A New Postgraduate-Level Qualification for the Events Industry
- The Event School London
- Jul 10
- 4 min read
For experienced event professionals, career development does not always mean starting again.
Sometimes, the next step is about formalising the knowledge, judgement and industry understanding you have already built.
The Event School London has launched a new live online programme for experienced event professionals who want to gain the Ofqual regulated ATHE Level 7 Diploma in Events Management.
Designed for those with substantial event industry experience, this programme offers a focused route to a recognised postgraduate-level qualification, delivered virtually through live teaching, peer interaction and structured assessment guidance.
A Level 7 Qualification for Experienced Event Professionals
Many event professionals build their careers through live projects, venues, clients, suppliers, teams, schedules, budgets and real-world delivery. Over time, that experience becomes highly valuable. However, not everyone has had the opportunity to add a recognised higher-level qualification to their CV or professional portfolio.
The ATHE Level 7 Diploma in Events Management gives experienced professionals the opportunity to formalise their industry experience through a credible, regulated qualification.
This programme may be particularly relevant for experienced:
event managers
event planners
corporate event planners
venue professionals
conference and exhibition specialists
hospitality event professionals
wedding planners
private party and event planners
sports event managers
meeting and event coordinators
venue and event stylers
event agency staff
festival managers
event organisers
event freelancers
production professionals
and others working across the wider events sector
Graduates from degrees or level 6 diplomas in event management, or from degrees that included an event management subject are also welcome to apply.
A Live Online Programme, Not a Self-Paced Course
This new programme is delivered online, but it is not a self-paced online course.
Held across three terms, learners will attend a weekly class (Wednesdays 1-4pm) taught live online, with opportunities for lecturer engagement, peer interaction, discussion, case examples and assessment guidance.
There's also an optional virtual "drop-in" session on Fridays from 10-11am if you have any questions or want to explore that week's topic further.
The structure has been designed to support mature learners and experienced event professionals who want flexible study without losing the value of live teaching.
Class numbers on the pilot programme are capped at 12 to provide a premium online learning experience, with space for meaningful interaction and personalised guidance.
Taught by Nick Oxborrow
The programme will be taught by Nick Oxborrow, The Event School London’s lead event management lecturer.
Nick brings more than 30 years’ international experience across events, hospitality, luxury brands, conferences, exhibitions and large-scale event delivery.
His professional background gives learners access to current industry insight and real examples from across the events sector.
Nick also brings extensive teaching experience, with an approach centred on applied learning. This means learners are supported to connect Level 7 study with professional event management practice, strategic thinking and the realities of the industry.
Why This Qualification Matters
The ATHE Level 7 Diploma in Events Management is an Ofqual regulated qualification at postgraduate level.
Why is this important?
The Office of Qualifications and Examinations Regulation (Ofqual) regulates qualifications, examinations and assessments in England.
For professionals who already have event experience, it offers a valuable way to demonstrate advanced knowledge, strengthen professional credibility and evidence commitment to higher-level learning.
This can be especially useful for those looking to progress into more senior roles, strengthen a consultancy profile, support international career mobility, or add recognised academic value to an established industry portfolio.
It also reflects a wider shift in event education: experienced professionals increasingly want qualifications that recognise both industry relevance and academic level.
Start Date and Early Application Fee
The programme starts on Wednesday 7 October 2026.
An early application fee is available for approved applicants who apply by 31 July.
Because this is a Level 7 regulated qualification, applications are reviewed before enrolment to confirm that the programme is suitable for each applicant’s qualifications, professional experience and study goals.
Find Out More
You can read more about the qualification here
You can also read more about the launch of The Event School London’s Ofqual regulated events management diploma suite here.
For experienced event professionals ready to add a serious, recognised qualification to their CV or portfolio, this new live online Level 7 programme offers a focused and flexible next step.
FAQs
Is the ATHE Level 7 Diploma in Events Management similar to a master’s in event management?
The ATHE Level 7 Diploma in Events Management is a postgraduate-level qualification, but it is not a full master’s degree. It offers advanced study in event management at Level 7 and may suit experienced professionals who want a recognised, regulated qualification without committing to a full master’s programme.
Learn more about Ofqual levels here
What is the best online event management course for experienced professionals?
Experienced professionals should look for an event management course that goes beyond introductory planning skills and supports higher-level thinking. The ATHE Level 7 Diploma in Events Management is designed for learners with event industry experience who want to study strategic planning, event marketing, leadership and the wider events industry at postgraduate level.
Can an event manager gain a recognised qualification without studying full-time?
Yes. The ATHE Level 7 Diploma in Events Management is delivered live online on a part-time basis, allowing experienced event professionals to gain a recognised qualification while managing work, family or other commitments. Live classes, assessment guidance and online resources support learners through the programme.
What trends and challenges are covered in postgraduate event management study?
Postgraduate-level event management study explores contemporary issues affecting the industry, including event strategy, audience expectations, sustainability, technology, marketing, stakeholder management, leadership and changing business models. Learners are encouraged to consider how current trends, risks and opportunities shape professional event management decisions.
How can a Level 7 event management qualification support career progression?
A Level 7 event management qualification can help experienced professionals evidence advanced knowledge, strengthen their CV or professional portfolio and support progression into more senior, strategic or specialist roles. It may be valuable for event managers, venue professionals, agency staff, conference and exhibition specialists, freelancers and those building consultancy or leadership profiles.
