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HIGHER DIPLOMA

IN

EVENT MANAGEMENT

INTERNATIONALLY AND INDUSTRY RECOGNISED

Highly Practical Degree Alternative with Extensive Face-to-Face Training, Career Guidance & Job Search  Support

Dive into the heart of the events industry with our one-year, industry immersive programme, a hands-on and highly practical alternative to traditional university courses. Experience the thrill of real-world event planning, as our curriculum goes beyond theory, equipping you with essential practical skills needed for immediate success in this vibrant field. Benefit from extensive face-to-face classes and experiential learning at the heart of London's event scene. Learn directly from industry professionals and build a strong foundation in events management, all while networking and creating career-defining opportunities and rounding off with a 1-month internship*.

For Students Who Want More! Apply Now

HIGHER DIPLOMA IN EVENT MANAGEMENT

START DATES & DURATION

Start Dates

Accelerated: Start 12 January 2026

(Start January 2026, finish June 2026)

Academic Year: Start 28 Sept 2026 

(Start Sept 2026, finish July 2027)

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Apply Now

ENTRY REQUIREMENTS

Minimum Age:18 

Accelerated: UK & International

Academic Year: UK or Irish Citizen or UK Permanent Resident or UK Work Visa

5 GCSEs or 2 A-Levels, or Level 3 Vocational or Technical Certificate (e.g. BTEC), or Baccalaureate or High School Certificate or Equivalent 

We may consider other qualifications, work experience or personal circumstances, please contact us for guidance and advice

COURSE FEES

Total Fees: £12,250  
​Deposit: £500

Fees are subject to change.

Monthly payments plans available for British and Irish citizens and UK permanent residents or work permit holders

RECOGNITION

Internationally & Industry Recognised

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IDEAL FOR

School Leavers looking for a highly practical degree alternative that supports entry into the event industry 

Gap Year students who want to undertake personal, professional and career development during their time off

Graduates wanting to build on their existing qualification with a specialism and extensive practical application

FACE-TO-FACE TRAINING

With so much of our lives now spent online, our full-time students prefer an 'in-real life' learning experience. And at the start of your career, the personal and professional growth that in-person interaction offers is invaluable.

 

That's why our full-time courses offer extensive face-to-face training. Over the academic year, expect to take 30 weeks of in-person classes and activities generally scheduled over

3 days per week

STUDENT FINANCE

Confirm your course place with a £500 deposit. Then pay your remaining fees one month prior to course start date, or UK studnets can ask for a 24 month payment plan.

ASSESSMENT

Apart from a few short knowledge based quizzes, your assessment will take the form of assignments, reports, portfolios, practical and observations. 

HIGHLY PRACTICAL

The event industry is highly practical - and so are our full-time courses! Vocational Education is all about learning by doing and our programmes are designed around experiential learning principles.

COURSE STRUCTURE

CORE EVENT
PROGRAMME

13 Units

These are your core event management subjects

SPECIALIST ELECTIVES

Choose Six Electives 

Tailor your programme to suit your interests, learning and career goals with specialist electives

ONE-TO-ONE
MENTORING

To ensure you receive personalised care when it comes to exploring and deciding on future career paths, you'll have a dedicated Career Mentor. They'll focus on your specific career development, interests and goals. You'll also have a personal Academic Tutor to support your studies and assessment work.

INDIVIDUAL
PROJECT

Researching and crafting an event concept and developing an event delivery portfolio...

 

...fosters critical thinking, problem-solving, innovation and creativity.

PRACTICAL 
TRAINING

Extensive practical training

supports and reinforces theory

 

We love to get hands-on in our own venues and with our industry partners. Whether it's attending an industry event to build product knowledge or learning how to floor-plan and create room lay-outs, we think the more practical the better!

PLAN & DELIVER
A LIVE EVENT

Your class will plan, deliver and evaluate a live event.

 

Because we believe the best way to learn how to plan events from start to finish is to do it!

