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Key details

Award title
MA Creative Events Management (PGDip also available)
Awarding body
Falmouth University
Level
7
Duration
MA 2 years; PGDip 14 months
Mode of study
Online, part-time
Total MA course fee
£11,300
3 start dates per year
January, May and September
Next welcome week
17 January 2022
Next start date
24 January 2022
Application deadline
5 January 2022 (apply early to secure your place)

Watch your course overview

Apply for MA

Apply for PGDip

Online Masters in Creative Events Management

Introduction

Events play a decisive role across business, culture and sport. Managing increasingly discerning audiences, developments in technology and market shifts, demands skills and insight.  

This masters degree will help you meet this need.

You will get access to international events expertise paired with academic rigour.

This will enable you to enhance your professional practice, creative perspectives and approaches, while critically evaluating current industry norms.  

You will: 

  • Develop skills to design, plan, produce and manage events across the creative and corporate sectors 
  • Extend your career into event management 
  • Gain certification as A Greener Festival Stage 1 Assessor on completion of the A Greener Festival Assessor Training course, as part of the Sustainable Practice module 
  • As part of the Creative Practice in Event Design module, gain a certificate in Disability Equality Training for Live Events, accredited by Attitude is Everything.  

 

Creative Events Management students discuss the industry's future

Our latest virtual face-to-face event was developed and run by current MA students and included sessions on sustainable events and what it means to be a Global Events Manager today. Get more details on this event examining the changing nature of the industry. 

Why study with us?

This MA is built to help individuals find success in the events industry, with the capacity to address the needs of students with differing levels of expertise.

If you’re currently working in events and looking to enhance your capabilities, the course will help you further improve your practice, investigate new approaches, and gain access to international perspectives and expertise.

Alternatively, if you’re working in a similar field and seeking a route into events, or a graduate looking to develop your abilities, our MA will give you the specialist knowledge and practical know-how needed to forge a career in event management.

Upon graduating from the course, you’ll be able to explore a variety of different progression paths - from corporate roles such as client entertaining and exhibitions, to non-profit roles like sponsorship coordination and campaign planning.

Additionally, your certification as A Greener Festival Stage 1 Assessor will allow you to conduct environmental assessments of events all across the world.

Careers and employability service 

In addition to the guidance offered by our tutors, you can also access RealWORKS, our careers and employability service throughout your studies, and for up to 5 years following graduation. 

Our expert team will help you identify potential opportunities in the UK or internationally, prepare for job interviews, advise you on starting up your own business, and more. 

Entry requirements

You should have:

An honours degree or Level 6 equivalent qualification.

If your first language is not English, you'll need to take one of the following tests to verify your proficiency:

  • IELTS - minimum overall score of IELTS 6.5 with at least 6.0 in Reading, Writing, Speaking and Listening
  • TOEFL iBT (online test) - minimum of 88 overall and at least 21 in all 4 components
  • LanguageCert (online test) - a High Pass from the ESOL B2 Communicator test in reading, writing, speaking and listening (2 parts)

We also accept a range of equivalent recognised English language qualifications. Candidates without a degree or formal qualification are still encouraged to apply.

For more information regarding equivalent international qualifications and Accreditation of Prior Learning (APL) please call us on +44 (0)1223 447713 or view our handy guide: 

APL guide

Graduate stories

Rachel Cole

Senior Events Executive

Watch our Q&A with graduate Rachel to find out how the course helped her secure a new role:

Jasper Mehagnoul

jasper_140pxTeacher and Project Manager

"[For the Digital Futures for Events and Events Marketing module] we had to consider how to handle different time zones, where the event would take place, and find a way to tackle everything efficiently.

There's another module called 'Creative Practice in Event Design', and it was great because we had to design a real event, with a business plan. That was a really valuable experience. You get feedback, and then have to consider how you would do it again."

Read more about how Jasper feels he's benefited from the course.

Onna Rageth

onna_140pxResearch Associate

"Since June 2020, I've been a Research Associate at the Institute of Tourism and Leisure at the University of Applied Sciences (UAS) of the Grisons in Chur. 

Thanks to my MA, I deepened my knowledge of cultural, sociological, political and event-related topics, which enriches the practice-oriented tourism and leisure research conducted at UAS of the Grisons.

