management may involve leading other managers to implement successful strategy for a range of stakeholders.
Optional Modules
Credits
This module aims to encourage strategic thought in contemporary music & events. You'll study strategic management and international issues faced from the globalisation of the industry. You'll have the chance to reflect on moral dilemmas in the music & event sector and develop your philosophical appreciation of the role of music & events in society.
You'll study digital marketing management in the context of the music, event & entertainment industries. You'll look at current and future challenges presented by new & emerging technologies as they apply to marketing management, and consider how to apply an integrated marketing approach to promotion in the music, event & entertainment industries.
You'll examine a range of issues, trends and problems facing today’s music, events and entertainment industries. Lectures will be given by a different member of the teaching team or a guest lecturer each week, introducing you to a wide variety of topics and different teaching styles and to areas of the industry outside your particular area.
This module introduces intellectual property law and how critical it is to the economic structure of the music and entertainment industries. Set against the framework of the legal system in the UK, you'll study copyright, trademarks, design rights and allied areas of intellectual property law, as well as the Copyright Designs & Patents Act 1988 and...

Read more

BA (Hons) Music and Live Events Management Pathway
Core Modules
Credits
Discover career choices in the music industry and study what it takes to forge a career related to music. You'll also learn key industry-related words and phrases to help you understand terms used in future modules in undergraduate programmes in the areas of audio and music.
You’ll learn about the overlap between study skills and employability skills and develop your existing abilities in both areas. You’ll be prepared for successful progression to Level 4 academic study whilst preparing yourself for employment through inquiry-based learning, problem solving and critical and creative thinking.
You’ll develop the skills associated with leadership and self-development and social and ethical awareness and responsibility, which are essential for success in higher education and in the world of work. This module will prepare you for successful progression to Level 4 academic study while allowing you to learn about employment in the twenty-firs...

Read more

This module has been designed to develop your understanding of key concepts and themes as well as basic methodologies and approaches to academic work. You’ll have the opportunity to analyse a problem or question that relates to your subject area, making use of information gathered from various sources using different methods and strategies.
Core Modules
Credits
You'll be taught how to examine the range and role of music & entertainment organisations responsible for the management and administration of the industry, and key issues they currently face. You'll look at artist management, record & publishing companies, copyright & collection societies, retail, streaming, broadcast, social media and DIY culture...

Read more

This module is an introduction to events planning. The basic business structures of events and a thorough knowledge of venue selection and the differences on offer within the event industry will be discussed. This module aims to foster an in-depth understanding of the process, planning, budgeting, staging and evaluation of various types of events.
This module looks at branding and the creation of identity across multiple platforms, both on and offline, with a focus on managing a personal brand in the context of the mainstream and independent music and entertainment industries. You'll also be introduced to fundamental principles of management, both self and in the context of organisations.
You'll be introduced to the principles of marketing theory in the context of the event & entertainment industries & explore links between identifying event attendees’ needs & wants and event marketing. You'll study how these principles can offer an understanding of the market, including how marketing impacts fans, events and other facilitators.
This module introduces the key principles of the Licensing Act 2003 and its application within the event industry. The module also aims to provide a thorough knowledge of how to comply with the Four Key Pillars of the Licensing Act 2003 and health & safety management.
Opportunity Modules

You must choose 2 x 10 credit Level 4 Opportunity modules from the Opportunity module catalogue.

Core Modules
Credits
You'll study the processes required for planning, managing and co-ordinating all aspects of staging a live event at a professional level. The finished event will be reviewed and evaluated in the context of the initial aims and objectives as well as design and creation of the event’s experience using a range of business and management theories.
The aim of the module is to provide you with an introduction to research methods and the skills necessary for planning and conducting research and enquiry within their field of study, discipline or professional contexts.
The module aims to give you the knowledge to become self-employed in the music/events/entertainment industries. You'll study concepts and techniques relevant to content-driven businesses, such as marketing, promotion and potential income streams, to evaluate the success of contemporary small business practices. You'll also consider approaches to co...