INDUSTRY
PRACTICE

30 hours Industry Practice

Flexible options are available. Students are encouraged to blend two to three options to meet their 30 hour requirements, in order to gain exposure to a range of event types and organisations.

NB. International students aren't eligible for 30 hours industry practice, however you'll be provided with significant alternative industry immersion experiences.

INTERNSHIP
PLACEMENT

One Month Internship

UK Students

An internship aids in skill development and serves as a gateway to building a robust professional network establishing connections that can open doors to future opportunities.

NB. International students aren't eligible for the internship placement in June, however you'll be provided with significant alternative industry immersion experiences.

COURSE CONTENT

Tailor your programme to suit your personal learning and career goals with specialist electives.

Choose 6 electives to make your programme unique to you!

D001. The Event Industry, Trends and Best Practice

 

This module provides a comprehensive overview of the global events industry, offering students the knowledge and skills to analyse industry structures, market trends, and best practices.

 

Students will learn how to:

  • Understand the structure of the events industry – Identify key sectors, professional roles, and industry standards.

  • Analyse emerging trends in live, hybrid, and virtual events – Examine how evolving technologies and audience preferences are shaping the industry.

  • Interpret sustainability and ethical considerations – Assess the impact of responsible event management and industry-wide sustainability initiatives.

  • Evaluate industry best practices through case studies – Study successful event models to understand operational excellence.

  • Stay informed on legal and compliance frameworks – Gain knowledge of laws, policies, and regulations affecting event coordination.

  • Utilise information sources for professional development – Learn strategies for ongoing learning and staying updated with industry changes.

 

Provides an in-depth understanding of the global events industry, equipping students with the knowledge to interpret trends, evaluate best practices, and stay informed about key industry developments.

D002. Event Planning Components & Processes

 

This module develops students' knowledge of the foundational processes and components that contribute to successful event management.

 

Students will gain the skills to:

    • Understand event production requirements – Analyse key elements involved in delivering different types of events.

  • Summarise event component needs – Identify and define technical, operational, and logistical requirements.

  • Develop structured work schedules – Learn how to outline key activities, interdependencies, and timelines.

  • Integrate safety, risk, and sustainability considerations – Examine how industry professionals ensure compliance and responsible event management.

 

Provides a strong theoretical understanding of how events are structured, managed, and executed within professional industry frameworks.

 

D003.  Venue & Vendor Search and Coordination

 

Selecting appropriate venues and coordinating suppliers is crucial to successful event delivery. This module provides students with the expertise to assess, compare, and understand venue and vendor selection processes.

 

Students will gain knowledge in:

  • Venue sourcing and selection criteria – Evaluate key factors such as location, capacity, amenities, and accessibility.

  • Contract negotiation and legal considerations – Understand essential contractual elements when working with venues and suppliers.

  • Vendor management and procurement processes – Learn how event professionals identify and work with suppliers for services such as catering, AV, and production.

  • Site inspections and feasibility assessments – Understand how venues are assessed for suitability based on event objectives and requirements.

 

Ensures students have a comprehensive understanding of the venue and vendor landscape within the events industry.

 

D004. Event Health, Safety, Security, and Risk Assessment

 

Health, safety, and risk management are integral to professional event management. This module explores how industry professionals ensure compliance and mitigate risks in various event environments.

 

Students will gain skills to:

  • Understand health and safety legislation in event management – Learn about industry regulations and health and safety responsibilities.

  • Assess and evaluate risk factors – Explore risk assessment methodologies and strategies for identifying potential hazards.

  • Examine security and emergency planning protocols – Understand crowd management, security procedures, and emergency response frameworks.

 

Provides a detailed understanding of how professionals ensure events are safe, secure, and compliant with the applicable standards.

 

D005. Event Stakeholder Engagement and Experience Optimisation

 

Successful events depend on strong stakeholder relationships and audience engagement. This module focuses on strategies used to enhance attendee experience and optimise stakeholder interactions.

