Bournemouth University

What you'll study

This honours degree combines theoretical understanding of events and tourism with hands-on practice in event design, operations and management. Core study areas include event planning and production, marketing and sponsorship, finance and budgeting for events, risk and safety management, audience development, sustainability and legacy, and law and contracts for events.

The programme typically progresses from grounded modules on industry context and basic operational skills in the first year, to applied project work, strategic management and elective specialist modules in later years. Students learn through a mix of lectures, seminars, workshops and assessed practicals such as live event briefs, simulations and case studies. There is strong emphasis on employability skills: project management, negotiation, stakeholder engagement, digital event technologies and professional communication.

Students are encouraged to take a professional placement or work-based learning year where they apply learning in a commercial context. Final-year work commonly includes a major events project or dissertation that demonstrates planning, delivery and evaluation skills in a real-world setting.

Entry requirements

Applicants are normally expected to hold a recognised secondary qualification such as A-levels, a BTEC National Diploma or an equivalent international qualification. Typical applicants present a combination of subject-based qualifications plus a portfolio or personal statement that shows relevant interest or experience in events, hospitality, tourism or related activities. Mature students and applicants with significant work or voluntary experience in events are considered.

English language proficiency is required for international students; acceptable evidence can include recognised test scores or equivalent qualifications. Selection also takes place through interview or an admissions task in some cases, to assess motivation, communication skills and suitability for vocational, team-based learning.

Career prospects

Graduates from this programme go on to a broad range of roles in the events and hospitality sectors. Common career paths include events manager, conference and exhibitions coordinator, festival producer, venue or operations manager, sponsorship and partnership manager, marketing and audience development specialist, and exhibition organiser. Graduates also work in related fields such as tourism management, visitor attraction operations, and corporate events within the public and private sectors.

The course equips students with practical experience valued by employers: organising budgets and logistics, health and safety planning, supplier and client liaison, and digital ticketing and marketing. Many alumni join event agencies, venue teams, hotels, local authorities, cultural organisations, and international conference and exhibition companies, or set up their own event enterprises.

Why study at Bournemouth University

Bournemouth University is known for its applied, career-focused teaching and strong links with industry. Students benefit from practical learning environments, live industry briefs, and opportunities to undertake professional placements that build real-world experience. The university’s location close to a dynamic hospitality, conference and festival sector provides accessible local placement and networking opportunities.

Teaching is informed by current industry practice and research, and students receive dedicated support from employability services to prepare CVs, build professional networks and secure internships. The programme’s emphasis on multidisciplinary teamwork, digital event tools and sustainable event practice prepares graduates for the evolving demands of the global events industry.