In future, since I love to do research, I aspire to do a PhD in the interlinked areas of cultural heritage, event studies and tourism."

Read more about how the MA has helped Onna develop her career.

Bettina Snowden

Events Professional

Watch our Q&A with Bettina to find out what it was like to start the course as an older student:

Senior Events Executive

Watch our Q&A with graduate Rachel to find out how the course helped her secure a new role:

jasper_140pxTeacher and Project Manager

"[For the Digital Futures for Events and Events Marketing module] we had to consider how to handle different time zones, where the event would take place, and find a way to tackle everything efficiently.

There's another module called 'Creative Practice in Event Design', and it was great because we had to design a real event, with a business plan. That was a really valuable experience. You get feedback, and then have to consider how you would do it again."

Read more about how Jasper feels he's benefited from the course.

onna_140pxResearch Associate

"Since June 2020, I've been a Research Associate at the Institute of Tourism and Leisure at the University of Applied Sciences (UAS) of the Grisons in Chur. 

Thanks to my MA, I deepened my knowledge of cultural, sociological, political and event-related topics, which enriches the practice-oriented tourism and leisure research conducted at UAS of the Grisons.

In future, since I love to do research, I aspire to do a PhD in the interlinked areas of cultural heritage, event studies and tourism."

Read more about how the MA has helped Onna develop her career.

Events Professional

Watch our Q&A with Bettina to find out what it was like to start the course as an older student:

Course details

What you’ll learn

Understand event management and the business context in which events operate. Examine the impact of the digital economy on event management and design your own digital event. Consider the sustainability of events and undertake your own events research project.  

Course structure

MA 

You will need to complete four 30-credit modules and one 60-credit project (180 credits in total). All modules on the course are compulsory and must be passed in order to complete the award. 

PGDip 

You will need to complete four 30-credit modules (120 credits in total). All modules on the course are compulsory and must be passed in order to complete the award. A dissertation (major project) is not required. 

Please note the module orders are subject to change.

Module one

Principles of Event Management & Research (30 credits) 

The module is designed to introduce you to key themes that create the platform for understanding event management and the business context in which events operate.

This will include introductions to principles and practice of: 

  • Concept development & associated theory 
  • Business planning & finance 
  • Health & safety assessment 
  • Legal considerations 
  • Marketing theory 
  • Operational delivery 
  • Event impacts and evaluation.  

You will also acknowledge the potential impact of international variations in regulation and legislation when working with best practice examples.  

Module two

Creative Practice in Event Design (30 credits) 

You will learn key theories, concepts, techniques and considerations around event and experience design, including principles and practice of: 

  • Approaching the conception and delivery of the event, engaging a range of senses 
  • Audience flow and focal points during the event 
  • The differentiation between various stakeholders and expectation, including designers, creative agencies, set designers and producers 
  • Creativity of stages and construction.  
Module three

Digital Futures for Events and Events Marketing (30 credits) 

The events industry is benefiting from technological developments and simultaneously being challenged by the digital economy. 

You will look at this from a local, national and international perspective and identify fundamental sectoral issues and relevant theories. 

You will then demonstrate knowledge gained by working in a group to design, implement and evaluate a digital event.  

Module four

Sustainable Practice (30 credits) 

The events industry operates globally and generates a wide range of environmental impacts. 

You will look at the sustainability of events from a local, national and international perspective and identify fundamental sectoral issues.

You will consider varied approaches towards implementing sustainability, across event type, industry sector and country alongside the theoretical thread underpinning them.  

 

Final major project (MA only)

Final Major Project (MA only) (60 credits)

In this module, you will undertake your own events research project. You will explore and analyse further a specialist area of contemporary events practice reflecting current theories and debates. In doing so you will initiate research that will inform your future career development.

This final module provides you with the opportunity to reflect on your learning on the course in relation to your personal objectives and professional development.

Examples of previous Final Major Project titles include:

  • Effective event experience design for UK higher education major gift level philanthropy
  • The fan family that conventions together stays together: A grounded theory study of family fan convention experiences in the United States
  • The influence of gamification practices on education events in the corporate sector
  • Exploring if cultural events and other supporting variables can revive tourism in Syria in the post-conflict era

 

Want to learn more about any of the modules?

