Events and Conference Management MA

This course teaches you how and why events/conferences are planned, and how the venues and destinations in which they are held are marketed. You will also learn how events and conferences contribute to enriching the lives of communities and improve communications in business, politics and professional life. The dissertation will give you further opportunity to research a conference or events topic in depth. The course is taught by experienced academics and industry practitioners, providing valuable insight into this exciting industry sector.
Modules
The following modules are indicative of what you will study on this course. For more details on course structure and modules, and how you will be taught and assessed, see the full course document.
Core modules
CONFERENCE AND EVENTS PLANNING
You will develop critical awareness of the diverse range of skills required to successfully organise conferences and events. You will discuss the problems that can arise in the planning process and examine the ways to address the issues.
DISSERTATION
You will undertake research on an events or conference management topic of your choice, and present analysis, conclusions and recommendations in a written report. The report should include a justification of the research methodology employed and a critical review of the underpinning theory and literature.
EVENTS AND CONFERENCE MARKETING
You will develop an understanding of the decision-making process underpinning the development and marketing of individual venues as well as conference and events destinations. The module also considers the factors that influence the selection of event venues.
EVENT CONCEPTS
You will review the role and impacts of conferences and events in a global context, critically evaluating the influence of stakeholders and examining the wider significance of these expanding sectors on global communication, culture and sport.
Option modules
The course is structured to provide flexibility in module choice, allowing you to study aspects of the events industry which suit your own aspirations. Choose three from a list which includes:
AIRPORT PLANNING AND MANAGEMENT
This module gives you the opportunity to examine the organisation and management of the airport industry. You will examine airport operations and capacity issues, terminal operations, airport marketing, airport expansion issues, and the role of regional airports.
EXPLORING CREATIVE EXPERIENCES FOR ATTRACTIONS AND EVENTS
This module draws on the notion of "the experience economy" and evaluates the ability of effective design and new technologies to engage consumer senses in order to enhance the visitor experience.
FESTIVALS, CULTURE AND PLACE
You will assess the role which festivals and cultural events perform in stimulating community pride and energising local residents, and investigate their multi-faceted contribution to local economies.
MEGA EVENTS
You will focus on the specific challenges and opportunities associated with the genre of mega events such as Olympic Games, World Cups and International Expos, and their impact on image and urban regeneration.
PROFESSIONAL PRACTICE
This module uniquely provides students with experience of professional practice by undertaking a consultancy project on behalf of one of our industry partners.
TOURISM AND CITIES
This module explores the different forms of urban tourism and analyses its role in a city economy. It takes a particular interest in how tourism influences city image.
Please note, not all option modules are guaranteed to run each year, dependant on the demand in the year of study.
Course team
The teaching team includes:
Claire Humphreys, Course Leader
Simon Curtis
Dr Ozlem Edizel
Dr Helen Farrell
Dr Anne Graham
Lindsay Hanford
Clare Inkson
Chantal Laws
Professor Robert Maitland
Dr James Morgan
Dr Ilaria Pappalepore
Dr Andrew Smith
Associated careers
Graduates from this course enter a wide range of careers, in both the private and the public sectors, in Britain and internationally. These careers range from conference and events planning, to venue management, to destination marketing. Some choose to work with specialist organisations, such as convention bureaux, while others opt to work as professional conference organisers, event managers and venue promoters. Some students go on to pursue Doctoral studies.
Length of course
One year full-time; two years part-time
Additional costs information
To check what your tuition fees cover and what you may need to pay for separately, see our What tuition fees cover page.
Related course
Tourism Management MA