Event Design and Management MA

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Course Overview

UK Fees £9,500 *
International Fees £15,000 *
Alumni Discount See details
Duration 1 year

* Price per academic year

Course summary

Events play an essential role in the business, cultural and sporting life of all countries. In recent years an exciting new profession has emerged with event planners designing and organising a diverse range of events, and marketing the great variety of destinations and venues in which they take place.

This course is specifically designed for people who want to enter or make further progress in management-level careers in the fast-expanding field of event management. London is an ideal place in which to study events, with many venues on the doorstep. As a regular host of world-class sports and culture events such as Wimbledon, the London Marathon, Notting Hill Carnival and the London Fashion Week, as well as one-off mega events such as the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympics games and the 2015 Rugby World Cup, London is widely recognised as a world events capital. With several hundred venues and an abundance of international business and leisure events, London is a world leader in this dynamic industry.

This course explores the strategic development, design and logistical organisation of many different types of event. You'll also learn how events and conferences contribute to enriching the lives of communities and improve communications in business, politics and professional life. The dissertation will give you further opportunity to research a conference or events topic in depth. The course is taught by experienced academics and industry practitioners, providing valuable insight into this exciting industry sector.

Top reasons to study with us

  • Industry links – We have a network of local professionals and international connections to help prepare you for a career managing tourism experiences and events across all sectors
  • Central London location – You’ll study in the heart of London, one of the world’s leading events destinations, with an abundance of venues on our doorstep
  • Study visits and field trips – We take full advantage of our superb location to make visits to London event venues, visitor attractions and cultural sites, as well as a residential field trip to a UK destination to enhance your learning experience and knowledge of the industry

Course climate action statement

This course will promote understanding essential to accelerate climate action in the tourism and events sector. We will equip you with the knowledge, skills, and practical responses to help mitigate the risks of ecological and social disruptions, and to share your learning when entering employment.  

Course structure

The following modules are indicative of what you'll study on this course.

Core modules

This module provides an opportunity to choose a subject that interests you, and to investigate it rigorously and in depth. With the support of an academic supervisor you will prepare and implement a research plan in order to complete an in-depth piece work which offers new insights and understanding relevant to tourism.

Event Concept and Design introduces the study of event design at post-graduate level and addresses the key theoretical concepts and management issues relevant to the development of events across a range of experience environments. You will gain a good grounding of the holistic process of designing effective and engaging events that meet both business and leisure demand as well as the requirements of suppliers.

This module studies the activities undertaken by an event manager as an event is prepared for staging.  You will focus on practical application, studying project management, budgeting, evaluation and ROI measurement, volunteer management, supplier negotiation, contemporary health & safety issues and crisis management.  You will also explore the use of social media, technology and events as a marketing tool.


Organisations use events as part of their strategy regardless of whether they belong to the private, public or third sector.  To create successful events, a new type of event professional is needed who can analyse the complex environment, understand the client needs and articulate the role of events in delivering sustainable business results. This module prepares you for this challenge.

This module develops an understanding and knowledge of the essential communication and research skills needed for academic life and professional practice. It provides guidance on communicating, analytically and creatively, in the written form, digitally, orally and visually.   You will also develop the key skills needed for the successful completion of a research project, as well as developing your abilities for professional problem-solving and decision-making.

Option modules

The module explores the demand for air travel and prospects for the future. You will evaluate the economic and commercial performance of airline and airport operators, as well as examining the broader impacts of air travel on the economy and the environment.

This module places the operation of tourism attractions, business and leisure events within the conceptual framework of the experiencescape to explore the increasingly complex interactions between producers and consumers of attraction and event experiences. You will examine the key concepts and issues that encourage the effective design of a transformative experience for attendees.

Event experiences are staged to achieve multiple business goals, with the events industry continuing to professionalise all aspects of delivery.  Graduates with experience of the strategic design and operational delivery of events are highly valued.  Thus you will develop the problem solving and practical skills needed to work within a team through the successful staging of an event which delivers on strategic objectives.

This module uses global events as examples through which we can better understand the strategic management of sports events and cultural festivals. You will analyse the different ways that events are produced and consumed internationally, examining the influence of globalisation. You will also explore the relationship between events and host cities, critiquing debates regarding the capacity of global events to define and regenerate places.

This module introduces you to strategic management and develops an understanding of your own professional skills through industry practice via either a team consultancy project for, or a research work placement in the tourism and/or events industry. Building on your existing knowledge, and reflecting on and transforming your professional skills, you will examine a current issue on behalf of your industry partner.

The requirement for tourism and event businesses to operate sustainably, in the broadest sense, is now stronger than ever and for aspiring professionals, grounding in responsible practice has become a necessity. This module explores the founding principles of ‘responsibility’ in event and tourism management and considers the range of contexts for sustainable practice from both an industry and stakeholder perspective. Domestic and international examples are used in order to illustrate the different contexts and applications. The module addresses four key aspects: responsible business practice; improving the quality of life of host communities; conserving the local environment and local culture; and sustainable design. Students will gain detailed subject knowledge and understanding on the planning and implementation of responsible practices and also be encouraged to develop their evaluative skills when analysing existing policy and practice.

