From First Term to Final Day: Tallulah and Felix Complete Their Degree Alternative in Event Management
- The Event School London
- 2 days ago
- 4 min read
What does a year studying event management in London actually look like?
For Tallulah Richards and Felix Orr, it meant far more than completing classes and assessments.
Over the course of their Degree Alternative Programmes they experienced different areas of the events industry, visited venues, developed specialist interests, networked with industry professionals, worked on live events and completed internships before reaching their final day with us.
We spoke to both students at different points during their programme. Their videos offer an interesting opportunity to look back at what was important to them while they were still studying and then hear how they reflected on the experience once the year was complete.
Tallulah Richards: exploring the industry and discovering new possibilities
When we first spoke to Tallulah during the programme, she was already making the most of the opportunities that come with studying event management in London.
She spoke about the range of experiences available through the course and how being introduced to different areas of the industry had helped broaden her understanding of what a career in events could involve.
One area that particularly interested Tallulah was luxury events. Studying the sector gave her an opportunity to look beyond the finished event and understand the planning, detail and client expectations that sit behind a luxury experience.
She also highlighted one of the advantages of studying in London: access to an events industry that extends well beyond the classroom. From live event activity to venues and industry experiences, students are continually able to connect what they are learning with the professional world around them.
By her final day, those individual experiences had become part of a much bigger year.
Tallulah reflected particularly on the number of venues she had experienced, the work experience she had gained and her internship.
Most importantly, she finished the programme looking positively towards what comes next.
Felix Orr: developing a specialist interest in sports events
Felix also used the programme to explore where his own interests could take him within the industry.
During his studies, Felix undertook a multi-qualification pathway adding the regulated L5 & L6 Diplomas in Events Management to his Advanced Diploma in Sports Event Management.
He also took Event School electives that broadened his sports interests into wider event types (Conference and Exhibitions, Business Events and Brand Experiences) and topics that would support a career in both sports and events (Digital Literacy, Digital Marketing and Leadership and Management).
That progression pathways and ability to tailor to your interests is an important part of the Degree Alternative. Students build a broad foundation in event management while also having opportunities to explore particular sectors and begin identifying the areas of the industry that most interest them.
Felix went on to represent the student perspective as part of The Event School London’s Industry Advisory Board, giving him an opportunity to contribute his views alongside professionals working within the events sector.
Speaking again on his final day, Felix described the year simply as an amazing experience.
His internship and the experience he gained through it was one of the highlights, alongside his wider year at The Event School London.
He also spoke warmly about support from the School Director (Maria O'Dea).
A year designed around more than the classroom
Tallulah and Felix chose unique Degree Alternative programmes, with the benefits of their individual experiences demonstrating why we deliberately avoid creating an identical pathway for every student.
Over three terms, students build their knowledge progressively through to a Level 6 in Events Management while developing their events experience alongside their academic study.
They plan and deliver a live event, choose specialist electives, attend venue visits and industry events and complete a four-week internship. They also had career mentors assigned to them with 1-2-1 personal guidance tailored to exploring their career goals and interests.
The aim is not simply to understand how events work, but to begin developing the judgement, confidence and professional awareness needed to build a career within the industry.
London plays an important part in that experience. Studying in the capital places students close to major venues, event organisations, exhibitions, conferences, live experiences and an extensive professional network.
From students to the next stage of their careers
The difference between the first videos and the final-day interviews is subtle but important.
At the earlier stage, Tallulah and Felix are talking about what they are discovering, what interests them and the opportunities they are beginning to experience.
By the final day, they are looking back on a completed year of study, internships, venues, events and professional development, with a much clearer sense of where that experience can take them next.
That is ultimately what the Degree Alternative is intended to provide: a serious route into the events industry for students who want an alternative to a traditional university experience, combining recognised qualifications with a year immersed in event management in London.
We have loved having Tallulah and Felix as part of The Event School London and look forward to seeing where they take their experience next.
Interested in following a similar route?
The Degree Alternative in Event Management is a one-year, full-time programme in London for students looking to begin their careers in the events industry.
Students on the next intake will progress through Levels 4, 5 and 6 in Events Management (Ofqual regulated qualifications) while gaining industry enrichment experience through live event planning, specialist electives, industry activities and a four-week internship.
The next programme starts in September 2026.
