Event Management BA (Hons) with foundation year

Study level: Undergraduate
Degree with foundation year
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This course is designed to prepare you to work in the exciting and diverse global events industry, ranging from large-scale music and cultural festivals, corporate events and exhibitions, to small, bespoke social events.

Course option

Year of entry

Location

CU Coventry (Coventry) and
Coventry University (Coventry)

Study mode

Full-time
Sandwich

Duration

4 years full-time
5 years sandwich

UCAS codes

N9DF

Start date

September 2025
November 2025


Course overview

Our degree with foundation year could be the stepping stone you need to achieve your goals. The foundation year aims to prepare you for degree-level study and is a great way to build the confidence, skills and knowledge needed to succeed on your degree course.

Foundation year

The foundation year will introduce you to the world of business with a strong focus on management, business communications and marketing in a global context. It creates opportunities for you to develop vital business skills, as well as preparing you for study at undergraduate level. You will put theory, both traditional and contemporary, into practice with real-world scenarios.

Degree

The events industry is big business and vital for economies, communities and individual health and well-being. By studying event management, you’ll have the opportunity to learn how to manage events and get the chance to apply theory to practice throughout your course.

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Rated Gold Overall

Teaching Excellence Framework (TEF) 2023

Five stars in a speech bubble.

5 QS Stars for Teaching and Facilities

QS Stars University Ratings

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Top 5 Student City in England (Coventry)

QS Best Student Cities Index 2025

Why you should study this course

Foundation year

  • Supports you to gain the academic skills required for degree-level study.
  • Provides a grounding in key areas of business and management.

Degree

  • Real-world experience
    Gain hands-on experience managing live events2. Previous students have worked on major music concerts at the National Exhibition Centre (NEC), National Indoor Arena (NIA) and the Ricoh Arena as well as helping to run overseas activities for the British Council.
  • Gain the skills and knowledge necessary for organising successful, memorable and safe events, which means you will also develop a set of highly transferable management skills, particularly in the area of leadership and project management. Learn how to apply business principles, such as financial management, marking theory and strategic management to the solution of event management problems.
  • Industry insight
    Have the chance to access a range of industry visits and field trips2, which has previously included visits to the Echo Arena, Cavern Club and St. Georges Hall in Liverpool, and the Aviva Stadium and Croke Park in Dublin. We also aim to invite experts to speak to our students during the course2.
  • Prepare for your future
    Prepare for a future career in event management with a work placement2. We currently have links with local, national and international event management companies, such as Eventsforce, Fargo and N200, who have previously provided opportunities for direct work experience, both paid and voluntary2.

The Event Management course has given me a deeper understanding of the events industry and the processes required to create events, from management and marketing to operations, funding, and promotion.

Amber Croft, Event Management BA student (Quoted 2025)
Amber Croft

What you'll study

Live Event Management
You could be offered the opportunity to undertake real project management and event management experiences2, focusing on group work, planning and execution of an innovative, creative or cultural event, as well as closure and evaluation of the project.

Event Business Management
You will cover the core principles and practices of management, but in the context of organising events.

Event Marketing
Covers the principles of event marketing and specifically the application of service sector marketing to the event industry.

This course has a common first year.

The common first year enables you to work alongside students doing similar courses to you, to widen your knowledge and exposure to other subject areas and professions. You will have the opportunity to collaborate with other students, so you can share your insights and experience which will help you to develop and learn. 

If you discover an interest in a specific subject you have studied, upon successful completion of your first year, you could swap degrees with another course in your common first year (subject to meeting progression requirements). 

Common first year courses 

  • Advertising and Digital Marketing BA (Hons)
  • Business Administration BBA (Hons)
  • Business and Human Resource Management BA (Hons)
  • Business and Marketing BA (Hons)
  • Business Management BA (Hons)
  • Event Management BA (Hons)
  • International Business Management BSc (Hons)
  • Marketing BA (Hons)
  • Sport Management BA (Hons)

Modules

In year two, you will continue to develop the skills and knowledge you’ve learnt. We do this by embedding the following four principles into the curriculum:  

  • Technical skills – digital fluency, backed with the right academic knowledge
  • Study skills – to be an adaptive, independent and proactive learner
  • Professional skills – to have the behaviour and abilities to succeed in your career
  • Global awareness – the beliefs and abilities to be a resilient, confident and motivated global citizen 

Modules

There’s no better way to find out what you love doing than trying it out for yourself, which is why a work placement2 can often be beneficial. Work placements usually occur between your second and final year of study. They’re a great way to help you explore your potential career path and gain valuable work experience, whilst developing transferable skills for the future.