Read more

Optional Modules
Credits
You'll study social and cultural theory in the context of the music & event industries and explore the links between audiences, media & industry in a societal context. You'll study how social & cultural theory gives a unique perspective on the relationship between fans, industry and media and look at theories of fandom, subcultures & audiences.
You'll study historic & current developments of publishing practice & legal principles underpinning today's music industry, including examining the creative, financial & business roles within music publishing. You'll study collecting societies, copyright law and publishing contracts with practical application to the music & entertainment industry.
This placement offers you the chance to gain hands on real-life experience of the workplace, where you can connect and expand your academic knowledge to develop and enhance your employability skills and practice a professional work ethic.
Building on theories and practices in the events industry introduced at level 4, you'll study the specifics of venue management and event promotion, including events management, marketing principles, budget structures, the different management roles within the events industry and the production processes of organising an event.
This module aims to provide you with insight into key areas of managing sport events. You'll study sports marketing, sponsorship, PR & media, finance, and international mega sport. You'll also have the chance to develop managerial and enterprise skills to be able to successfully implement and manage local, national and international sports events.
Opportunity Modules

In addition, you must choose 2 x 10 credit Level 5 Opportunity modules from the Opportunity module catalogue.

Core Modules
Credits
This module will give you a thorough understanding of the fundamental topics needed to manage projects within a complex and ever-changing environment. You’ll develop a deeper understanding of both theoretical and practical aspects of project management and gain the essential skills necessary to plan, monitor, control and deliver successful projects...

Read more

You'll investigate, analyse and critically evaluate a range of social issues related to the production and consumption of music from a criminological, sociological, and cultural theoretic perspective. This module is updated each academic year so that present social issues affecting music are included.
You'll study operational & strategic management strategies in the context of corporate & business events. This module aims to provide you with business acumen in the corporate events sector. You'll undertake analysis of changing global trends and what these mean for key stakeholders, such as destinations, venues and the business community at large.
Optional Modules
Credits
This module aims to encourage strategic thought in contemporary music & events. You'll study strategic management and international issues faced from the globalisation of the industry. You'll have the chance to reflect on moral dilemmas in the music & event sector and develop your philosophical appreciation of the role of music & events in society.
You'll study digital marketing management in the context of the music, event & entertainment industries. You'll look at current and future challenges presented by new & emerging technologies as they apply to marketing management, and consider how to apply an integrated marketing approach to promotion in the music, event & entertainment industries.
You'll examine a range of issues, trends and problems facing today’s music, events and entertainment industries. Lectures will be given by a different member of the teaching team or a guest lecturer each week, introducing you to a wide variety of topics and different teaching styles and to areas of the industry outside your particular area.
This module introduces intellectual property law and how critical it is to the economic structure of the music and entertainment industries. Set against the framework of the legal system in the UK, you'll study copyright, trademarks, design rights and allied areas of intellectual property law, as well as the Copyright Designs & Patents Act 1988 and...

Read more

What are the tuition fees

Home

Home, Academic Year 2023 - 2024

£9,250 per year

International

Overseas/International, Academic Year 2023 - 2024

£15,000 per year

Most courses will involve some additional costs that are not covered by your fees.

You could benefit from financial support through a bursary or scholarship during your time as a student. For more details visit our financial support, bursaries and scholarships section.

Questions about fees?

Contact our Enquiries Team:

0330 123 2023

advice@bnu.ac.uk

What are my career prospects? 

Throughout your time with us we’ll support you on the route to your chosen career. We’ll help you to develop crucial skills, encouraging you to become enterprising, employable and good leaders. We also help you find employment after graduation. Have a look at our Careers and Employability pages to find out more.

Our BA (Hons) Events Management and BA (Hons) Music and Live Events Management Pathways will help prepare you for a range of career possibilities, such as:

  • Event Planner
  • Wedding Planner
  • Events Marketing & PR
  • Licensing
  • Health & Safety
  • Concert and Live Music Events Promoter
  • Festival Manager
  • Venue Manager
  • Tour Manager

Previous BNU Events students have gone on to work for companies and events including Glastonbury, the SEE Arena Wembley, Broadwick Live, Coda, Festival Republic, IMG, Eventim Apollo, and Ginger Owl Productions.

Graduates can also choose to study for a postgraduate course.

Course leader

Staff profile photo of lecturer Anahita Malek
Dr Anahita Malek
  • Senior Lecturer
Read full profile
Head and shoulders photo of a smiling Paul Fields wearing glasses with a coat and scarf on
Paul Fields
  • Senior Lecturer
Read full profile
Dave Cronen Staff Profile Photo
Dave Cronen
  • Associate Lecturer
Read full profile
A head and shoulders shot of a smiling Bryan mace wearing a grey suit jacket with a black shirt and tie stood looking into the camera
Bryan Mace
  • Senior Lecturer
Read full profile
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