 

Students will learn how to:

  • Identify key stakeholders in event management – Understand the roles of clients, sponsors, suppliers, media, and attendees.

  • Develop effective stakeholder engagement strategies – Examine approaches used by event professionals to manage relationships and expectations.

  • Analyse techniques for enhancing audience experience – Explore methods used to create immersive, impactful event experiences.

  • Measure event success and stakeholder satisfaction – Learn how data analysis and feedback are used to evaluate events and drive improvements.

 

Provides a strong theoretical foundation for understanding audience engagement and stakeholder relationship management in the events industry.

D006. Professional Practice 1: Event Attendance, Reflection, and Evaluation

 

Gaining industry exposure is essential for understanding real-world event dynamics. This module encourages students to critically evaluate live, hybrid, and virtual events.

 

Students will develop the ability to:

  • Attend industry events and observe professional practice – Gain exposure to real-world event environments.

  • Critically analyse event structures and execution – Evaluate how different events operate and the strategies behind their success.

  • Write professional event evaluations – Learn how to document observations and provide structured assessments.

  • Apply insights to professional development – Use industry exposure to refine career goals and deepen industry knowledge.

 

Assists students bridge academic learning with practical industry insight, enhancing their ability to assess and analyse professional events.

D009. Event Concept Development: Pitching, Theming, and Design Innovation

This module explores the creative and strategic elements involved in developing unique and impactful event concepts. Students will gain insights into industry approaches to event design, theming, and storytelling while learning how to effectively pitch concepts to clients and stakeholders.

 

Students will learn how to:

  • Develop compelling event concepts – Understand the principles of creative ideation, theming, and experiential design.

  • Apply design thinking and innovation – Explore how technology, cultural trends, and audience engagement shape modern event experiences.

  • Craft and deliver persuasive event pitches – Learn how to present and communicate ideas effectively to stakeholders and clients.

  • Balance creativity with feasibility – Analyse logistical, financial, and practical considerations when developing event concepts.

 

Students will have the opportunity to apply these skills by developing and pitching an event concept for a real-world event, receiving feedback from industry professionals.

D016. Professional Practice 3 - Internship

A structured internship provides an essential bridge between academic learning and professional practice. This module offers students an immersive four-week placement within an events-focused organisation, enabling them to apply their developing skills in a real working environment while gaining invaluable industry insight and confidence.

Students will gain skills to:

  • Understand professional workplace expectations - Learn about industry standards, organisational culture and the behaviours required for effective professional conduct during an internship.

  • Apply event management knowledge in practice - Translate classroom learning into real-world tasks, contributing to event planning, coordination or operational delivery depending on the host organisation.

  • Develop workplace competence and technical skills - Gain experience using industry systems, tools and processes relevant to administration, planning, logistics, customer service or on-site delivery.

  • Engage with industry professionals - Build relationships, observe professional practice and gain insight into different roles, structures and career pathways within the events sector.

  • Reflect on professional development - Evaluate personal performance, identify strengths and development needs, and produce reflective evidence that supports future employability and career planning.

D010. Event Promotions

Effective promotions are essential to the success of any event. This module provides an in-depth understanding of promotional strategies, audience engagement techniques, and digital marketing approaches used to attract attendees and enhance event reach.

Students will gain knowledge in:

  • Understanding event audience dynamics – Learn how to analyse target demographics and tailor marketing efforts accordingly.

  • Utilising multi-channel promotional strategies – Explore traditional and digital media, including social media campaigns, influencer collaborations, and PR tactics.

  • Maximising event branding and messaging – Examine strategies for creating a strong, consistent event identity across all touch points.

  • Measuring promotional success – Learn how to assess the effectiveness of marketing campaigns using data analytics and audience insights.

 

As part of this module, students will apply their learning by contributing to the promotional strategy of a real event, working within a live marketing framework.

 

D012. Professional Practice 2: Live Event Planning, Delivery, and Evaluation

This capstone module integrates all elements of event management, allowing students to apply their skills through involvement in the planning, execution, and evaluation of a live event.

