ATHE Level 4-6 Diploma Pathway in Events Management
A full-time, career-focused degree alternative to university
Accreditation
A regulated qualification awarded by ATHE, an Ofqual regulated awarding organisation
Academic Level
A structured pathway leading through Level 4, 5 and 6, with the final award at Level 6 (UK undergraduate degree level).
Duration
1 academic year, full-time (3 days per week), including a 4-week industry internship
Learning Style
Practical | Face-to-face | Industry Immersed | London
Start Dates
28 September 2026
Professional Enhancements Included
- Six specialist Event School Electives
- Additional CPD-Certified Professional Skills Diploma
Fees
£12,250 (Payment Options)
Programme Overview
This full-time Degree Alternative programme offers a structured, practical route into professional event management, designed for those who want to build a career in the events industry through applied learning and recognised qualifications.
Delivered face-to-face in London, the programme brings together ATHE Level 4, Level 5 and Level 6 Diplomas in Events Management into one clear progression pathway. Students develop from foundational knowledge through to an advanced career-focused qualification, with the final award at Level 6, the same academic level as a UK undergraduate degree on the Regulated Qualifications Framework.
The programme is particularly well suited to school leavers and early career starters, as well as those entering events through alternative routes, who are looking for a practical, industry-focused education grounded in real experience. Learning is centred on developing professional capability, confidence and an understanding of how the events industry operates in practice.
Students build skills through a carefully balanced combination of ATHE diplomas, specialist Event School electives and an additional CPD-certified professional skills diploma. This structure allows learners to explore different areas of the events industry while developing a broad, employment-ready skillset.
Teaching is immersive and applied, supported by face-to-face delivery, industry site visits, live event exposure, networking opportunities and a four-week internship. Studying in London enables students to learn directly from the environments in which events take place, strengthening applied knowledge, professional awareness and industry connections.
As an Ofqual-regulated qualification pathway, the programme provides reassurance for students, parents and advisers that learners are working towards nationally recognised awards with long-term value. The skills and qualifications gained support entry into the events industry, progression within the sector and future career development.
Visit our YouTube Channel to hear directly from our students about studying in London, learning with us and building confidence for their future careers.
Why This is the Right Course for You
Proven graduate outcomes
93% of our graduates are working in events (Graduate Outcomes Survey). he programme is designed with employability at its core, supporting learners to progress into event roles with confidence and practical capability.
Face-to-face learning and built-in industry experience
Students benefit from extensive in-person teaching, delivered three days a week, alongside experiential learning. The programme includes a four-week internship, industry events, excursions, showcases and structured networking opportunities.
Over twenty years of event industry education
With more than two decades of experience delivering event education, we design programmes that reflect how the industry operates today. Our teaching evolves alongside industry practice to remain relevant, current and respected.
Lecturers with real international industry experience
Students are taught by experienced event professionals with active industry careers and networks. Learning is informed by current practice and professional insight, not theory alone.
Professional learning in the heart of London’s event district
Teaching takes place within a vibrant professional setting, just minutes from ExCeL London. This location allows students to engage regularly with live events, venues and industry activity, while using the city of London as an extended learning environment.
Recognised Ofqual regulated qualification
The programme leads to the award of an ATHE Level 6 Diploma in Events Management, awarded by an Ofqual-regulated awarding organisation. Level 6 sits at the same academic level as a UK undergraduate degree on the Regulated Qualifications Framework.
Personalised support and small-group learning
Students study in small cohorts and receive personalised academic and pastoral support. This approach encourages engagement, confidence and professional development throughout the programme.
ATHE Level 4-6 Diploma Pathway in Events Management
Awards for Training and Higher Education (ATHE) is an awarding organisation regulated by Ofqual (England's Office of Qualifications and Examinations Regulation). ATHE develops regulated qualifications and are designed to meet the needs of learners, higher education and employers. This programme incorporates the ATHE Level 4, Level 5 and Level 6 Diplomas in Events Management, delivered as a structured pathway and these qualifications are nationally recognised within the UK qualifications framework.
-
Awarding Organisation: ATHE Ltd
-
Click on the links below to see the pathway qualifications on the RQF
-
ATHE Level 4 Diploma in Events Management, Qual No: 603/3381/9, Credits: 60
-
ATHE Level 5 Diploma in Events Management, Qual No: 603/3387/X, Credits: 60
-
ATHE Level 6 Diploma in Events Management, Qual No: 603/3393/5, Credits: 60
-
Course Content - ATHE Level 4 Diploma in Events Management
Introduction to the Events Sector
Events Project Design
Sales and Marketing
Professional and Academic Skills
An introduction to the events industry, exploring the scope, structure and importance across different settings. Examine a range of event types and the roles played by the public, private and voluntary sectors, while considering the economic, social, cultural and environmental impacts events can create.
Develop the skills needed to design, plan and deliver successful events using core project management principles. Learn to develop creative event concepts, manage resources, coordinate logistics and respond to challenges, with an emphasis on practical application through real-world scenarios and projects
Introducing the core principles of marketing and sales, exploring how marketing functions operate. Learn how to analyse markets and audiences, apply the marketing mix, and understand the sales process, including personal selling and negotiation.
Focuses on developing the academic and workplace skills needed for successful study and professional performance. Explore the skills employers value, assess your own strengths and areas for development, and build greater self-awareness to support your progress both during the programme and in the workplace.