 

Modules

The final year aims to bring you to the level to enter the world of work by consolidating your knowledge and skills from years one and two.

Modules

The foundation year offers an introduction to your chosen subject and supports you to develop the skills required for degree-level study.

Modules

We regularly review our course content, to make it relevant and current for the benefit of our students. For these reasons, course modules may be updated.


How you'll learn

We aim to discuss current issues in event management and aim to invite people, currently working in the events industry, to share their experiences and views2.

The foundation year is focused on applied learning through a blend of lectures, tutorials and online learning. There are no end-of-year exams. Instead, learning is assessed through coursework and phase tests, which are more reflective of a working environment.

The learning outcomes of modules, assignments and projects will be clearly stated. Your work will be marked according to how well you achieve these learning outcomes and your final feedback will refer to each outcome, as well as providing an overall percentage grade.


Teaching contact hours

As a full-time undergraduate student, you will study modules totalling 120 credits each academic year. A typical 20 credit module requires a total of 200 hours study. This is made up of teaching contact hours, guided and independent study.

Teaching hours:

Teaching hours vary each semester, year of study and due to module selection. During your first year you can expect 15-18 teaching hours each week. You will also have the option to attend optional sessions including time with a progress coach or to meet with staff for advice and feedback. As you progress through your studies, teaching hours may reduce.

Guided and Independent study:

Throughout your studies, you will be expected to spend time in guided and independent study to make up the required study hours per module. You'll be digging deeper into topics, review what you've learnt and complete assignments. This can be completed around your personal commitments. As you progress through your studies, you'll spend more time in independent study.

Online learning:

As an innovative university, we use different teaching methods including online tools and emerging technologies. So, some of your teaching hours and assessments may be delivered online.


Assessment

Assessment methods vary and may include practical class and project performance, written practical reports, project thesis, oral presentations, tutorial tasks and assessments which generally take place at the end of each six-week block.

The Coventry University Group assessment strategy ensures that our courses are fairly assessed and allows us to monitor student progression towards achieving the intended learning outcomes.

If you choose to start this course in January it will be run as a condensed programme. You’ll start your course in January and finish your first year in August. Upon successful completion of Year 1, you will progress onto Year 2 in September and then continue to start subsequent years of your course in September, completing your degree at the same time as the September starters unless you opt to do a placement year.


Teaching contact hours

As a full-time undergraduate student, you will study modules totalling 120 credits each academic year. A typical 20 credit module requires a total of 200 hours study. This is made up of teaching contact hours, guided and independent study.

Teaching hours:

Teaching hours vary each semester, year of study and due to module selection. During your first year you can expect 15-18 teaching hours each week. You will also have the option to attend optional sessions including time with a progress coach or to meet with staff for advice and feedback. As you progress through your studies, teaching hours may reduce.

Guided and Independent study:

Throughout your studies, you will be expected to spend time in guided and independent study to make up the required study hours per module. You'll be digging deeper into topics, review what you've learnt and complete assignments. This can be completed around your personal commitments. As you progress through your studies, you'll spend more time in independent study.

Online learning:

As an innovative university, we use different teaching methods including online tools and emerging technologies. So, some of your teaching hours and assessments may be delivered online.


Assessment

This course will be assessed using a variety of methods which will vary depending upon the module.

Assessment methods may include:

  • phase tests
  • essays
  • group work
  • presentations
  • reports
  • projects
  • coursework
  • exams
  • individual assignments.

The Coventry University Group assessment strategy ensures that our courses are fairly assessed and allows us to monitor student progression towards achieving the intended learning outcomes.


International experience opportunities

We fully appreciate that you need a global outlook and throughout the course; we aim to expose you to the events industry in different countries and cultures through the ongoing cultivation of a number of global collaborators2, focusing on the events industry in the United States, Brazil, Europe, Dubai, Qatar, China and Australia. In the past, these links have opened up exciting opportunities for previous students to volunteer abroad2.

We are looking to develop Collaborative Online International Learning (COIL) projects, which aim to provide you with the opportunity to work online with international students on projects together2. In the past, students have worked alongside EU students as part of a week-long case study in Groningen (Holland). Additionally, our modules consider international perspectives through relevant case studies, and we aim to provide opportunities to build on this with a direct focus on managing international events2.