Working on a live event concept given to their class, students will develop the ability to:

  • Contribute to live event planning, promotions and delivery processes 

  • Engage in event delivery – gain first-hand exposure to the complexities of live event operations.

  • Critically evaluate event outcomes – use structured evaluation frameworks to review event effectiveness and areas for improvement.

  • Reflect on professional growth and industry readiness – analyse personal and team contributions, applying key learnings to future event management roles.

 

This module ensures students graduate with live event planning experience for their CV or professional portfolio.

D013. Workforce Planning and Volunteer Management

Effective workforce planning and volunteer management are essential foundations for delivering seamless, safe and high-quality events. This module explores how event professionals strategically plan, source, coordinate and support a diverse workforce, ensuring operational excellence across all event environments.

Students will gain skills to:

  • Understand strategic workforce planning - Explore what strategic workforce planning involves and how event organisations forecast and prepare for workforce needs.

  • Identify and evaluate workforce sources - Examine the full range of staffing options including employees, volunteers, contractors, agencies, service providers and suppliers.

  • Model and forecast event workforce requirements - Learn to assess event profiles, operational demands and delivery timelines to determine workforce capacity and competency needs.

  • Create workforce action plans - Develop actionable plans to recruit, schedule and manage the right people in the right roles to ensure efficient and effective event delivery.

  • Manage workforce logistics - Gain insight into workspaces, equipment and materials, rotas and scheduling, placement strategies, and approaches to wellbeing and pastoral care.

  • Promote volunteering within an organisation - Understand how to encourage and communicate the value of volunteering both internally and to prospective volunteers.

  • Provide leadership and direction for volunteers - Develop the confidence to guide, motivate and support volunteer teams, contributing to a cohesive and purpose-driven event workforce.

D014. Corporate Hospitality for Events

Corporate hospitality plays a strategic role in elevating guest experience, strengthening stakeholder relationships and enhancing the overall value of an event. This module examines the purpose, components and operational considerations of corporate hospitality, enabling future professionals to design and deliver high-quality hospitality experiences that align with organisational goals.

Students will gain skills to:

  • Understand the role of corporate hospitality - Learn what corporate hospitality is and how it supports business objectives, client engagement and brand positioning at events.

  • Identify key components of corporate hospitality - Explore the essential elements that shape hospitality experiences, including catering, hosting, premium seating, entertainment, environment, and tailored guest management.

  • Assess corporate hospitality needs for different events - Develop the ability to analyse an event’s objectives, audience profile and client requirements to determine the scale, style and scope of hospitality provision.

  • Plan and source corporate hospitality providers - Gain insights into researching, evaluating, selecting and contracting hospitality partners, suppliers and venues that meet performance and brand standards.

  • Collaborate effectively with hospitality providers - Understand how to build productive relationships, manage expectations, coordinate service delivery and ensure premium-level guest experiences.

 

D015. Technology for Events

Technology is transforming how events are designed, delivered and experienced. This module explores the digital tools, systems and innovations that support event operations, enhance engagement and extend the reach of live, hybrid and online events. Students gain insight into the evolving technologies shaping the modern event landscape.

Students will gain skills to:

  • Understand hybrid and online event formats - Learn how hybrid and virtual events are structured, the technologies that support them and the considerations required to deliver seamless multi-format experiences.

  • Use digital event systems and platforms - Explore registration systems, CRM tools, event apps, streaming platforms and digital audience engagement tools that underpin successful event delivery.

  • Apply technology to event operations - Examine the digital solutions used in logistics, scheduling, staff coordination, ticketing, access control, communication and event reporting.

  • Enhance visitor and delegate experiences through technology - Understand how technology influences audience interaction through personalisation, wayfinding, gamification, live polling, networking tools and immersive digital experiences.

