The Higher Diploma in Event Management - A Degree Alternative with Purpose
- The Event School London
- Aug 13
- 3 min read
Updated: Aug 14
Why It Stands Out
If university feels too abstract or slow-moving, the Higher Diploma in Event Management offers something radically different: a one-year, highly practical pathway into the world of events - a genuine degree alternative with real-world impact. Designed for both school leavers, especially those wanting hands-on learning, and graduates who already hold qualifications but want practical depth and specialisation, this programme delivers exactly that.
Key Features at a Glance
One Academic Year, Full‑Time Starts on 29 September 2025, runs through to July 2026.
Highly Practical & Immersive Curriculum Includes 30 weeks of face-to-face training-typically over three days per week-at vibrant venues along London’s Royal Victoria Docks.
PLUS Live Event Delivery Students don’t just study event planning - they plan, deliver, and evaluate a live event from conception to final breakdown.
PLUS 60 Hours of Industry Practice Choose from a blend of volunteering, work placements, site visits, and more to gain diverse exposure within the events sector.
PLUS One‑Month Internship An invaluable bridge to industry - students gain workplace experience, build a professional network, and increase employability.
Specialist Electives Tailor your learning: choose six electives and shape your focus within areas like sustainability, technical production, marketing, venue management, and more.
Dedicated Mentorship You’ll work closely with both academic and career mentors, who guide your studies and help map out your professional journey
Assessment That Reflects Real Work No endless essays and exams - assessments include assignments, portfolios, reports, practical tasks, and observations, encouraging deeper learning through applied experience.
Industry & International Recognition Graduates earn a Higher Diploma from The Event School London, industry and internationally recognised
Flexible Finance Options For UK Students: £500 deposit secures your place, with the rest due one month before the start—or choose a 24‑month payment plan if needed
Who Thrives Here?
School Leavers & Gap Year Explorers
If you have at least 5 GCSEs, 2 A‑Levels, or an equivalent academic/vocational qualification (BTEC etc), this programme offers a powerful - and faster - alternative to a traditional degree, with a strong focus on doing rather than listening
Graduates Seeking Specialism
Already hold a degree or diploma? Add a serious specialist edge to your resume—get hands-on practice, industry insight, and a portfolio filled with real-world event experience.
What About Careers?
You won’t just leave with a certificate—you’ll emerge with practical skills, industry networks, live event experience, and the confidence to step directly into roles like event coordinator, assistant, manager—or even launch your own event business. (93% of our graduates are working in the event industry!)
Why It Works
Do‑Based Learning – Instead of theory-heavy lectures, learning comes through doing. You’ll plan, execute, evaluate—and learn in real time.
Live Industry Exposure – From venue tours to live events to one-month internships, you're learning in the thick of it.
Flexible, Focused Pathway – Specialise according to your passion while earning a credential that matters.
Strong Support System – Paired with personal mentors, you’ll never feel lost—even amidst fast-paced, practical learning.
Time‑Efficient – Go from study to career-ready in a year
Snapshot at a Glance
Feature | Details |
Duration | 1 academic year (Sept 2025 – July 2026) |
Structure | 30 weeks face-to-face training, plus live event planning, site visits, excursions, industry events and networking |
Practical Exposure | Live event execution, 60 hrs industry practice, 1-month internship |
Specialisation Options | |
Mentorship | Dedicated academic and career mentors included |
Assessment Strategy | Project work, portfolios, reports, practical observations |
Entry Requirements | 5 GCSEs / 2 A-Levels or equivalent; vocational or technical certificate (BTEC etc) |
Recognition | Awarded by The Event School London |
Fees & Finance | Total: £12,250; payment plan available for UK Applicants |
Finally!
For those craving a dynamic, career-oriented, and hands-on learning experience - this course isn’t just a degree alternative—it’s a real jumpstart. Whether you’re stepping out of school with ambition or coming back post-degree for a specialised edge, the Higher Diploma offers a distinctive pathway into the events world—immersive, supported, and industry-aligned.
