Business Studies with Event Management

Program Overview

---

Business Studies with Event Management – BBus (Hons)

Course Overview

The events sector includes thousands of companies, contractors and freelancers that create, manage and support concerts, festivals, sports events, other cultural experiences, conferences, trade shows, marketing events, brand activations, product launches and exhibitions. It is estimated to contribute more than €3.5 billion to the Irish economy annually and directly employ 35,000 people.

Event management requires an eye for detail, effective teamwork and a thorough understanding of the many technical, logistical, and creative factors that make up successful events. Offering a balance of theoretical and practical learning that explores the latest trends and practices in event management, this course equips you with the practical skills to coordinate the interconnected aspects of the process from pre-event planning and design to post-event debriefing and evaluation, and to progress to leadership roles in the events sector. During your studies you will plan and stage real events thereby experiencing the kind of work you may pursue after graduation.

Business Studies with Event Management includes both the creative and business aspects of event management. During your studies, you are encouraged and facilitated to further develop your creativity and also acquire strong business know-how. By combining technical event management skills with business competencies, you can work and progress your career in a wide range of event-related settings.

There is a full semester of work placement and/or the option to study at one of our partner universities across Europe, as well as regular field trips and guest lectures.

Additional Information

TUS is delighted to be in an academic partnership with the Irish Hospitality Institute (IHI). This partnership offers students of the Department of Hospitality Tourism & Wellness, Moylish, Limerick and the Department of Hospitality, Tourism & Leisure, Athlone campus, complimentary membership of the professional body while they study at TUS. Members are connected with the wider IHI professional network, a great resource for those looking to learn more about the Irish hospitality industry while making valuable connections to support early-stage career decisions. Members have access to a wide range of learning and development resources including the IHI Mentors Matter programme which supports career progression and advancement of members. Graduates benefit from a further year’s complimentary membership of IHI.

Entry Requirements

• A minimum of 2 H5 & 4 O6/H7 grades in six Leaving Certificate subjects, including Mathematics and English or Irish. Foundation Level Maths at grade F2 or higher is acceptable as meeting the Mathematics requirement for this course.
• Candidates applying as mature applicants may be required to attend an interview and may be requested to take an aptitude test to prove their suitability for a place on this programme.
• International applicants should apply directly to the International Office at TUS, allowing plenty of time for completing the visa process. Applications for September start should be made by 1st June at the latest to ensure visas are processed in time. You should familiarise yourself with visa processing times for your country of origin to ensure you make a timely application.

Course Modules

Year 1 – Semester 1

• Academic Writing (5 credits)
• Business Technology and Interactive Applications (5 credits)
• Event Planning (5 credits)
• Principles of Financial Accounting (5 credits)
• Principles of Management and Marketing (5 credits)
• Social and Leisure Events (5 credits)

Year 1 – Semester 2

• Business Decision Making and Applications (5 credits)
• Delegate Management (5 credits)
• Event Operations (5 credits)
• Introduction to Food & Beverage Operations (5 credits)
• Microeconomics for Business (5 credits)
• Web Design and Implementation (5 credits)

Year 2 – Semester 1

• Applied Event Planning (5 credits)
• Event Design (5 credits)
• HRM Concepts (5 credits)
• Legal Environment for Business (5 credits)
• Macroeconomics for Business (5 credits)
• Social Media and Mobile Applications (5 credits)

Year 2 – Semester 2

• Applied Event Operations (5 credits)
• Corporate Events (5 credits)
• Event Production (5 credits)
• Global HRM Practice (5 credits)
• Marketing Communications Practice (5 credits)
• Personal Development (5 credits)

Year 3 – Semester 1

• Applied Law for the Tourism & Event Industry (5 credits)
• Entrepreneurship Business Plan (10 credits)
• Event Project Management (10 credits)
• Integrated Marketing Comms (5 credits)

Year 3 – Semester 2

• Work Placement/Study Abroad (30 credits)

Year 4 – Semester 1

• Financial Analysis (5 credits)
• Research Methods (5 credits)
• Strategic Management Concepts (5 credits)
• Strategic Marketing (5 credits)
• Sustainable Festivals & Events (5 credits)
• Research Thesis (15 credits)

Year 4 – Semester 2

• Brand Management (5 credits)
• Event Safety & Crowd Dynamics (5 credits)
• Financial Management (5 credits)
• Research Thesis (15 credits)
• Strategic Management Practice (5 credits)

Career Opportunities

A graduate will find a diverse range of career opportunities both in Ireland and abroad and they can expect to find employment in a variety of event, marketing, public relations and entertainment enterprises including arts and music festivals, charitable non-profit organisations, community development organisations, conference and convention centres, event management agencies, hotels, multinational companies, national and regional tourism organisations, public relations firms, public sector organisations, sports and leisure centres.

