Business Management with Events

Program Overview

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Business Management with Events BA (Hons)

Year of entry

• 2025 - for 2026 entry see here - for 2025 entry see here

UCAS code

• N2N8

Duration of study

• 3 years or 4 years with international, placement or entrepreneurship year

Course summary

Turn your passion for organising memorable experiences into a rewarding career in the growing events sector. From strategic management to global events and festivals, you will explore core business management principles alongside specialised modules in events management. You will gain insights into the latest trends in the industry, including sustainable practices and innovative technologies. This contemporary curriculum allows you to put your skills into practice through practical experience, ensuring you are fully prepared for a successful career in events management.

Why study Business Management with Events at Keele University?

• Benefit from direct links and placement opportunities within the events industry
• Gain a competitive edge with our Professional and Academic Development Programme
• Option to spend a year working in industry, or undertake an entrepreneurship year
• Opportunities to study abroad
• Study alongside innovative companies based in Keele Business School

Course overview

Prepare to be part of the vibrant and rapidly growing events sector with Keele's Business Management with Events programme. Whether it's the thrill of a festival, the excitement of a sporting event, or the elegance of a corporate gala, events have the power to create unforgettable moments and bring people together.

Our programme blends the principles of business management with the creative and practical skills needed for a successful career in event planning. Develop an understanding of how to plan, market, and deliver various events, from music festivals to conferences. Embedded throughout the programme are opportunities to gain essential expertise and hands-on experience through real-world projects and professional development, setting the stage for a successful career in events management or related fields.

BA (Hons) Business Management with Events is part of our dynamic suite of Business Management degrees, offering you a comprehensive understanding of key business and management principles. All our Business Management programmes share a common first year, where you'll build a strong foundation in core areas such as Marketing, Finance, and Human Resources, while also exploring the wider global business context - covering topics like international economics, politics, and society. You’ll also develop essential skills in data analysis and digital decision-making tools, crucial for today’s tech-driven business world.

From the second year, you will specialise, tailoring your studies to suit your interests and career aspirations. We place a strong emphasis on the purpose of business, sustainability, and ethics, ensuring you’re prepared to lead with integrity in an ever-evolving business landscape.

Practical, career-focused teaching and learning ensures that you can apply the theory you’re learning to real-world scenarios that will build your expertise and confidence. We will also get you thinking about sustainability and business ethics so when you begin work or start your own business you can be a force for good in the world.

Our built-in Professional and Academic Development Programme spans your entire degree. Designed to fully prepare you for securing a great job or starting a business, you will develop your professional skills, creativity, confidence, critical thinking and problem-solving abilities. Our aim? To ensure you graduate with clear goals and impressive experiences to show future employers or investors. You’ll benefit from Keele Business School’s strong industry connections, placement or entrepreneurship opportunities, hands-on practical experiences, and invaluable real-world insights such as through our Global Challenge Pathways.

Course structure

Year 1

Compulsory modules

• Professional and Academic Development 1
• The Business of Organisations
• Data, Decisions and Visualisation
• The Global Business Context

Optional modules

• Teams, People and Performance

Year 2

Compulsory modules

• Professional and Academic Development 2
• Contemporary Business Operations
• Leisure, Sport and Society: Sustainability, Politics and Communities
• Events Operations and Management

Optional modules

• Individual Placement Module
• Contemporary Business Ethics Debates

Year 3

Compulsory modules

• Professional and Academic Development 3
• Strategic Management
• Project
• Managing Global Events and Festivals

