Event Management Degree Guide

 from international conferences and music festivals to weddings, product launches, exhibitions, and corporate events. If you're creative, detail-oriented, and enjoy working with people, a degree in event management can offer a gateway to dynamic roles across hospitality, tourism, business, and entertainment industries. In this blog, we explore what it’s like to study Event Management in the United Kingdom, followed by a look at international options across Europe, Australia, New Zealand, Canada, and the USA.

Why Study Event Management?

Studying event management equips students with the tools to successfully design and deliver engaging, safe, and strategic experiences. Event professionals must be capable of handling logistics, budgeting, risk management, stakeholder coordination, and client relationships. A well-structured degree program typically covers:

• Event planning and operations

• Project and time management

• Budgeting, finance, and sponsorship

• Marketing, PR, and social media for events

• Venue and logistics management

• Event safety, law, and risk assessment

• Hospitality and tourism integration

• Sustainable and inclusive event practices

Studying Event Management in the United Kingdom

The UK is one of the best places in the world to study event management due to its established creative industries, global tourism appeal, and strong higher education sector. London and other major UK cities regularly host international festivals, corporate conferences, exhibitions, and sporting events, providing a vibrant environment for students to learn and network.

Top UK Universities for Event Management

• University of Surrey – Offers a highly regarded International Event Management degree with placement opportunities and industry links

• Leeds Beckett University – Known for its practical focus and strong employability outcomes in event and hospitality sectors

• University of Greenwich – Offers event management as a standalone or combined subject, with an emphasis on live projects

• Manchester Metropolitan University – Offers programs in event, festival, and hospitality management with experiential learning

• University of Derby / Sheffield Hallam University / Bournemouth University – Strong providers of event and tourism-related programs with excellent facilities

Why Choose the UK?

• Access to international event hubs such as London, Edinburgh, and Manchester

• Strong emphasis on practical experience, often through live event projects, placements, or a sandwich year

• Programs aligned with professional bodies such as the Chartered Institute of Marketing (CIM) and Institute of Hospitality

• Shorter study duration: typically three years for a bachelor's degree and one year for a master’s

Entry Requirements

• Academic qualifications such as A-levels, BTEC, IB, or equivalent

• Personal statement showcasing interest in events, creativity, and leadership

• English language proficiency (IELTS, TOEFL) for non-native speakers

• Relevant experience or volunteer work in events can strengthen applications

Studying Event Management in Other Countries

Europe (Outside the UK)
Several European countries offer excellent event management education, particularly in tourism-focused regions.

• Switzerland: Renowned for hospitality education, schools like Glion and Les Roches include event and experience management modules

• Spain: Institutions like EU Business School and ESERP Business School offer degrees in event and sports management in English

• France: Vatel and INSEEC provide hospitality and event-focused programs, often blending luxury branding and event strategy

• Netherlands: NHL Stenden University and Breda University offer English-taught programs with a strong focus on international event management
  European programs are often practical, affordable, and include internships or placements with major festivals and tourism organisations.

Australia
Australia has a thriving event and tourism industry, hosting global conferences, music festivals, and sporting events.

• Top institutions:

  • Griffith University – Offers a Bachelor of Business with a major in Event Management

  • Victoria University / Southern Cross University / University of Queensland – Offer programs with built-in internships and project-based learning

• Advantages of studying in Australia include:

  • Opportunities to work on large-scale events such as Vivid Sydney or the Australian Open

  • Close ties to the Asia-Pacific events market

  • Work-rights for international students and post-study visa options

New Zealand
New Zealand offers quality education and a supportive learning environment, with a growing event sector tied to tourism and culture.

• Notable providers:

  • Auckland University of Technology (AUT) – Offers a Bachelor of Arts in Event Management with a business foundation

  • Wintec / Southern Institute of Technology – Offer vocational and applied diplomas in event and project management

• Benefits of studying in New Zealand include:

  • Small class sizes and personalised academic support

  • Practical, project-based assessments

  • Opportunities to work part-time and gain experience in local event production

Canada
Canada offers a broad range of event management programs, often through colleges with strong industry partnerships.

• Top institutions:

  • George Brown College / Humber College / Centennial College – Offer postgraduate certificates and diplomas in Event Management

  • Concordia University / Ryerson University – Provide event marketing and tourism-related programs

• Features of Canadian programs include:

  • Co-op placements and hands-on training with real clients

  • Pathways to work permits and potential permanent residency

  • Bilingual opportunities in English and French, particularly in Quebec

United States
The US is home to a wide array of event types, from large-scale conferences and festivals to sports and corporate functions.

• Leading universities:

  • New York University (School of Professional Studies) – Offers degrees in Event Management and Hospitality

  • University of Central Florida (Rosen College of Hospitality) – Located near Orlando’s major entertainment and tourism hubs

  • George Washington University / San Diego State University – Offer degrees in event and meeting management

• Advantages of studying in the US include:

  • Exposure to large-scale, global events and entertainment industries

  • Access to internships with Fortune 500 companies, event agencies, and convention centres

  • Strong emphasis on entrepreneurship, experiential learning, and event technology

What to Consider When Choosing an Event Management Program

• Practical experience: Look for programs that include live projects, placements, or volunteering at real events

• Industry links: Choose institutions that collaborate with event organisers, agencies, or global hospitality brands

• Specialisations: Consider whether you’re more interested in corporate events, festivals, sports, or luxury and brand experiences

• Location: Studying in a city with active event venues and tourism can enhance your learning and career opportunities

• Graduate outcomes: Research the program’s alumni network, employment support, and reputation in the industry

Final Thoughts
Event management is a dynamic, globally connected profession where creativity meets business. The United Kingdom offers excellent academic and professional opportunities for aspiring event managers, thanks to its world-class universities and vibrant event culture. At the same time, students may find equally strong programs across Europe, Australia, New Zealand, Canada, and the United States, each offering a unique combination of academic quality, industry exposure, and cultural insight. Whichever country you choose, an event management degree can help you turn your passion for planning and experiences into a successful international career.