Event Design and Management MA

This module provides an opportunity to choose a subject that interests you, and to investigate it rigorously and in depth. With the support of an academic supervisor you will prepare and implement a research plan in order to complete an in-depth piece work which offers new insights and understanding relevant to tourism.

Event Concept and Design introduces the study of event design at post-graduate level and addresses the key theoretical concepts and management issues relevant to the development of events across a range of experience environments. You will gain a good grounding of the holistic process of designing effective and engaging events that meet both business and leisure demand as well as the requirements of suppliers.

This module studies the activities undertaken by an event manager as an event is prepared for staging.  You will focus on practical application, studying project management, budgeting, evaluation and ROI measurement, volunteer management, supplier negotiation, contemporary health & safety issues and crisis management.  You will also explore the use of social media, technology and events as a marketing tool.

Organisations use events as part of their strategy regardless of whether they belong to the private, public or third sector.  To create successful events, a new type of event professional is needed who can analyse the complex environment, understand the client needs and articulate the role of events in delivering sustainable business results. This module prepares you for this challenge.

This module develops an understanding and knowledge of the essential communication and research skills needed for academic life and professional practice. It provides guidance on communicating, analytically and creatively, in the written form, digitally, orally and visually.   You will also develop the key skills needed for the successful completion of a research project, as well as developing your abilities for professional problem-solving and decision-making.

The module explores the demand for air travel and prospects for the future. You will evaluate the economic and commercial performance of airline and airport operators, as well as examining the broader impacts of air travel on the economy and the environment.

Event experiences are staged to achieve multiple business goals, with the events industry continuing to professionalise all aspects of delivery.  Graduates with experience of the strategic design and operational delivery of events are highly valued.  Thus you will develop the problem solving and practical skills needed to work within a team through the successful staging of an event which delivers on strategic objectives.

This module uses global events as examples through which we can better understand the strategic management of sports events and cultural festivals. You will analyse the different ways that events are produced and consumed internationally, examining the influence of globalisation. You will also explore the relationship between events and host cities, critiquing debates regarding the capacity of global events to define and regenerate places.

This module introduces you to strategic management and develops an understanding of your own professional skills through industry practice via either a team consultancy project for, or a research work placement in the tourism and/or events industry. Building on your existing knowledge, and reflecting on and transforming your professional skills, you will examine a current issue on behalf of your industry partner.

The requirement for tourism and event businesses to operate sustainably, in the broadest sense, is now stronger than ever and for aspiring professionals, grounding in responsible practice has become a necessity. This module explores the founding principles of ‘responsibility’ in event and tourism management and considers the range of contexts for sustainable practice from both an industry and stakeholder perspective. Domestic and international examples are used in order to illustrate the different contexts and applications. The module addresses four key aspects: responsible business practice; improving the quality of life of host communities; conserving the local environment and local culture; and sustainable design. Students will gain detailed subject knowledge and understanding on the planning and implementation of responsible practices and also be encouraged to develop their evaluative skills when analysing existing policy and practice.