Program Overview

MSc International Event Management

Overview

The MSc International Event Management is a postgraduate course that provides students with the skills and confidence to successfully manage events anywhere in the world. The course covers topics such as event management, strategic marketing, managing and leading people, business sustainability, and innovation.

About this course

The course is designed to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of the events industry and the skills needed to operate across the industry within a vibrant and diverse range of sectors. The course is accredited by the Institute of Hospitality and is recognized worldwide for international employment.

Attendance and Independent Study

The course starts with a 3-day induction period to introduce students to their new network of students and staff. As a part-time student, you complete a maximum of two modules per semester and it will take six semesters - 2 to 2½ years. All modules are taught in 3-day blocks (usually Wed-Fri 9-5) so you can fit your learning around your lifestyle. Classes are taught at the Belfast campus.

Teaching, Learning and Assessment

A range of teaching methods will be employed, including traditional lectures, case studies, business simulation gaming, and one-to-one tutor session videos. We also arrange a number of field trips to hospitality and tourism venues and live events where possible. Guest speakers are invited from industry.

Assessment includes written essays, short synopsis, reflections and peer reviews, case studies, objective tests, business reports, computer modeling, individual and group presentations.

Standard entry conditions

We recognize a range of qualifications for admission to our courses. In addition to the specific entry conditions for this course, you must also meet the University’s General Entrance Requirements.

• A second-class honors degree or better from a recognized university of the UK, Republic of Ireland, from the Council for National Academic Awards, the National Council for Educational Awards, the Higher Education and Training Awards Council, or from an institution of another country which has been recognized as being of an equivalent standard;
• An equivalent standard (normally 50%) in a Graduate Diploma, Graduate Certificate, Postgraduate Certificate or Postgraduate Diploma or an approved professional qualification or other qualification;
• Provide evidence of competence in written and spoken English to GCSE grade C or equivalent. Non-English speakers must demonstrate that English ability is appropriate for studying at this level and provide evidence of English competence to IELTs 6.0.

Careers & opportunities

This internationally recognized course will provide you with the diverse knowledge and skills needed to operate across the industry within a vibrant and diverse range of sectors from business and non-profits to sport, arts, music, and hospitality.

You could find yourself working within event management companies, in-house for an organization or freelance organizing large or small events ranging from personal events like weddings and parties, through to business to consumer (B2C) events like festivals and business to business (B2B) events like conferences and exhibitions.

Professional Recognition

Accredited by the Institute of Hospitality that academic, vocational, and professional standards achieved are appropriate and program content and delivery meet international Institute of Hospitality benchmark standards.

Fees and funding

Postgraduate fees are subject to annual review, 2026/27 fees will be announced in due course.

• 10% Alumni Discount: Are you a graduate of Ulster University? Did you know you could be eligible for a 10% fees discount.
• Tuition Fee Loans Available: Students domiciled in Northern Ireland, Republic of Ireland, and UK students can apply to Student Finance NI for a Tuition Fee loan of up to £6,500 (subject to eligibility).

Scholarships, awards, and prizes

The highest performing student in the module 'Event Management' will receive the Belfast City Council Award - a voucher to spend from a local retailer.

An opportunity is available for the highest performing student in the module, 'Managing and Leading People' to receive the Titanic Hotel Award 'Talent for Success'.

Sustainability at Ulster

Ulster continues to develop and support sustainability initiatives with our staff, students, and external partners across various aspects of teaching, research, professional services operations, and governance.

At Ulster every person, course, research project, and professional service area on every campus either does or can contribute in some way towards the global sustainability and climate change agenda.

We are guided by both our University Strategy People, Place and Partnerships: Delivering Sustainable Futures for All and the UN Sustainable Development Goals.

Our work in this area is already being recognized globally. Most recently by the 2024 Times Higher Education Impact rating where we were recognized as Joint 5th Globally for Outreach Activities and Joint Top 20 Globally for Sustainable Development Goal 17: Partnership for the Goals.

Visit our Sustainability at Ulster destination to learn more about how the University strategy and the activities of Ulster University support each of the Sustainable Development Goals.

Testimonials

• Studying the Event Management programme was a great decision as it provided a great step between my undergraduate degree and a career. The course provided me with an appropriate blend of subjects which gave me inspiration for a career in event management. Since completing the programme, I have been working as an Events Assistant with the Northern Ireland Hotels Federation. In this role, I have been able to transfer the skills learnt throughout the programme and use these practically in the organization of events. - Judith Potts, Northern Ireland Hotels Federation
• Committing to the MSc. International Event Management programme was a decision I considered carefully as I had been working professionally for several years. However, I can confidently say that the professional and personal benefits of returning to post-graduate study have been advantageous. The International Event Management programme provided a platform to demonstrate my current highest academic potential through the challenge of post-graduate study. Throughout this experience, I was afforded the opportunity to forge events industry contacts who continue to support my progress in the Event Management field. Within a few months of graduating with Distinction, I was successful in my application as Programme Officer at Culture Night Belfast – one of the largest events in the NI event calendar. For those inspired by the potential of furthering a career in events and tourism industry, I cannot recommend this programme highly enough. - Claire Leonard, Programme Officer with Culture Night Belfast and Cathedral Quarter Trust Projects
• Studying the Event Management programme was one of the best decisions I have ever made. Having enjoyed my undergraduate degree in Events Management, I was delighted to return to the University of Ulster to undertake a Masters in International Event Management. The course inspired me from the beginning as it provided me with an interesting mix of subjects to help me learn and grow as an individual academically and professionally. All these acquired skills help me daily in my role as Event Manager for the Belfast City Marathon and Belfast City Half Marathon. - Claire O’Reilly, Belfast City Marathon