Course Content - ATHE Level 5 Diploma in Events Management
Events Planning and Operations
Event Consumer Experience
Risk Management and the Regulatory Environment for Events
Leading Work Teams
A comprehensive insight into event operations, through the full event lifecycle from concept to delivery. Apply your learning to develop a professional event proposal, while gaining practical insight into the planning and facilities required to stage successful events. Explore post-event evaluation and legacy and how event success is measured.
Explore how audiences experience events and how organisers can influence behaviour and satisfaction before, during and after an event. Analyse real event experiences and learn how event design, customer journeys, sensory engagement and feedback contribute to creating memorable, high-quality events.
The principles of risk management and why they are essential to successful event delivery. Explore the legal and regulatory environment, including health, safety and organiser responsibilities. Learn to identify, assess and reduce risk ensuring events are planned and delivered safely, responsibly and in line with industry regulations.
Develop your understanding of team working and leadership within an events context. Explore how effective teams operate, assess your own contribution and leadership style building the skills needed to motivate and guide others. Develop the confidence to lead teams and contribute positively in professional event environments.
Course Content - ATHE Level 6 Diploma in Events Management
Contemporary Issues in Event Management
Visitor Management
Sustainable Events Management
Cross-Cultural Management
Explore the key issues shaping today’s events industry, including economic, legal, political, socio-cultural, technologucal and environmental factors that influence how events are planned and delivered. Understand how these impact events and build a wider understanding of the context in which event managers operate.
Focuses on how visitors and crowds are managed safely and effectively at events. Explore practical techniques for controlling visitor numbers, planning for emergencies and anticipating crowd behaviour, as well as how event teams adapt resources and plans in real time to manage different situations and ensure positive visitor experiences.
Understand the principles of sustainable event management and why they matter in today’s events industry. Explore practical approaches to reducing negative environmental, social and cultural impacts, while maximising positive outcomes and long-term event legacy. Learn about sustainability certifications and how to develop sustainability plans
Explore the importance of cross-cultural management in today’s global events industry. Examine how cultural differences influence communication, teamwork and decision-making, and learn strategies for working effectively across cultures. Learn how to support organisations operating internationally by developing inclusive approaches that enhance cross-cultural interaction and professional practice.
Beyond the Qualification
Event School Electives
Alongside the regulated Diploma pathway, students complete six Event School electives designed to deepen sector insight, explore specialist areas and support individual career goals. These electives provide additional professional enrichment and sit outside the awarding body requirements, ensuring flexibility and relevance to meet industry sector needs as diverse as sports to weddings, festivals to corporate, branding activations to luxury events, conferences, exhibitions, music and social events.
Professional CPD Certified Diploma
Alongside the regulated Diploma pathway, students complete an additional CPD-certified professional skills diploma focused on end-to-end event delivery. This provides practical, start-to-finish experience in planning and managing events from concept to completion, ensuring graduates leave with hands-on professional capability alongside postgraduate-level strategic knowledge.
Entry Requirements
British/Irish Citizens, UK Residence/Work Permit
Minimum age 18 and one of the following:
-
5 GCSEs
-
2 A Levels
-
Baccalaureate or Senior High School Certificate
-
Pass in any regulated Level 3 qualification (e.g BTEC)
-
Other equivalent international qualifications
Learners must have an appropriate standard of English to enable them to study and undertake assessments in English. For those whom English is not their first language (or an official language in their home country) we recommend the following or equivalent:
-
IELTS Level 5.5
-
Common European Framework of Reference (CEFR) B2
-
Cambridge English Advanced (CAE) 162 or above
-
Pearson Test of English (PTE) Academic 42-49
Who is This Programme For?
Learners Who Want More
This Degree Alternative programme is well suited to:
-
School leavers looking for a clear, practical and industry-focused route into event management
-
Career starters who want to build employability through real-world experience and applied learning
-
Students who thrive in hands-on environments, with learning shaped by live events and industry engagement
-
Those ready to develop professional confidence, skills and networks in a supportive, face-to-face setting
-
Gap-year students seeking to build in-demand, transferable employability skills and meaningful industry experience
This programme is designed for school leavers and early career starters who are choosing a professional route into events rather than a traditional university degree. It's ideal for learners who want structured, in-person training, clear academic progression from Level 4 to Level 6, and practical experience built into their studies.
Career Prospects
Launching Your Events Career
Our Degree Alternative programme prepares graduates for entry-level and early-career roles across the events industry, with clear progression opportunities as professional experience develops.
Graduates are equipped with the practical skills, industry understanding and professional confidence needed to plan and coordinate events across a range of event sectors, including corporate or social, commercial or public, venue-based or with organisers or associations.
Graduates may progress into roles such as:
-
Event coordinator
-
Event executive
-
Events project assistant
-
Venue and events coordinator
-
Meeting and events coordinator
-
Corporate events executive
-
Event marketing executive
-
Event sales executive
-
Specialist events coordinator, e.g. sports, weddings, festivals
With progression for ambitious, talented graduates or those with transferable experience or skills into roles such as:
-
Event Manager
-
Wedding Planner
-
Festival Manager
-
Sports Event Manager
-
Venue Manager
-
Conference Manager
-
Exhibition Manager
-
Event Business Founder/Entrepreneur
Ready to take the next step into professional event management? This full-time programme offers small cohort learning, personalised support and a highly practical, face-to-face study experience in London, designed to build confidence, capability and real industry readiness.
Early application is recommended due to limited places, allowing you to secure your position and plan your progression with confidence.