Explore Our New 'Event School Electives' for 2026

Electives are an important part of our full-time courses, giving students the opportunity to choose one specialist subject each term and shape their studies around their interests and career ambitions.

'Event School Electives' offer the chance to explore different areas of the events industry, discover new strengths and gain insight into potential career paths.

For students who already have a passion for a particular sector, electives also provide valuable time to build more focused knowledge in that area.

Luxury Event Management

Luxury events require exceptional attention to detail, discretion and an understanding of premium service.

Students will explore private celebrations, VIP experiences, luxury brand events, exclusive venues and the expectations of high-net-worth clients.

The elective considers bespoke concepts, carefully selected suppliers, refined hospitality and personalised guest experiences, alongside client relationship management, confidentiality, cultural awareness and the standards expected within the international luxury market.

Wedding and Social Event Planning

Wedding and social event planners help clients transform important occasions into carefully considered and memorable experiences.

This elective explores client consultations, wedding ceremonies, traditions, receptions and related celebrations, alongside private parties and milestone events.

Students will examine venues, invitations, seating plans, accommodation, transport, entertainment, floral design and décor, while learning how to develop concepts that reflect each client’s style, priorities and budget.

The elective also introduces career opportunities within the wedding industry and the foundations of establishing a wedding planning business.

Event Design and Venue Styling

Event design and venue styling bring creative ideas to life through the thoughtful use of space, colour, lighting, décor and visual detail.

Students will explore concept development, mood boards, floor plans, floristry, furniture, tablescapes, signage and current design trends across a range of event types.

They will learn how to interpret a client brief, develop a cohesive design proposal and work with venues and specialist suppliers to transform an event space while balancing creativity, practicality, budget and guest experience.

Venue Coordination

Many event professionals begin their careers as venue coordinators or event coordinators within hotels, conference centres, arenas and dedicated event spaces.

This elective provides an insight into event delivery from the venue perspective. Students will explore client enquiries, show rounds, event briefs, function sheets, room layouts, catering requirements and operational handovers.

They will also examine how different venue departments work together, how coordinators support organisers and suppliers, and how venue-based roles provide experience across a wide range of events while helping early-career professionals build industry knowledge and professional networks.

Corporate Events, Conferences, Exhibitions and Brand Experiences

Corporate events bring organisations, clients, employees and audiences together through purposeful and professionally delivered experiences.

Students will explore conferences, exhibitions, product launches, brand activations, pop-up events, client and stakeholder events, and employee engagement activities.

The elective examines how different formats support different business objectives, from sharing knowledge and generating commercial leads to launching products, strengthening workplace culture and creating direct engagement between brands and their audiences.

Sports Event Management

Sports events bring together competition, audience experience and fast-paced operational delivery.

This elective explores tournaments, fixtures and major sporting events, alongside stadium and arena operations, athlete and team requirements, fan engagement, sponsorship, ticketing and match-day delivery.

Students will also examine crowd behaviour, security, broadcast considerations, commercial partnerships, accreditation, volunteer programmes, sports governing bodies, event legacy and the wider economic and social impact of hosting sporting events.

PR and Digital Marketing

Public relations and digital marketing influence how organisations build visibility, engage audiences and manage their reputation.

This transferable elective explores brand positioning, social media, content creation, email marketing, digital advertising, media relations and influencer activity.

Students will learn how to identify target audiences, develop integrated campaigns, create effective communications and evaluate performance.

The elective also considers press releases, crisis communications, search visibility and the responsible use of digital platforms across events and other industries.

Event Entrepreneurship and Business Start-Up

Building an event business requires creativity, commercial awareness and a clear understanding of the market.

Students will explore business concepts, target audiences, services, pricing, branding, marketing, client acquisition and financial planning. They will learn how to shape a viable event business, develop a practical business plan and build relationships with clients and suppliers.

The elective also considers contracts, legal responsibilities, managing growth and the realities of establishing and running an event company.

Festivals, Live Music and Entertainment Events

Festivals, concerts and entertainment events combine creative programming with complex operational delivery.

Students will explore event concepts, artist and performer coordination, venue and site planning, staging, ticketing, audience management and technical production.

The elective also considers licensing, safety, weather contingencies, backstage operations, artist contracts, production schedules, accessibility, community impact and the commercial realities of live entertainment.

Developing Your Own Direction in Events

The updated elective portfolio gives students the opportunity to explore a sector, creative discipline or professional pathway that reflects their interests and future plans.

Electives complement the core programme rather than replacing it. Students continue to develop broad event management knowledge and practical experience while gaining greater insight into a particular area of the industry.

Elective availability may vary by programme and intake, with options confirmed according to programme suitability, lecturer availability and student interest.