BA (Hons) Business and Management (Festivals and Events)

Program Overview

The BA (Hons) Business and Management (Festivals and Events) program at Bath Spa University is a three-year, full-time course providing a stimulating and vocationally relevant learning experience. It is structured to progressively build foundational business knowledge in the first year, introduce core festivals and events management concepts and industry practices in the second, and culminate in specialized event planning and management studies and an independent project in the final year. Students benefit from interactive lectures, engaging workshops incorporating industry-standard software and planning tools, opportunities for practical event management experience, and collaborative group work on real-world event scenarios. A key element involves the application of business and management theories to the specific context of the festivals and events industry, fostering a deep understanding of its unique dynamics and challenges. The program fosters a collaborative and industry-connected atmosphere, encouraging students to develop their expertise within the specialized field of festivals and events management.

Curriculum: The curriculum for the BA (Hons) Business and Management (Festivals and Events) program is designed to provide a comprehensive understanding of business fundamentals with a strong specialization in the festivals and events sector. Core business modules typically cover areas such as marketing, finance, operations, and strategy. Festivals and events-specific modules delve into topics such as event planning and design, event marketing and sponsorship, event operations and logistics, event risk management and safety, sustainable event management, festival and event tourism, and event technology. The program emphasizes the development of essential management skills relevant to the industry, including project management, budgeting, stakeholder management, and audience engagement strategies. Students will engage in case study analysis of successful and challenging events, practical projects involving the planning and execution of simulated or real events, and potentially collaborative projects with industry partners. The final year often includes a significant research project or dissertation focused on a specific area within festivals and events management.

Research Focus: The BA (Hons) Business and Management (Festivals and Events) program at Bath Spa University benefits from a research-informed learning environment within the School of Business and Management and the wider Faculty of Business and Law. The faculty often comprises experienced event professionals and academics who are actively engaged in research related to event management, festival studies, event tourism, sustainability in events, and the impact of events on local economies and communities. This research informs the curriculum, ensuring that students are exposed to current industry trends, academic insights into event planning and management best practices, and innovative approaches to event design and delivery. Students are encouraged to develop their own research interests within festivals and events through assignments and their final year project, fostering critical thinking and analytical skills relevant to understanding the event landscape.

Industry Engagement: Bath Spa University's BA (Hons) Business and Management (Festivals and Events) program places a strong emphasis on connecting students with the professional festivals and events industry. The program actively fosters relationships with event organizers, festival directors, venues, and industry professionals through guest lectures by event leaders, workshops on specific event management skills led by experts, and networking events within the events community. Students have significant opportunities for industry placements and internships with a wide range of festivals and events, providing valuable hands-on experience and industry connections. The curriculum often incorporates real-world case studies and projects that involve direct engagement with existing events or the development of solutions for identified needs within the sector. The university's career services also provide tailored support for BA (Hons) Business and Management (Festivals and Events) graduates seeking to launch their careers in this dynamic industry.

Global Perspective: The BA (Hons) Business and Management (Festivals and Events) program at Bath Spa University incorporates a strong global perspective by examining international festivals and events, cross-cultural event management considerations, and the impact of globalization on the events industry and event tourism. The curriculum may include case studies of successful international festivals, discussions on managing events in diverse cultural contexts, and the exploration of global trends in event design and technology. The university's diverse international student body contributes to a global learning environment, fostering discussions and collaborations across different cultural perspectives on events. Furthermore, the program may touch upon topics such as international event tourism, the environmental impact of global events, and strategies for attracting international audiences, preparing graduates to operate effectively in the interconnected global marketplace for festivals and events.