D017. Individual Research Project

The Individual Research Project enables students to undertake a focused piece of independent work that integrates academic research with practical event design and strategic planning. This module supports students in developing an original event concept and producing a professional-standard portfolio that demonstrates depth of thinking, technical competence and industry relevance.

Students will gain skills to:

  • Develop advanced research and report-writing skills - Learn how to conduct structured research, analyse information critically and produce a coherent, well-evidenced written report suitable for professional or academic use.

  • Create and pitch an event concept - Design an innovative event idea, articulate its value and feasibility, and present it persuasively to internal or external stakeholders.

  • Produce a professional event portfolio - Develop a comprehensive portfolio that includes an operational plan, a sustainability plan and a marketing plan, demonstrating a full-spectrum understanding of event design and delivery requirements.

Key Course Details
Course Structure
Course Content

Unlock Your Event Management Potential

With Live Event Practice, Industry Excursions and Networking

During your course your class will plan, deliver and evaluate a live event. You'll gain valuable hands-on-experience planning an event from start-to-finish. Plus you'll visit and experience multiple events, ensuring you gain exposure to a range of event and venue types to enhance your CV and portfolio.

You'll also attend relevant events, symposiums and trade shows to learn from industry speakers and exhibitors. Past events students have attended include: The Event Production Show, International Confex, International Food & Drink Show, Event Sustainability Live, Event Technology Live, The Meeting Show, MICEBook Expo, Taste of London & more!

 

And your Higher Diploma programme includes a one-month internship to further develop your practical skills, industry networks and employability potential.  

Practical Learning

Hear What Our Students Have to Say

Watch our Alumni videos to hear directly from our students

GAIN REAL WORLD EXPERIENCE

As well as the event practice included in your programme, we'll pass on a range of additional and optional opportunities to enhance your experience or to earn as you learn. 

Earn While You Learn

INDUSTRY EVENTS
& NETWORKING

All Students

Our management and teaching team are well connected in the industry and we offer students regular opportunities to meet and mix with event industry professionals. 

Attending exclusive industry symposiums and events  develop our students social and personal development, as well as professional networking and communication skills. Ideal attributes to support your competitiveness in the job market.

EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES
PAID WORK IN EVENTS

UK Students

Work in events. Students have access to our online "Opportunities Board" where we post

part-time opportunities for paid work during the course, and full-time opportunities for post course employment. 

We also offer guidance and mentoring during tutorials on CV preparation, LinkedIn profiles, 

job search and interview skills. 

VOLUNTEERING, INTERNSHIP
& WORK EXPERIENCE

UK Students

Gaining hands-on experience and exposure to industry ways of working is one of the benefits of studying in London.

 

We share industry experience opportunities with our students including:

 - work experience

 - workplace observation

 - volunteering

 - internships

Want to learn more?

Request a Brochure

THE PRACTICALITIES

The Practicalities
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COURSE VENUES

Training in Venues on London's Royal Victoria Docks, London E16 1AA

 

Closest Station: Custom House

On the Elizabeth Line or DLR

Main Theory Venue: Novotel London Excel

TERMS & BREAKS

Our accelerated programme is made up of two terms and one term break.

Start in January

Easter Term Break 

Electives and Events in June

Finish in June

 

Our one academic year programme is made up of three terms and two term breaks.

Start in September

Christmas Term Break

Easter Term Break 

Internship in June

Finish in July

ATTENDANCE PATTERNS

In-person classes are generally scheduled 3 days per week.

NB Accelerated course students attend 4 days a week in their 1st term.

 

​Face-to-Face Classes are supported by:

+Venue Showcases & Site Tours

+ Networking & Industry Excursions

+ One-to-One Career Mentoring

+ One-to-One Academic mentor

​+ Supportive Online Materials

+ Live Event Planning and Delivery

+ Industry Practice

+ One Month Internship

Pay As You Go With Affordable Payment Plans

Simple, affordable payment plans for UK students

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ACCOMMODATION

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OUR LATEST

NEWS

LOCATION

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OPEN DAYS

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EXPERIENCE

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