This module provides an understanding of the relationship between tourism, culture and society. You will explore tourism as a socio-cultural phenomenon and its impacts on societies around the globe. By drawing on case studies from both developing and developed world you will acquire an understanding of the socio-cultural dynamics of tourism on a theoretical and practical level.

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Programme specification

For more details on course structure, modules, teaching and assessment Download the programme specification (PDF).

To request an accessible version please email [email protected]

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Get in touch

Contact us for general course enquiries:

+44 (0)20 7911 5000 EXT 65511
(Mon-Fri, 10am-3pm GMT)

[email protected]

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(Mon-Fri, 10am-4pm GMT)

Open evenings

Join us at an open evening online or on campus. Get a feel for student life at the University of Westminster and talk to course leaders and our support teams.

Careers

Graduates from this course have gone on to work in a diverse range of event management careers in Britain and internationally. Upon successful completion, this course will equip you with the skills and knowledge to work in corporate events, conferences, exhibitions, trade shows and related event spaces within venues or hotel destinations for business. 

Industry links

We have a network of local professionals and international connections to help you prepare for a career managing tourism experiences and events.

Excellent career prospects

This course will prepare you for a wide range of careers, such as roles in the Meetings, Incentives, Conferences and Exhibitions space (also known as MICE), large-scale events, music festivals, community events, live shows and other public gatherings. 

3,000

Employers around the world

The University’s Careers and Employability Service has built up a network of over 3,000 employers around the world, helping all our students explore and connect with exciting opportunities and careers.

Guest speakers

You'll also learn from guest speakers who bring additional expertise and industry experience to the course. Previous speakers have come from the following organisations:

  • Sport England
  • Great Run Company
  • IMG (who have delivered events such as Winter Wonderland and Active Training World)
  • Nirvana Europe

Affiliations

We are affiliated with the following education and research associations: 

  • Association of Event Management Education (AEME)
  • Association for Tourism in Higher Education (ATHE)
  • Association for Tourism and Leisure Education and Research (ATLAS)
  • British Arts Festivals Association
  • Geographies of Leisure and Tourism Research Group (GLTRG)
  • National Outdoor Events Association
  • Tourism Management Institute (TMI)

Job roles

This course will prepare you for roles such as:

  • Conference centre manager
  • Event business owner
  • Event destination manager
  • Event marketing executive
  • Event media/PR executive
  • Event organiser
  • Event project manager
  • Event risk manager
  • Event sales manager

Graduate employers

The business sector is one of the largest areas of the industry. Many of our graduates have gone on to work in corporate events, conferences, exhibitions, trade shows, and association events or within venues or hotel destinations for business, leisure and tourism.

Graduates have also gone on to work in the public and third sector, engaging in freelance work or starting up their own businesses.

Westminster Employability Award

Employers value graduates who have invested in their personal and professional development – and our Westminster Employability Award gives you the chance to formally document and demonstrate these activities and achievements.

The award is flexible and can be completed in your own time, allowing you to choose from a set of extracurricular activities. 

Activities might include gaining experience through a part-time job or placement, signing up to a University-run scheme – such as mentoring or teaching in a school – or completing online exercises.

Read more about our Westminster Employability Award.

Westminster Employability Award

Course Leader

Why study this course?

Central London location

You’ll study in the heart of London, one of the world’s leading events destinations, with an abundance of venues on the doorstep.

Study visits and field trips

You’ll go on visits to London event venues, visitor attractions and cultural sites, as well as a residential field trip to a UK destination to enhance your learning experience and knowledge of the industry.

Learn from experts

You'll be taught by experienced academics and industry practitioners, providing valuable insights into this exciting industry.

Entry Requirements

A minimum of an upper second class honours degree (2:1) or a lower second class honours degree (2:2) and an essay. Exceptionally, an applicant without these formal qualifications but with considerable work experience in the conference or events industry may be accepted at the discretion of the Course Leader. Applicants with a lower second class honours degree (2:2), are required to submit an essay.

If your first language is not English, you should have an IELTS 6.5 with at least 6.5 in writing and no element below 6.0.

Applicants are required to submit one academic reference.

Recognition of prior learning and experience 

If you have previously studied at university level, or have equivalent work experience, academic credit may be awarded towards your course at Westminster. For more information, visit our Recognition of Prior Learning page.

Application process 

Visit our How to apply page for more information on:

  • the application process
  • what you need to apply
  • deadlines for applications

 

A minimum of an upper second class honours degree (2:1) or a lower second class honours degree (2:2) and an essay. Exceptionally, an applicant without these formal qualifications but with considerable work experience in the conference or events industry may be accepted at the discretion of the Course Leader. Applicants with a lower second class honours degree (2:2), are required to submit an essay.

If your first language is not English, you should have an IELTS 6.5 with at least 6.5 in writing and no element below 6.0.

Applicants are required to submit one academic reference.

Recognition of prior learning and experience 

If you have previously studied at university level, or have equivalent work experience, academic credit may be awarded towards your course at Westminster. For more information, visit our Recognition of Prior Learning page.

