BA (Hons) Event Management

Program Overview

The BA (Hons) Event Management at BIMM University is a comprehensive three-year full-time undergraduate degree specifically designed for aspiring event professionals passionate about the live music and creative industries. Offered across BIMM's vibrant campuses in the UK (Birmingham, Brighton, Bristol, London, Manchester) and in Berlin, Germany, this program equips students with the essential knowledge and practical skills required to plan, promote, and produce a diverse range of live events. It emphasizes a blend of business acumen, project management, and creative execution, enabling students to gain hands-on experience in all aspects of event planning, from concept and design to production, marketing, and safety. The curriculum prepares graduates for a wide array of roles within the booming international live events sector, fostering an entrepreneurial spirit and providing the skills needed to run their own ventures, such as club nights, live gigs, or charity fundraisers.

Curriculum: The curriculum for the BA (Hons) Event Management is thoughtfully structured across three years (Levels 4, 5, and 6) to provide a robust foundation in event planning and execution. In the first year, core modules include "The Creative Industries and You: Finding Your Path," "Event Concept & Design," "Events and Society," "Music Event Planning," "Event Safety," "Event Production & Tours," and "Marketing & Branding." These modules introduce students to the fundamentals of event management, industry context, and essential logistical and promotional skills. The second year delves deeper with modules such as "Defining Your Practice in Context," "Event Enterprise," "Social Media and Digital Marketing," "Exploring Practice Through Collaboration," and "Festival Management," complemented by optional modules that allow for specialisation in areas like "Crowd Management," "Live Sound," "Venue Management," and "Technical Event Production." The final year culminates in a significant "Final Project," "Event Sustainability," and a "Professional Portfolio," alongside further optional modules, ensuring graduates leave with a tailored and comprehensive skillset.

Research Focus: While the BA (Hons) Event Management program at BIMM University is highly vocational and practice-oriented, it integrates a strong element of research and critical inquiry to develop well-rounded and informed event professionals. The curriculum encourages students to investigate current trends, challenges, and innovations within the events sector. Through modules like "Events and Society" and in preparation for the "Final Project," students are guided to develop academic inquiry skills, critically evaluate industry case studies, and understand the broader societal, economic, and environmental impacts of events, particularly concerning sustainability. This involves researching audience behaviours, market demands, ethical considerations in event planning, and the evolving role of digital technologies in event delivery and promotion. This focus on research fosters an analytical and evidence-based approach, empowering graduates to make informed decisions and contribute to the strategic development of the events industry.

Industry Engagement: Industry engagement is a paramount feature of the BA (Hons) Event Management program at BIMM University, offering unparalleled opportunities for practical experience and professional networking. Students are taught by experienced lecturers who are themselves active and successful professionals in the events industry, including promoters, tour managers, and festival organisers. BIMM boasts extensive connections with a vast range of events, venues, and festivals across the UK, including major events like Glastonbury and The Great Escape. This network facilitates unique opportunities for students to gain hands-on experience through placements, internships, and direct involvement in real-world event planning and production. The curriculum also incorporates collaborative projects with students from other BIMM disciplines (e.g., performance, music business), mirroring the interdisciplinary nature of the modern live event industry. BIMM's dedicated Creative Futures team further supports students with personalised career guidance and industry connections, ensuring graduates are well-prepared for employment.

Global Perspective: The BA (Hons) Event Management program at BIMM University inherently fosters a strong global perspective, acknowledging the international nature and diverse influences within the events industry. The curriculum examines international tours and large-scale music festivals, providing students with an understanding of global event trends, logistics, and cultural considerations. By being offered across multiple campuses in the UK and in Berlin, Germany, the program exposes students to varied international event landscapes and diverse cultural approaches to event planning and execution. The program explores the complexities of operating in global markets, including legal and cultural nuances. BIMM's diverse student body, comprising individuals from numerous countries, creates a rich multicultural learning environment that encourages collaborative projects with diverse creative and logistical perspectives, equipping graduates to manage and promote events on an international scale.