Get in touch with our expert Course Adviser team. They’ll be able to answer all your questions about the programme, our application process, funding options, and more.

Principles of Event Management & Research (30 credits) 

The module is designed to introduce you to key themes that create the platform for understanding event management and the business context in which events operate.

This will include introductions to principles and practice of: 

  • Concept development & associated theory 
  • Business planning & finance 
  • Health & safety assessment 
  • Legal considerations 
  • Marketing theory 
  • Operational delivery 
  • Event impacts and evaluation.  

You will also acknowledge the potential impact of international variations in regulation and legislation when working with best practice examples.  

Creative Practice in Event Design (30 credits) 

You will learn key theories, concepts, techniques and considerations around event and experience design, including principles and practice of: 

  • Approaching the conception and delivery of the event, engaging a range of senses 
  • Audience flow and focal points during the event 
  • The differentiation between various stakeholders and expectation, including designers, creative agencies, set designers and producers 
  • Creativity of stages and construction.  

Digital Futures for Events and Events Marketing (30 credits) 

The events industry is benefiting from technological developments and simultaneously being challenged by the digital economy. 

You will look at this from a local, national and international perspective and identify fundamental sectoral issues and relevant theories. 

You will then demonstrate knowledge gained by working in a group to design, implement and evaluate a digital event.  

Sustainable Practice (30 credits) 

The events industry operates globally and generates a wide range of environmental impacts. 

You will look at the sustainability of events from a local, national and international perspective and identify fundamental sectoral issues.

You will consider varied approaches towards implementing sustainability, across event type, industry sector and country alongside the theoretical thread underpinning them.  

 

Final Major Project (MA only) (60 credits)

In this module, you will undertake your own events research project. You will explore and analyse further a specialist area of contemporary events practice reflecting current theories and debates. In doing so you will initiate research that will inform your future career development.

This final module provides you with the opportunity to reflect on your learning on the course in relation to your personal objectives and professional development.

Examples of previous Final Major Project titles include:

  • Effective event experience design for UK higher education major gift level philanthropy
  • The fan family that conventions together stays together: A grounded theory study of family fan convention experiences in the United States
  • The influence of gamification practices on education events in the corporate sector
  • Exploring if cultural events and other supporting variables can revive tourism in Syria in the post-conflict era

 

Want to learn more about any of the modules?

Get in touch with our expert Course Adviser team. They’ll be able to answer all your questions about the programme, our application process, funding options, and more.

How you'll learn

With Falmouth Flexible, you access your course content, interactions with other students and tutors, and learning resources, through Canvas, an easy-to-use online platform.  

You can access the course wherever you are in the world, and you can stop, pause and rewind lectures whenever you want.  

 

Learning activities

Engaging learning activities will help you apply theory to practice. They could include: 

  • Concise online presentations to introduce key concepts 
  • Small group and class discussions and crits to facilitate interaction and dialogue 
  • Online critiques to test assumptions, ideas and to receive feedback from peers and tutors 
  • Individual and group tutorials throughout the course 
  • Independent study 
  • Self-evaluation and peer feedback 

 

Assessments

All assessments are taken and submitted online.  

Assessment methods for the masters degree in Creative Events Management can typically include: 

  • Evaluation takes various forms including written coursework and practical activities 
  • Written assessments include reports, a blog, a business plan, a research proposal, a literary review, a sustainability audit as well as a dissertation 
  • ​Practical assessments include collaborative and individual presentations as well as a digital event.

Student support

Throughout your studies, you’ll be supported by a student advisor. Their job is to answer any non-academic queries you may have, and they can be contacted via email, phone, text or WhatsApp.  

They can show you around the online learning platform, guide you through enrolment, and give advice on managing your work/life balance.  

As a Falmouth student, you enjoy an equal status to students studying on campus: 

  • Your own student ID card 
  • Access to online software tutorials at lynda.com 
  • 24/7 online access to library resources 
  • Students’ Union community. 

Teaching team

Designed with employer-focused learning at the core, our MA Creative Events Management team work with global organisations, staff and alumni to provide you with the breadth of experience and networks needed to accelerate your career.

