MSc Events Marketing

1 Year On Campus Masters Program

Bournemouth University

Program Overview

If you love creating experiences that people remember, MSc Events Management at Bournemouth University is designed for you. This program equips you with the skills to plan, manage, and deliver events of all shapes and sizes — from international conferences and festivals to corporate launches and live shows.

Curriculum structure:

Year 1 (Taught modules + Dissertation): You’ll dive into the world of events through modules like Contemporary Issues in Events Management, exploring trends and challenges shaping today’s events industry. Organisations, Strategy & Finance teaches you how event businesses operate and make strategic decisions, while Bidding for & Managing International Events gives you hands-on skills for pitching and running events globally. You’ll also get practical experience with Live Event Development & Delivery, and learn sustainable planning in Sustainable Project Management for Events. All your learning comes together in a 15,000-word dissertation, giving you the chance to research a topic that sparks your interest.
Optional specialisations: To make your degree truly your own, you can choose from options like Conference Tourism, Carnival & Festivals, International Sport Event Management, or Community, Events, Sport & the Third Sector. This lets you tailor your learning to the area of events you’re most passionate about.
Placement or Study Abroad: If you want real-world experience, the program offers a 30-week placement where you can work in the events industry, putting theory into practice. Alternatively, you can spend a semester abroad, gaining international exposure and building your global network — perfect for launching a worldwide career.

Focus areas: "Event planning & delivery, international event bidding, sustainable project management, organisational strategy & finance, optional specialisation in festivals/conferences/sport/food & drink/community events, research & dissertation, real-world placement or study abroad."

Learning outcomes: "By the end of the program, you’ll be able to plan and deliver impactful events, manage budgets and teams, tackle contemporary industry challenges, analyse event outcomes, conduct research, and communicate effectively across cultures and sectors."

Professional alignment (accreditation): Accredited by the Institute of Travel & Tourism (ITT) and connected with the UN World Tourism Organisation (UNWTO), this course ensures your skills are recognised globally and valued by employers.

Reputation (employability / rankings): Bournemouth University ranks among the top 20 universities globally for hospitality and leisure in the QS World University Rankings 2024, giving your degree real international weight.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

At Bournemouth University, you won’t just learn about events — you’ll get stuck in and create them yourself. The MSc Events Management course is designed so that theory and practice go hand in hand, with opportunities to plan, design, and deliver live events while being guided by lecturers who are both academics and industry professionals. The Talbot Campus is equipped with modern, professional-standard spaces that replicate real-world venues, so your learning environment feels just like the events industry itself.

Here’s how you’ll gain practical experience:

Hands-on event projects: Through modules like Live Event Development & Delivery, you’ll work in teams to organise real events — from initial idea to execution — giving you first-hand experience in every stage of event management.
State-of-the-art facilities: Use lecture theatres, seminar rooms, and professional event spaces at Talbot Campus, which mimic real-life conferences and festivals.
Industry placements: You can take an optional 30-week placement, gaining invaluable professional experience and building your network before you graduate.
Networking with experts: Learn directly from industry guest speakers and practitioners, who share insider knowledge and can open doors to future opportunities.
Career support: BU’s careers and employability services help you with CVs, applications, interviews, and preparing for your first role in events management.

With these opportunities, you’re not just learning — you’re building the skills, confidence, and professional connections that will make you stand out in the events industry.

Progression & Future Opportunities

Completing MSc Events Management at BU opens doors to an exciting range of careers. Graduates often step into roles as Event Managers, Conference or Exhibition Organisers, and Event Coordinators, working in everything from festivals and corporate events to hotels and international venues. Some also branch into related areas like marketing, tourism, or hospitality, giving you plenty of flexibility to shape your career path.

Future Progression & Opportunities:
Here’s why this program gives you a real edge in the job market:

Dedicated career support: BU’s Business Graduates Association and Careers Services help you with CVs, job searches, interview preparation, and networking opportunities so you’re ready to land your first role.
Industry connections: The program links you to a wide network of professionals, including global hotel chains, event companies, and exhibition organisers — perfect for gaining contacts and insight into the industry.
Starting salaries and employment stats: Many graduates start their careers around £24,000 per year, and BU’s alumni surveys show strong employment outcomes in industry‑relevant roles.
Accreditation and credibility: With recognition from the Institute of Travel & Tourism (ITT) and the AACSB, your qualification is respected worldwide, making your skills more visible to employers.
Versatile career options: You could work as an Event Manager, Conference or Exhibition Manager, Events Coordinator, or move into roles in hospitality, tourism, fund‑raising, or marketing — there’s room to grow and specialise.

Further Academic Progression:
If you want to take your studies further, you could move into research-based degrees like a PhD in hospitality, tourism, or events management, or explore related postgraduate courses in areas such as cultural events management, hospitality management, or business. This is ideal if you’re aiming for senior management, consultancy, or even an academic career.