Application process 

Visit our How to apply page for more information on:

  • the application process
  • what you need to apply
  • deadlines for applications

More information

Learn new skills

Volunteer and gain new skills

We offer a number of different volunteering opportunities for you to learn new skills, create connections, and make a difference in the community.

Develop your entrepreneurial skills

Our award-winning Westminster Enterprise Network offers industry networking events, workshops, one-to-one business advice and support for your start-up projects.

Get extra qualifications

We provide access to free online courses in Adobe and Microsoft Office applications, as well as thousands of specialist courses on LinkedIn Learning.

MORE 2022 Degree Show

MORE is an annual exhibition of our postgraduate students' thesis projects. It showcases students’ talent, creativity, and strategic work. You can see the latest online collection at MORE 2022.

Image: student work by Shada Elmagri

More 2022 exhibition, student work by Shada Elmagri

Fees and Funding

UK tuition fee: £9,500 (Price per academic year)

When you have enrolled with us, your annual tuition fees will remain the same throughout your studies with us. We do not increase your tuition fees each year.

Find out how we set our tuition fees.

Paying your fees

If you don't wish to pay the whole amount of your fees at once, you may be able to pay by instalments. This opportunity is available if you have a personal tuition fee liability of £2,000 or more and if you are self-funded or funded by the Student Loans Company.

Find out more about paying your fees.

Alumni discount

This course is eligible for an alumni discount. Find out if you are eligible and how to apply by visiting our Alumni discounts page.

Funding

There is a range of funding available that may help you fund your studies, including Student Finance England (SFE).

Find out more about postgraduate student funding options.

Scholarships

The University is dedicated to supporting ambitious and outstanding students and we offer a variety of scholarships to eligible postgraduate students.

Find out if you qualify for one of our scholarships.

International tuition fee: £15,000 (Price per academic year)

When you have enrolled with us, your annual tuition fees will remain the same throughout your studies with us. We do not increase your tuition fees each year.

Find out how we set our tuition fees.

Paying your fees

If you don't wish to pay the whole amount of your fees at once, you may be able to pay by instalments. This opportunity is available if you have a personal tuition fee liability of £2,000 or more and if you are self-funded or funded by the Student Loans Company.

Find out more about paying your fees.

Alumni discount

This course is eligible for an alumni discount. Find out if you are eligible and how to apply by visiting our Alumni discounts page.

Funding

There are a number of funding schemes available to help you fund your studies with us.

Find out more about funding for international students.

Scholarships

The University is dedicated to supporting ambitious and outstanding students and we offer a variety of scholarships to eligible postgraduate students.

Find out if you qualify for one of our scholarships.

Teaching and Assessment

Below you will find how learning time and assessment types are distributed on this course. The graphs below give an indication of what you can expect through approximate percentages, taken either from the experience of previous cohorts, or based on the standard module diet where historic course data is unavailable.  Changes to the division of learning time and assessment may be made in response to feedback and in accordance with our terms and conditions.

How you’ll be taught

Teaching methods across all our postgraduate courses focus on active student learning through lectures, seminars, workshops, problem-based and blended learning, and where appropriate practical application. Learning typically falls into two broad categories:

  • Scheduled hours: examples include lectures, seminars, practical classes, workshops, supervised time in a studio
  • Independent study: non-scheduled time in which students are expected to study independently. This may include preparation for scheduled sessions, dissertation/final project research, follow-up work, wider reading or practice, completion of assessment tasks, or revision
Year
1
20%80%
Scheduled hoursIndependent study

How you’ll be assessed

Our postgraduate courses include a variety of assessments, which typically fall into two broad categories:

  • Practical: examples include presentations, podcasts, blogs
  • Coursework: examples include essays, in-class tests, portfolios, dissertation
Year
1
14%86%
PracticalCoursework

Data from the academic year 2022/23

Research groups

Our research achieves real-world impact and we are proud to claim a rich and diverse profile of high-quality research and knowledge exchange in a wide range of disciplines.

Find out more about our research group related to this course:

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Supporting you

Our Student Hub is where you’ll find out about the services and support we offer, helping you get the best out of your time with us.

  • Study support — workshops, 1-2-1 support and online resources to help improve your academic and research skills
  • Personal tutors — support you in fulfilling your academic and personal potential
  • Student advice team — provide specialist advice on a range of issues including funding, benefits and visas
  • Extra-curricular activities — volunteering opportunities, sports and fitness activities, student events and more

Visit our student hub

Course location

In the heart of London, our Marylebone Campus is home to the Westminster Business School and our Architecture, Planning and Tourism courses. Specialist workshops, dedicated digital and architecture studios, and our extensive Marylebone Library offer students everything they need for academic success.

Marylebone Campus is opposite Baker Street tube station and within easy walking distance of Regent's Park and Marylebone High Street.

For more details, visit our Marylebone Campus page.

Contact us

Call our dedicated team on:

+44 (0)20 7911 5000 ext 65511

Opening hours (GMT): 10am–4pm Monday to Friday

[email protected]

Start live chat

Opening hours (GMT): 10am–4pm Monday to Friday

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