Event management courses

From organising corporate conferences to delivering large-scale festivals, the demand for event professionals continues to grow. Learn more about events management courses to build a successful career in the industry

What are events management courses?

Events management courses are designed to help you develop the skills you need to plan, organise, and run events successfully. Through these courses, you'll learn how to handle everything from logistics and budgeting to marketing, public relations, and risk management.

You won't just study theory - you'll get hands-on experience by working on projects, participating in internships, and even assisting with live events. Whether you're looking for a short-term certification or a full undergraduate or postgraduate degree, these courses can equip you with the practical knowledge and confidence to kickstart your career in events management.

What are the benefits of events courses?

Taking a course in events management gives you the knowledge and practical skills employers are looking for. You'll be able to show your expertise not just through theory, but by gaining real-world experience - whether that's through formal placements, internships, or running events for a university club or society.

In this field, you'll be:

• evaluating their success
• making sure they run smoothly
• planning events.

By taking a course, you'll learn exactly what this role involves, the skills you need to succeed, and what you can expect in terms of career opportunities and salary.

What events qualifications can I do?

You can study events courses at Level 2 (GCSE level) up to Level 7 (equivalent to a Masters degree), giving you the qualifications you need to boost your career prospects.

Many courses also include a year in the industry, so you'll gain both valuable knowledge and hands-on experience- preparing you to step confidently into the professional world.

Higher education courses in events

With a Level 2 or 3 events qualification, you can progress to higher-level study, like a foundation degree or a Bachelors degree, or start a career in areas like festivals, weddings, conferences, and corporate events.

For example, the Level 2 Certificate in Event Planning from Sunderland College will build your knowledge in areas such as:

• communication
• customer service marketing
• human resources
• market research.

This distance learning course offers a nationally recognised qualification, helps you build lasting skills for a career in adult social care, and provides dedicated tutor support to guide you throughout your studies.

If you're looking to study at Level 3, the events management course at Hertford Regional College helps to develop your planning, coordination, and networking skills. You'll plan and deliver local events, attending behind-the-scenes trips under the guidance of experienced industry lecturers.

Search for Level 2 or Level 3 courses in events.

Events apprenticeships

It's hard to find an apprenticeship that is purely focused on events management, but there are many apprenticeship routes that include skills and responsibilities directly linked to working in the events industry.

For example, the Level 2 Professional Security Operative Apprenticeship from The Square Metre Group equips individuals with the skills to protect people, property, and assets at events, leading to an Security Industry Authority-recognised qualification.

Apprentices gain experience in:

• enforcing safety procedures
• monitoring event areas
• responding to incidents
• supporting counter-terrorism efforts.

Career opportunities include roles such as security guard and event security, with progression into specialist or management positions.

You could also consider an events hospitality apprenticeship.

HNCs and HNDs in events

A higher national certificate (HNC) or diploma (HND) in events management can take you straight into work in the events and hospitality industry or allow you to continue your studies at university. These qualifications also give you a strong base for future management roles or progression to a full degree in events, hospitality, or related fields.

At Edinburgh College, the HNC Events course develops the practical skills you need for careers in conferences, festivals, and hospitality. You'll cover:

• budgeting
• customer care
• event planning
• event software
• food and beverage management
• legislation
• marketing.

Entry usually requires one GCSE grade 4/C or above (or Higher, C or above), three GCSEs at grade 4/C or above (or National 5s, including Maths and English), or equivalent experience.

If you'd prefer to study at Level 5, The Event School London offers a one-year HND in Event Management. Delivered by industry professionals, it combines classroom learning, real-world event planning, career support, and a one-month internship - making it a practical alternative to university. To apply, you'll need five GCSEs or two A-Levels, or a Level 3 Certificate.

Bachelors degrees in events management

An undergraduate degree in event management gives you both a broad overview of the industry and the practical experience to start a career in areas such as conferences, weddings, trade fairs, and music festivals.

At Leeds Beckett University, the BA Events Management - taught at the UK Centre for Events Management - covers everything from planning and delivering events to running your own event business. You'll study topics like the social impact of events and sustainable event planning, while gaining hands-on experience across different sectors and learning to manage staff and suppliers.