The Sustainable Practice module for example, has been developed with A Greener Festival. This not-for-profit organisation works internationally with festival, events and venues to help them reduce the environmental impact of their work. 

Guest lecturers have included:

  • Steve Strange, one of the founders of X-ray Touring whose clients include Eminem, Coldplay and Snow Patrol
  • Claire Eason- Bassett, Managing Director of award-winning creative event management agency Mackerel Sky Events
  • Gordon Seabright, Director of Eden Project
  • Phil Morgan, Deputy Chief Executive, Chartered Institute of Public Relations (CIPR).

Video intro to the course

Meet the course team and find out more about the MA Creative Events Management course:

Watch our MA Creative Events Management videos

 

Face-to-face events

Up to twice a year, you’ll have the optional opportunity to meet your classmates and tutors in person. Dates and location of the events will vary. Events usually incorporate a weekend to accommodate busy schedules.  

Our latest Creative Events Management event was developed by MA students themselves and examined the future of the events industry through a series of virtual presentations and workshops. There were sessions on integrating sustainability practices into events, making the most of moving to a new country and how to plan and execute virtual events. Read more about the discussions on the changing nature of global events management.

Previous Creative Events Management face-to-face events have also included visiting the world-famous Christmas markets in Berlin. The event included a series of activities that explored diverse aspects of the events industry with a focus on risk management as well as the intersection of sustainability, consumerism and tradition. 

Using the lens of the Christmas market, students explored the event practice issues of risk management in large scale non-ticketed events, and sustainability, consumerism and tradition. To help students explore these issues in context, they also met representatives from the Event Agency Berlin, one of the city’s leading event production companies.  

Find out more about face-to-face events on our student experience page.

How to apply

 

Before you apply 

Before you submit your application, please contact one of our course advisors so they can guide you through the process and ensure you submit the best application possible for entry into the course. 

Call us on  +44 (0)1223 447713.

 

Application steps

Start your application

  • Submit a copy of your first degree certificate or Level 6 equivalent qualification and your IELTS certificate if English is not your first language.

Late applications may be considered if places are available. 

For free advice, please contact our friendly and knowledgeable course advisors on +44 (0)1223 447713.

Fees, costs & funding

Fees

Total course fee

£11,300 (including £250 acceptance fee)

Payment options  

  • One-off payment 
  • Six equal instalments spread over a two-year period. 

 

Payment methods  

Payments can be made online or by phone, using a credit or debit card, or by bank transfer. 

 

Please visit our fees and funding page for more information or call us on +44 (0)1223 447713 to speak to a course advisor.

Funding options

Application offers

We offer a range of bursaries, early application offers, and alumni discounts.

 

Loans

You may be eligible for funding from the UK Government.

 

Please visit our fees and funding page for more information or call us on +44 (0)1223 447713 to speak to a course advisor.

 

Total course fee

£11,300 (including £250 acceptance fee)

Payment options  

  • One-off payment 
  • Six equal instalments spread over a two-year period. 

 

Payment methods  

Payments can be made online or by phone, using a credit or debit card, or by bank transfer. 

 

Please visit our fees and funding page for more information or call us on +44 (0)1223 447713 to speak to a course advisor.

Application offers

We offer a range of bursaries, early application offers, and alumni discounts.

 

Loans

You may be eligible for funding from the UK Government.

 

Please visit our fees and funding page for more information or call us on +44 (0)1223 447713 to speak to a course advisor.

 

Falmouth sign
Contact us

If you have any questions about the programme, our experienced course advisors are here to help.

You can call our friendly and knowledgeable team on +44 (0)1223 447713. 

Get In Touch

Creative Events Management resources

Creative Events Management students discuss the industry's future
Creative Events Management students discuss the industry's future

This September, MA Creative Events Management students are organising a virtual event on the theme of

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What career opportunities exist in the digital events sphere?
What career opportunities exist in the digital events sphere?

We’re pleased to be launching You Ask, We Answer – our latest blog series dedicated to

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Is there still a future in the creative events industry?
Is there still a future in the creative events industry?

The Coronavirus pandemic, coupled with extensive lockdowns across the world, have undeniably presented new and ...

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