Event Management addresses the many and diverse skills required to deliver different kinds of experiences to various audiences in diverse settings, on budget and on time. The event industry requires practitioners skilled in several areas such as project management, experience design and promotion. This course aims to provide hands-on opportunities while also providing the theoretical basis of management.

Paul Cartlidge, Course Director for Event Management BA (Hons), 2022
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Entry requirements

Typical entry requirements:

64 UCAS tariff points. All foundation courses require GCSE maths and English at grade 4 / C or Functional Skills Level 2, or other equivalent Level 2 awards.

Other qualifications and experience

Our students come from a variety of backgrounds, each with a unique story. We recognise a breadth of qualifications. If your qualifications differ from the above, contact our Admissions Team who will be happy to discuss your qualifications and routes into your chosen course.

Contextual offers and Fair Access Scheme

If you meet the criteria for our Fair Access Scheme, you could automatically receive a contextual offer that may be up to 24 UCAS points lower than our standard entry requirements. View the criteria for our Fair Access Scheme.

Got higher grades? Have you considered direct entry to the degree without foundation year?


Fees and funding

Foundation year

Student Full-time Part-time
UK, Ireland*, Channel Islands or Isle of Man £5,760 Not available
International/EU Not currently available*** Not available

Degree

Student Full-time Part-time
UK, Ireland*, Channel Islands or Isle of Man £9,535 per year Not available
International/EU Not currently available*** Not available

If you choose to study this course with a professional placement2 or study abroad year, you will need to pay a tuition fee3 to cover your academic support throughout your placement year. Students commencing their professional placement in the academic year 2027/28 will pay £1,500 if they are paying UK fees, or £1,800 if they are paying international fees.

For advice and guidance on tuition fees and student loans visit our Undergraduate Finance page and see The University’s Tuition Fee and Refund Terms and Conditions.

The University will charge the tuition fees that are stated in the above table for the first Academic Year of study. The University will review tuition fees each year. For UK (home) students, if Parliament permits an increase in tuition fees, the university may increase fees for each subsequent year of study in line with any such changes. Note that any increase is expected to be in line with inflation.

If you choose to study this course with a professional placement, the University will charge the tuition fees stated above for those on a placement during Academic Year 2027/28. The University will review professional placement tuition fees each year. For UK (home) students, the University may increase fees for each subsequent year of study, but such that it will be no more than 5% above inflation.

For international students, we may increase fees each year, but such increases will be no more than 5% above inflation. If you defer your course start date or have to extend your studies beyond the normal duration of the course (e.g. to repeat a year or resit examinations) the University reserves the right to charge you fees at a higher rate and/or in accordance with any legislative changes during the additional period of study.

We offer a range of International scholarships to students all over the world. For more information, visit our International Scholarships page.

Tuition fees cover the cost of your teaching, assessments, facilities and support services. There may be additional costs not covered by this fee such as accommodation and living costs, recommended reading books, stationery, printing and re-assessments should you need them. Find out what's included in your tuition costs.

Applies to degree only:

The following are additional costs not included in the tuition fees:

  • Any optional overseas field trips or visits: £400+ per trip.
  • Any costs associated with securing, attending or completing a placement (whether in the UK or abroad).

Foundation year funding

In order to receive funding for degree with foundation year courses, you will need to complete a four-year degree programme which includes the integrated foundation year, otherwise you may be responsible for your foundation year fees. For further information, please refer to the 'Tuition Fee Loan' details in the 'Funding your undergraduate course' section of our 'Fees and finance' page.

*Irish student fees

The rights of Irish residents to study in the UK are preserved under the Common Travel Area arrangement. If you are an Irish student and meet the residency criteria, you can study in England, pay the same level of tuition fees as English students and utilise the Tuition Fee Loan.

**This course with foundation year is not currently available to international students. If you do not meet the entry requirements to directly join year 1 of the degree, please take a look at our International Pathways Programme for additional options.


Facilities

Our foundation years are taught at CU Coventry’s Mile Lane building, a short walk from the city centre. You’re part of the university from day one, so during your foundation year you’ll have access to the wider facilities at Coventry University. Once you successfully complete your foundation year, you'll transfer over to studying your chosen degree at Coventry University, where you'll be taught on campus in the relevant academic buildings.