Optional modules

• Individual Placement Module
• The Digital Showcase

Entry requirements

• A Level: BBC
• BTEC: DMM
• T Level: Merit
• International Baccalaureate Diploma: 554 in three Higher Levels or 29 points
• Access to HE Diploma: 112 UCAS points including Distinction in at least 15 Level 3 credits
• Welsh Baccalaureate / Bagloriaeth Cymru: The Advanced Skills Challenge Certificate is equivalent to one full A Level at the same grade and can be included alongside 2 other A Levels in a standard A Level offer for this course
• Scotland - Highers and Advanced Highers: BCCCC in five Highers, or CD in two Advanced Highers and CC in two Highers, or CCD in three Advanced Highers
• Extended Project Qualification (EPQ): If you have B or higher in the EPQ and are studying A Levels, BTEC, the International Baccalaureate Diploma, or an Access to HE Diploma, you will typically receive an alternative offer which will be lower than the standard offer
• Core Maths: If you have B or higher in Core Maths and are studying A Levels, BTEC, the International Baccalaureate, or an Access to HE Diploma, you will typically receive an alternative offer which will be lower than the standard offer
• Ireland - Leaving Certificate: H3, H4, H4, H4, H4, H4 in the Irish Leaving Certificate
• China - Gaokao: 70%
• India - Standard XII: Average of 65% from four subjects in the ICSE, CBSE or Western Bengal Standard XII, or average of 70% from four subjects in any other Standard XII
• Germany - Abitur: 2.4 overall average in the Abitur
• France - Baccalaureate: 12 in the French Baccalaureate/International Option Baccalaureate/Baccalauréate Français International
• Hong Kong - Diploma: 443 from two electives and one core subject in the HKDSE
• Spain - Bachillerato: Overall average of 7 in the Título de Bachillerato
• Italy - Diploma di Esame di Stato: 75% in the Esame di Stato
• Cyprus - Apolytirion: 17.5 / 83% in the Apolytirion
• Portugal: Overall average of 15 in a Secondary Certificate
• Canada - Diploma: 60% / BCCCC in five courses in the Grade 12 Diploma
• Kenya - KCSE / Diploma: We do not accept the Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education for direct entry. However, you can apply to study an International Foundation Year at Keele University International College. On successful completion, you can progress to an undergraduate degree at Keele
• Nigeria - Senior School Certificate / OND: We do not accept the Senior School Certificate (WAEC or NECO) for direct entry. However, you can apply to study an International Foundation Year at Keele University International College. On successful completion, you can progress to an undergraduate degree at Keele
• USA - Advanced Placement: 443 from three Advanced Placement subjects
• Ghana: We do not accept the West African Senior School Certificate Examination for direct entry. However, you can apply to study an International Foundation Year at Keele University International College. On successful completion, you can progress to an undergraduate degree at Keele
• Sri Lanka - Advanced Level: BBC in three Advanced Levels
• Malaysia - STPM: BBC in three Principal Level subjects in the STPM
• Pakistan - Secondary School Certificate: We do not accept the Secondary School Certificate for direct entry. However, you can apply to study an International Foundation Year at Keele University International College. On successful completion, you can progress to an undergraduate degree at Keele
• Singapore - A Levels (H2): BBC in three H2 Levels
• European Baccalaureate: 70% overall
• NCUK: Pass NCUK Foundation Year with BBC and a C in EAP English Language module
• Uganda - Advanced Certificate of Education: BBC in three Principal Level subjects in the Advanced Certificate of Education
• Zimbabwe - Advanced Level GCE: BBC in three Advanced Level subjects

English language requirements

• All our courses require an English language qualification or test. Most students meet this through a 4 or C in GCSE English. Please visit our English Language pages for details, including test information for international students. For students who require a test, this course requires a result from Group A.

Alternative and contextual offers

• We're committed to ensuring equality of opportunity for applicants with the potential and motivation to succeed, regardless of background. We offer alternative offer schemes with clear eligibility criteria, including contextual offers, offers for those studying in the Keele region, and recognition of a range of additional qualifications.

General information

• The entry grades outlined indicate the typical offer, along with any subject specific requirements. This is for general information only. Keele University reserves the right to vary conditions based upon a candidate's application.

Tuition fees

• UK: £9,535 for the 2025/6 academic year (subject to Parliamentary approval)
• International: Band 1, £17,700 for the 2025/26 academic year

Fees and funding

• Going to university can be daunting as well as exciting. It's essential to understand the costs and financial support available.
• Our Student Financial Support team offers confidential advice and guidance to help you manage your money, resolve issues with Student Finance, create a budget, explore your options if you're facing financial hardship, and access any funding you are eligible for, such as bursaries and scholarships.

Supporting you

• During your studies, you'll receive support from within Keele Business School and across the University. Your assigned Academic Mentor will provide individual support, and you'll also have access to our dedicated Student Experience and Support Team, based within our Faculty, who can provide additional support, and work closely with teams across Keele. This ensures you have easy access to comprehensive advice and support, including services for Disability Support and Inclusion, Student Financial Support, Counselling and Mental Health, Residence Life and Chaplaincy, and International Student Support.

Your future career

• This programme offers numerous opportunities to broaden your knowledge and develop a range of transferable skills that are highly valued by employers, enhancing your future career potential. Your critical thinking skills will be sharper, your communication abilities will have improved, you will have gained knowledge about the fundamentals of business and established an entrepreneurial mindset. By enhancing your skills via our Professional and Academic Development Programme, you will grow in confidence and graduate with the intellectual, professional, and personal resources to pursue diverse career paths in roles such as event planning, marketing and management in different sectors including corporate, not-for-profit, entertainment and tourism.

