Oxford Brookes University

What you'll study

This degree blends marketing principles with the operational and creative demands of events management. In the first year you build a foundation in marketing, consumer behaviour, digital communications, introduction to events management, and business skills such as finance and research methods. In the second year you move on to modules that cover integrated marketing communications, event operations, sponsorship and fundraising, brand management and market research techniques. Teaching combines lectures, seminars, workshops and practical projects.

• Core themes: marketing strategy, consumer insight, digital marketing, brand development, marketing analytics.
• Events focus: event planning and delivery, risk and health & safety, staging and production, contract and supplier management, budgeting and operations.
• Practical work: live briefs with external partners, simulated events, group project work and client-facing projects.

Students can usually choose optional modules to specialise—for example in festivals, sports or corporate events—and complete a final-year project or dissertation that often takes the form of a major event proposal, campaign plan or an evaluated placement report. The programme also typically offers an option to take a work placement or a sandwich year to gain industry experience.

Entry requirements

Applicants are normally expected to have completed secondary education qualifications equivalent to UK A-levels or a recognised national diploma. Typical offers are in line with standard undergraduate entry at UK universities (for example A-level grades in a mid-B band or equivalent vocational qualifications). Applicants with a relevant BTEC or other level 3 vocational qualification are considered. Mature applicants and those with practical experience in marketing, events, hospitality or the creative industries are welcome.

Standard academic entry is usually supplemented by a requirement for GCSE (or equivalent) English language; international students will be expected to demonstrate English proficiency through an accepted test (for example an IELTS score in the mid-range) or equivalent.

Selection may include assessment of personal statement and references; some applicants may be invited for an interview or to provide a portfolio or evidence of practical experience in events or marketing.

Career prospects

Graduates leave with a combination of marketing knowledge and event-specific skills that employers across sectors value. Typical career paths include:

• Events manager or coordinator (corporate, cultural, music, sports, conference and exhibitions)
• Marketing executive or marketing assistant in-house or at agencies
• Digital marketing specialist, social media manager or content producer
• Sponsorship and partnership manager, fundraising officer
• Brand or product manager, account manager in creative and PR agencies

Graduates also move into related areas such as tourism and hospitality management, venue management, or progress to postgraduate study in marketing, events, business or communications. The practical focus of the degree, combined with opportunities for placements and live client work, helps build a portfolio and professional contacts useful for early-career progression.

Why study at Oxford Brookes University

Oxford Brookes offers a practice-led approach with strong emphasis on applied learning and industry relevance. Students on the Marketing and Events Management programme benefit from links with local and national event organisations, opportunities to work on live briefs and strong support from the university careers and employability services.

The campus location provides easy access to a range of event venues, businesses and cultural organisations in Oxford and the surrounding region, supporting networking and placement opportunities. Teaching combines academic rigour with practical skill-building in areas such as project management, digital tools and event logistics, preparing graduates for a range of roles in the evolving marketing and events sectors.