Located on our Mile Lane campus, you will have access to our Library and Learning Services (LLS), fully equipped seminar rooms and IT suites4. You can also take advantage of reading rights in Coventry University’s Lanchester Library, make use of sport centre facilities and receive full membership to Your Students' Union.

Two students walking outside with the CU Coventry building behind them.

Mile Lane

The campus is home to an on-site library with bookable one-to-one academic writing service and library support sessions, fully equipped seminar rooms, open-access study areas, a café and an IT suite. Our labs contain industry-standard equipment so that you learn using the same equipment as many industry professionals.

A student working in a booth in The Hub.

The Hub

At The Hub you'll find the Health and Wellbeing Centre, the Students’ Union and Square One (which provides entertainment from quiz nights to live music), the Spirituality and Faith Centre, Tank Studio, Careers Office and a fantastic food court.

External view of the Lanchester Library.

Lanchester Library

Coventry University’s Lanchester Library is usually open 24/7 in term-time, and has 1,400 study spaces, including group and silent areas. It also currently offers more than 550 computers and an additional 120 free-to-loan laptops.

 

We have a range of facilities4 available to support our event management students in putting the theories you are taught into practice.

DigiComm Lab Seating Area

DigiComm Lab

Designed to build creative minds, the DigiComm Lab is currently equipped with the latest industry-standard marketing and advertising software and devices to support your creative development.

 

 

Three students sat at a desk while lecturer points at screen.

Business Simulation Suite

Coventry Business School's Business Simulation Suite utilises the latest business simulation software to give you the opportunity to improve your business skills.

 

Group of people sitting around a table talking

Talent Team

Our dedicated Talent Team can assist you in applying for work placements, graduate level jobs and offer skills development workshops. They also aim to organise networking events to introduce you to potential employers and industry contacts2.


Careers and opportunities

Upon successful completion of this course, you will be able to:

  • demonstrate knowledge and understanding of the holistic nature of a business organisation and how to apply business principles associated with the operational and strategic management of financial, marketing, human and physical resources to events.
  • analyse and produce event management solutions to appropriate business decisions.
  • apply skills of critical inquiry and independent research, using a range of resources, methods and methodologies, to evaluate evidence, arguments and assumptions, to reach sound judgements and communicate them effectively.
  • recognise and continually develop a relevant set of transferable skills required by the event industry.
  • evaluate and develop expertise in a range of digital technologies that will enhance effectiveness in the workplace.
  • apply innovative and entrepreneurial approaches in providing solutions to real event management issues and problems.
  • critique the principles of policy and governance and evaluate the global contemporary issues and theories challenging event organisations.
  • work effectively, efficiently and dynamically within teams using critical thinking to solve complex event management problems.
  • evaluate the management of events in global settings and reflect upon intercultural and international dimensions.
  • use the principles of responsible management to design and implement activities that meaningfully engage communities.

As well as offering you the opportunity to learn the unique characteristics of the events industry, this course also provides you with chances to gain knowledge of topics such as marketing, hospitality management, and business management, potentially preparing you for future career options in these areas, within or outside of the events industry.

From day one, you’ll be exposed to the events industry and encouraged to enhance and build your CV with practical work experience through placements2. Previous students have done placements such as Project Intern at Live Group, Training Events Coordinator Intern at Porsche Cars, and a Marketing Placement at IBM. We provide volunteering opportunities2 at a number of local events organisations, which have previously included Fashion Live Events, Live Buzz Events, Ricoh Arena, Pandora Events, NEC, Barclaycard Arena, local wedding venues, Coventry Blaze, Warwick Racecourse, Conference Care, as well as various charities, which have previously included Bethany’s Wish.

Where our graduates work

Our previous graduates have gone on to occupy positions in the event industry within a variety of national and international companies, including Compass Group, Marriott, Hilton, The Royal Opera House, Live Buzz Events, Ricoh Arena, Chelsea Football Club events team, Gordon Ramsey Events, Pandora Events and Coventry University Students' Union. 

Further study

Upon successful completion of our Event Management BA (Hons) degree, you may wish to continue to further your studies at postgraduate level. You can do that right here at Coventry University, with our Events and Experience Management MSc. You could continue to build on what you have learnt, developing an in-depth knowledge of the event industry and the full event management cycle to prepare for your career in this dynamic and exciting industry. 

We also offer alternative postgraduate degrees if you decide to take a slightly different route. You may be entitled to an alumni discount on your fees if you decide to extend your time with us by progressing from undergraduate to postgraduate study.

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