Further Study

Successful graduates of this programme are eligible for Level 9 and 10 postgraduate programmes within TUS or elsewhere.

Program Outline

---

Business Studies with Event Management – BBs (Hons) - TUS

---

Degree Overview:

The Business Studies with Event Management program is a four-year, full-time undergraduate degree offered at the Technological University of the Shannon (TUS) Moylish campus in Limerick City. It is designed to equip students with the practical skills and knowledge necessary to succeed in the dynamic and growing events sector. The program aims to provide a balanced approach to learning, combining theoretical concepts with practical experience. Students will explore the latest trends and practices in event management, gaining a comprehensive understanding of the technical, logistical, and creative aspects involved in planning and executing successful events. The program emphasizes the importance of both creativity and business acumen in event management. Students will develop their creative skills while also acquiring strong business know-how, enabling them to work and progress their careers in a wide range of event-related settings.

---

Outline:

The program is structured over four years, with each year divided into two semesters. The curriculum includes a diverse range of modules covering various aspects of event management, business, and related fields.

---

Year 1:

• Semester 1:
• Academic Writing
• Business Technology and Interactive Applications
• Event Planning (includes 40 hours of event work experience)
• Principles of Financial Accounting
• Principles of Management and Marketing
• Social and Leisure Events
• Semester 2:
• Business Decision Making and Applications
• Delegate Management
• Event Operations (includes 40 hours of event work experience)
• Introduction to Food & Beverage Operations
• Microeconomics for Business
• Web Design and Implementation

---

Year 2:

• Semester 1:
• Applied Event Planning
• Event Design
• HRM Concepts
• Legal Environment for Business
• Macroeconomics for Business
• Social Media and Mobile Applications
• Semester 2:
• Applied Event Operations (includes staging a full live event)
• Corporate Events
• Event Production
• Global HRM Practice
• Marketing Communications Practice
• Personal Development

---

Year 3:

• Semester 1:
• Applied Law for the Tourism & Event Industry
• Entrepreneurship Business Plan
• Event Project Management
• Integrated Marketing Comms
• Semester 2:
• Work Placement/Study Abroad (30 credits) - Students can choose to complete a work placement or study abroad at a partner university in Europe.

---

Year 4:

• Semester 1:
• Financial Analysis
• Research Methods
• Strategic Management Concepts
• Strategic Marketing
• Sustainable Festivals & Events
• Research Thesis (15 credits)
• Semester 2:
• Brand Management
• Event Safety & Crowd Dynamics
• Financial Management
• Research Thesis (15 credits)
• Strategic Management Practice

---

Assessment:

The program utilizes a variety of assessment methods, including:

• Continuous Assessment: This includes assignments, presentations, projects, and participation in class activities.
• Portfolio Development: Students are encouraged to build a portfolio of their work, showcasing their skills and experience.
• Live Events: Students are required to plan and execute real-life events, demonstrating their practical abilities.

---

Teaching:

The program employs a variety of teaching methods, including:

• Lectures: These provide students with a foundation in theoretical concepts.
• Seminars: These offer opportunities for interactive discussions and group work.
• Workshops: These provide hands-on experience with specific skills and techniques.
• Guest Lectures: Industry professionals share their expertise and insights.
• Field Trips: Students visit real-world event venues and organizations.

---

Careers:

Graduates of the Business Studies with Event Management program are well-prepared for a wide range of careers in the events sector and related industries. Potential career paths include:

• Event Manager: Planning and coordinating all aspects of events, from conception to execution.
• Event Coordinator: Assisting event managers with tasks such as budgeting, logistics, and vendor management.
• Marketing and Communications Specialist: Developing and implementing marketing campaigns for events.
• Public Relations Officer: Managing media relations and public perception for events.
• Project Manager: Overseeing the planning and execution of large-scale events.
Graduates can find employment in various organizations, including:
• Event Management Agencies: These companies specialize in planning and executing events for clients.
• Hotels and Conference Centers: These venues host a variety of events, from weddings to corporate meetings.
• Arts and Music Festivals: These events require skilled event managers to handle logistics, production, and marketing.
• Charitable Organizations: These organizations rely on events to raise funds and awareness.
• Sports and Leisure Centers: These venues host sporting events, concerts, and other entertainment.

---

Other:

• TUS Partnership with the Irish Hospitality Institute (IHI): Students in the Department of Hospitality Tourism & Wellness at TUS Moylish and Athlone campuses receive complimentary membership of the IHI, providing access to professional networking opportunities, mentorship programs, and learning resources.
• Study Abroad Opportunities: Students have the option to study abroad at one of TUS's partner universities in Europe.