Program Overview

University of Essex FdA Events Management Program

The FdA Events Management program at the University of Essex is a two-year foundation degree designed to build practical and professional skills for careers in event planning and management.

Overview

This foundation degree offers a blend of hands-on experience and academic study, providing students with the core competencies required to organize and support a wide range of events, including weddings, conferences, corporate functions, and festivals. Completion of the program also provides a pathway to progress into a full honors events management degree.

Why This Course

The events industry is fast-moving and global in scope, offering careers in areas such as festivals, corporate events, weddings, and public events. This foundation degree equips students with practical event planning experience and essential industry knowledge.

What You'll Learn

• Event planning fundamentals: core techniques in scheduling, logistics, and vendor coordination
• Business and innovation skills: how event organizations operate and adapt in competitive markets
• Customer experience: understanding attendee needs and creating memorable event environments
• Cultural and festival events: exploring diverse event types and their societal roles
• Digital marketing for events: building skills to promote events and reach audiences online
• Human resources and team supervision: leading people and managing teams effectively

Your Learning Experience

• Work-based exposure: gain real experience by working within active event or hospitality settings
• Industry insight: learn from lecturers with hands-on professional experience in events and related sectors
• Applied project work: engage in practical event tasks that reflect industry practice
• Professional development support: build interview, CV, and workplace skills through structured activities
• Progression pathway: option to continue into a full honors level degree on successful completion

Careers and Outcomes

Completing a foundation degree in Events Management prepares students for entry-level roles across the global events sector, including:

• Event assistant or coordinator: supporting planning and delivery of events
• Venue operations support: assisting in the running of event spaces and facilities
• Festival or conference support staff: working on large-scale event logistics
• Client service roles: helping manage customer and stakeholder relationships
• Marketing and promotions support: assisting in event marketing and audience engagement

Employers of Graduates

Graduates from this foundation degree go on to work with a wide range of organizations in the events, hospitality, and leisure sectors, including event management companies, corporate event departments, festivals, venue teams, and creative agencies.

Entry Requirements

UK Entry Requirements

• GCSE: Mathematics and English C/4, or equivalent
• Plus one of the level 3 qualifications below:
  • A-levels: CC or 64 UCAS tariff points from a minimum of 1 full A-level or equivalent
  • BTEC: MPP or 64 UCAS tariff points from a minimum of 1 full A-level or equivalent
  • Combined qualifications on the UCAS tariff: 64 UCAS tariff points from a minimum of 1 full A-level or equivalent
  • IB: 24 points or 64 UCAS points to include a minimum of 1 Higher Level subject
  • IB Career-related Programme: We consider combinations of IB Diploma Programme courses with BTECs or other qualifications
  • QAA-approved Access to HE Diploma: 64 UCAS points
  • T-levels: 64 UCAS points

International & EU Entry Requirements

We accept a wide range of qualifications from applicants studying in the EU and other countries.

English Language Requirements

• English language requirements for applicants whose first language is not English: IELTS 6.0 overall, or specified score in another equivalent test that we accept

Structure

Components and Modules Explained

Components are the blocks of study that make up the course. A component may have a set module which you must study, or a number of modules from which you can choose.

Year 1

• COMPONENT 01: COMPULSORY - Finance for Events Business (15 credits)
• COMPONENT 02: COMPULSORY - The Event Business Environment (15 credits)
• COMPONENT 03: COMPULSORY - Marketing and Customer Behaviour (15 credits)
• COMPONENT 04: COMPULSORY - Food and Beverage Management (15 credits)
• COMPONENT 05: COMPULSORY - Delivering Event Operations and the Customer Experience 1 (30 credits)
• COMPONENT 06: COMPULSORY - Event Operations (15 credits)
• COMPONENT 07: COMPULSORY - Weddings and Festivals (15 credits)

Year 2

• COMPONENT 01: COMPULSORY - Management and Leadership (15 credits)
• COMPONENT 02: COMPULSORY - Sustainability in Events (15 credits)
• COMPONENT 03: COMPULSORY - Digital Marketing and Revenue Management (15 credits)
• COMPONENT 04: COMPULSORY - Continual Professional Development (15 credits)
• COMPONENT 05: COMPULSORY - Event Supervision, Data and Technology (15 credits)
• COMPONENT 06: COMPULSORY - Contemporary Issues in the Event Industry (15 credits)
• COMPONENT 07: COMPULSORY - Delivering Event Operations and the Customer Experience 2 (30 credits)

Fees and Funding

Home/UK Fee

• Ł9,790 per year

International Fee

• Ł21,500 per year

Scholarships and Financial Support

There may be scholarships, bursaries, or discounts available to help with the cost of this course.

What's Next

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Applying

Applications for our full-time undergraduate courses should be made through the Universities and Colleges Admissions Service (UCAS).

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