Some universities offer more specialist routes. For example, the BA in Sustainable Festival Management at Falmouth University includes modules on:

• crisis management
• festival design
• finance.

You'll have an optional placement year to build industry experience and a strong professional portfolio.

Other courses combine events with related fields. The BA Tourism and Events Management at the University of Westminster blends practical skills such as budgeting and planning with tourism theory, and includes international field trips to broaden your perspective.

Most event management degrees emphasise practical projects and coursework over exams, and many include a placement year - so it's worth checking what each university offers.

Postgraduate courses in events

A Masters in event management allows you to specialise and build advanced skills tailored to your career goals.

At Bournemouth University, the MSc Events Management offers pathways in:

• crisis and disaster management
• conference tourism
• entrepreneurship
• international sports management
• global food and drink.

The course also includes an optional placement year, giving you valuable industry experience. Tuition fees are £10,250 for UK students.

The MSc International Events Management at Manchester Metropolitan University blends academic study with hands-on experience through projects, workshops, volunteering, and free certifications from companies like Microsoft and Adobe - strengthening both your CV and career prospects. You can also take an optional internship year to build industry connections and gain experience in Manchester's events scene. Tuition fees are £11,500 per year for UK students.

At the University of Surrey, the MSc International Events Management includes a compulsory live events project where you'll plan, market, budget, and deliver a real event to strengthen your portfolio. Tuition fees are £12,400 for UK students.

Search for postgraduate courses in events management.

Events bootcamps and CPD

If you want to gain qualifications without the high cost of a degree, short courses offer a flexible, practical option. Lasting from a single day to several weeks, many are recognised by industry bodies and provide a strong foundation in both theory and practice. If you're already working in events, your employer may even cover the cost.

For example, Event Academy's Intensive Event Management Diploma runs for one week and costs £1,795. The course combines in-person and virtual lessons, covering:

• budgeting and documentation
• operational planning
• risk management
• strategic planning
• venue management
• virtual event management.

Assessment is through a live client project and an exam, giving you hands-on experience to apply immediately in the workplace.

If you're looking to retrain or change career, a skills bootcamp can be a fast, practical way to gain industry-ready experience. For instance, the Live Events Skills Bootcamp from Creative Alliance is a free, intensive four-week course designed for anyone aged 19 or over who wants to explore the technical side of theatre and live events.

Delivered in partnership with the Midlands Arts Centre, the programme offers hands-on training in:

• lighting
• rigging
• safe working at height
• show control software
• sound
• stage work.

By the end of the course, you'll have developed practical skills, industry insight, and the professional grounding to help you to secure work as an lighting or sound technician.

Find out if you're eligible to join a skills bootcamp.

Can I do an events course online?

Yes. Online events courses are widely available, ranging from short introductory modules to fully accredited diplomas. They offer a flexible way to build skills and gain qualifications from anywhere - perfect if you're balancing work, study, or other commitments.

Many programmes include interactive features such as live webinars and discussion forums. These give you the chance to connect with industry professionals without needing to attend in-person.

For example, the Chartered Institute of Marketing offers the Event Design and Management course - an intermediate-level, two-day virtual programme focused on planning and delivering live, virtual, and hybrid events.

The course covers:

• accessibility
• calculating return on investment
• event strategy
• logistics
• legal compliance
• stakeholder management
• sustainability.

Participants also learn how to use technology to support online and hybrid events, manage speakers and sponsors, and design engaging, profitable experiences. The course costs £999 and runs every two months.

Discover how to choose an online learning platform.

How do I apply for an events course?

Start by researching universities, colleges, or training institutions that offer programmes aligned with your career goals, whether it's a:

• certificate
• diploma
• undergraduate degree
• Masters degree
• short certification.

Review the entry requirements carefully, as most courses ask for GCSEs or equivalent, and some may value prior experience in hospitality, business, or customer service.

Prepare your application by completing the online form, gathering academic transcripts, and writing a personal statement that highlights your interest in events, organisational skills, and any relevant work experience you may have, such as volunteering or coordinating activities.

Depending on the institution, you may also need to provide a CV, references, or proof of English language proficiency if applying internationally.

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