The UK events industry is a world leader in staging events, worth almost £40billion to the UK economy.
To work in this sector you’ll need to be organised and able to respond quickly to changing events and demands, as well as having excellent interpersonal skills.
Job opportunities for events management graduates include: managing events, conferences, and exhibitions in a variety of sectors like trade, business, arts, music and politics; managing hotels, pubs and other venues; working in outdoors events or education.
You could work your way up to senior management and/or being in charge of larger, high-profile events or set up your own events management business.
The impact you could make
- Be part of the team that brings the next Taylor Swift concert to the UK.
- Work with a client on style, budget, and venue for their dream exhibition.
- Travel the world designing and delivering trade events for a global marketing company.
What you could study
- The events industry
- Risk and safety management
- Event budgeting and resources
- Event marketing and communications
- The experience economy
- Developing, planning, and delivering tourism, hospitality, and events
- Managing visitor attractions
- Managing the sustainable event project
- Managing people
Subject Spotlights powered by 
Subject Spotlights are an interactive, cinematic course taster experience, which enables institutions to harness the power of their academics to attract, engage and inform prospective students about their course-offerings.
Chat to a current events management student
Chat to a current events management student using UniBuddy.
Some conversation starters for you:
- Ask which modules they really enjoyed.
- Find out how easy it was for them to make friends on their course.
- Do they have any tips on your personal statement?
- Did they do anything to prep for uni before they went?
- Are there books, podcasts or YouTube channels they would recommend?
Chat to students powered by 
UCAS Media Service
Example module
"The Event Experience, which was planning the event through a real venue and hosting it to the public. And I enjoyed Destination Entertainment, which showed the importance of location of the event, as well as the legal side of things."
Second year festival and events management student, Sheffield Hallam University
Example projects
"Live event project with a partner charity. Debate/panel discussion on the impacts of Eurovision. And a research report to analyse fatalities within event spaces; I chose to focus on the failings leading to the Manchester Arena bombing."
Second year events management and tourism student, University of Hertfordshire
Subjects it's useful to have studied first
Some events management courses or apprenticeships will have requirements for previous qualifications in certain subjects. Entry requirements vary, so always check with the provider.
English
Maths
Business
Media studies
Hard skills you'll develop
- Events management
- Finance
- Marketing
- Safety standards
Soft skills you'll develop
- Customer service
- Communication
- Leadership
- Operations
- Sales
Careers: Where it can take you
Find out more about your career prospects from studying events management. The following information is based on a typical events manager and organiser role.Available jobs
65,556 vacancies in the past year
2.02% growth over next eight years
Average salary
£29,252
Up to £63,783
Career options
Events
Hospitality and leisure
What is a… delegate manager?
You may never have heard of a delegate manager but they play a key role in events, usually being the first point of contact for event attendees. They work closely with the event manager, and liaise with attendees over the phone, email, and social media. They’ll be on site during the event, helping people to register and find where they need to go, as well as organising things like welcome packs, name badges, and any ticketing or other instructions in advance.
Find your ideal career
Take our careers quiz to find your ideal job matched to your personality type.Getting in: Entry requirements
Find out more about what you'll need to study events management at university or as an apprenticeship.
Average requirements for undergraduate degrees
Entry requirements differ between university and course, but this should give you a guide to what is usually expected from events management applicants.
A levels
BCC
Scottish Highers
BBBBB
Vocational
BTEC DMM
Other Level 3/Level 6 qualifications (e.g. Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma or SQCF Level 6) may be accepted as an alternative
Catering and hospitality apprenticeships
Check out our industry guide to help you decide if an apprenticeship might be the right choice for you.
The expert view
Joseph Charlton, founder of event sourcing and planning company, Planit
Festivals, brand experiences, sports events, massive conferences, cosy meetings, or those exclusive travel adventures... A career in events offers such variety, creativity, and excitement, no two days are ever the same. We craft memorable experiences that have the remarkable power to move and connect people, creating lasting impact.
Other subjects you may be interested in
- Business and management studies
- Digital media, production, and technology
- Hospitality, leisure, and tourism
- Marketing
- PR and communications
- Teaching
Considering an apprenticeship?
Applying for an apprenticeship is just like applying for a normal job. Here’s what you need to know:-
1
Deadline
Apprenticeships don't follow the same deadlines as applying to uni, the deadline is down to the employer. -
2
Where to apply
You apply directly through the employer. -
3
No limits
You're not restricted to one apprenticeship application; you can do as many as you like. -
4
Apply to university and apprenticeships
There's nothing stopping you applying to university through UCAS, while also applying for apprenticeship vacancies. -
5
Find out more
A day in the life of a Hospitality Apprenticeship
92% of students
who did a work placement were very or somewhat satisfied with it
(UCAS subject guide survey 2023)
Apprenticeship vacancies
Check out live apprenticeship vacancies.Explore further
Go deeper into topics around events management with the following:-
1
7 precepts of successful event organisation
Listen to Andrew Jose’s TEDx talk about what he learned after organising his first event at school. -
2
Conference News
Follow Conference News for industry insights into sustainability, Net Zero goals, and videos featuring iconic British venues. -
3
AAA Backstage: Sacha Lord
If you want to hear stories of successful event managers and promoters, try this podcast episode with founder of Parklife festival Sacha Lord. -
4
Association of Events Organisers
Have a look at the resources section of the AEO website to understand more about the impact of things like Brexit, inclusion and Martyn’s Law (put into place following the Manchester Arena bomb) on the events industry.
Application advice
Whether it's personal statement tips or what to write in a cover letter for an apprenticeship application, our application advice will help you get ahead in your events management journey.Skills, experiences, and interests to mention
- What attracted you to this subject? Have you had experience organising an event at school or for a charity? What did you learn about yourself and potential careers in this industry?
- Events managers need to be leaders – give examples of when you’ve successfully led a group of people, whether that’s directing a play, being a team captain or leading a Duke of Edinburgh award expedition.
- Can you critique an event you watched or attended that was well organised? Why did it work so well? What qualities do you think the events manager or company had?
- You’ll also need to be resilient and adaptable. What jobs or hobbies have you done that required these skills, like working in a busy bar or factory, or volunteering with people with additional needs.
- Finally, think about time management and planning. Your A levels will be good examples of this. Maybe you’ve also had to plan for something outside of school, like a music exam, driving test, or even booking an extended travel trip? How do those skills translate to a career in events management?