Jobs that a graduate on this course could progress to include:

• Event Manager
• Conference Planner
• Venue Manager
• Marketing Manager
• Hospitality Consultant
• Travel and Tourism Manager
• Sponsorship and Partnership Co-ordinator
• Business Adviser
• Business Development Manager
• Logistics/Supply Chain Manager
• Management Consultant
• Project Manager
• Risk Manager
• Sales Executive

Enhance your employability

• Keele's Careers and Employability team (Shortlisted for Best University Careers Employment Service - National Undergraduate Employability Awards, 2021) offers a variety of personal and career development opportunities to enhance your employability.
• From mock interviews, careers guidance and CV advice, to careers fairs, alumni mentoring and networking events, along with helping you find part-time and graduate employment, the team will support you throughout your studies and beyond.

Teaching, learning and assessment

• We use a variety of teaching and learning methods throughout this Business Management with Events BA, tailored to the module theme and level. These methods may include interactive lectures, independent study, group tutorials, reflective practice and engaging in web-based learning via Keele's virtual learning environment (KLE). Our practical lab-based classes provide hands-on experience in data analysis, and we create a safe and supportive space to practice your decision-making skills through simulated business contexts. You will also have opportunities to interact with businesses and organisations through guest lectures, company visits and direct engagement, working on live issues where you can put your learning into practice.

Assessment

• You will be assessed via different methods that reflect the breadth of the skills and knowledge you will gain on this programme. The types of assessments may include simulations and group assessments where you will collaborate with other students and replicate typical workplace interactions. Portfolios and project reports will allow you to compile your achievements and reflections in a valuable way for academic evaluation and to showcase your skills to potential employers. Presentations will develop your confidence and hone your communications skills, and through case studies, essays and reports you will demonstrate your strategic thinking, analytical, and written communication skills.

Foundation year

• Studying a Foundation Year, for whatever reason, offers an alternative route to Keele, and provides a unique opportunity to better prepare for your chosen degree. That extra year of study can improve your academic skills, expand your subject knowledge and, perhaps most importantly, build your confidence.

Foundation year overview

• Our Foundation Year provides an excellent alternative route to Keele, offering preparation for your chosen degree with guaranteed entry onto your undergraduate course once you successfully complete.
• This extra year of study can improve your academic skills, expand your subject knowledge, build your confidence, and provide a better understanding of higher education.
• On our Foundation Year, you'll join our undergraduate community from the outset, with access to all the facilities and support you'd get as an undergraduate student at Keele.

Course content

• Our Foundation Year allows you to develop your critical thinking, academic reading, writing, and communication study skills along with subject-specific knowledge and skills which will be invaluable in your academic studies and beyond. Upon meeting the progression criteria and successfully completing our Foundation Year, you will automatically progress into your Keele undergraduate degree with the confidence that you have the skills, and knowledge needed to successfully complete your course.

Course structure

• The module details given below are indicative, they are intended to provide you with an idea of the range of subjects that are taught to our current students. The modules that will be available for you to study in future years are prone to change as we regularly review our teaching to ensure that it is up-to-date and informed by the latest research and teaching methods. The information presented is therefore not intended to be construed and/or relied upon as a definitive list of the modules available in any given year.

Semester one modules

• FYO-00247 | Foundations: Breaking the code - Understanding Academic Writing | 15 credits
• FYO-00249 | Foundations of Business 1 | 15 credits
• FYO-00251 | Foundations of Business 2 | 15 credits
• FYO-00253 | Foundations of Business 3 | 15 credits

Semester two modules

• FYO-00255 | Advancing Business | 30 credits
• FYO-00271 | University Research Portfolio | 30 credits

Entry requirements

• The entry grades outlined in this section indicate the likely offer or range of offers which would be made to candidates along with any subject specific requirements. This is for general information only. Keele University reserves the right to vary offer conditions depending upon a candidate's application.
• 40 UCAS points including at least one Level 3 qualification (such as an A level, BTEC, Access Course, or T level)
• Plus C in GCSE English / Level 2 Functional Skills English

How to apply

January entry overview

• We also offer a January start for some of our Foundation Year courses. Adopting a blended learning approach, the January start is particularly useful for students wishing to return to education following time out of studying, or who are seeking a flexible approach to their Foundation Year studies. Our January start is available across most of our Science, Humanities, Social Science, Health and Business courses.

Information for international students

• Our International Foundation Year is delivered on campus through Keele University International College (KUIC). Find out more about the International Foundation Year options on the KUIC website.