International Event Management (with Advanced Practice) MSc

Program Overview

The MSc International Event Management program at Ulster University equips students with the knowledge and skills to manage events successfully worldwide. It emphasizes critical event studies, sustainable practices, leadership, and strategic marketing. The program offers flexible delivery options, including online and on-campus modules, and culminates in a dissertation or applied consulting project, preparing graduates for diverse careers in the dynamic events industry.

Program Outline

Degree Overview:

This MSc program equips students with the knowledge and skills required to manage events successfully anywhere in the world, from hotel functions to mass sporting events or business trade shows. The program emphasizes critical event studies, sustainable and innovative business practices, leadership and people management, and strategic marketing. It also delves into external factors impacting event planning, such as social, economic, and environmental influences. The program's objective is to provide graduates with the confidence and expertise to navigate the diverse and dynamic events industry. It prepares them for various roles across various sectors, including business, non-profits, sports, arts, music, cultural events, festivals, and hospitality.

Outline:

The program consists of six taught modules and a dissertation or an applied consulting project. The modules are delivered in 3-day blocks (usually Wednesday-Friday) and can be taken online or at the Belfast campus.

Year One:

• Event Management: This module introduces students to the event planning process and the various aspects of the event industry.
• Strategic Marketing: This module focuses on the principles and theories of strategic marketing management, covering various marketing tools and frameworks.
• Managing & Leading People: This module examines the essential concepts of leadership and management, emphasizing the role of effective leadership in achieving organizational success.
• Critical Event Studies: This module encourages students to critically analyze the impact of events and consider the external factors influencing the planning process.
• Business Sustainability & Innovation: This module explores various business models and strategies for achieving sustainability and innovation within the events industry.
• Research Methods: This module equips students with the technical skills to design research projects, analyze data, and use ICT tools effectively.

Year Two:

• Dissertation/Applied Consulting Project: Students can choose to complete either a dissertation focusing on a specific research topic or an applied consulting project involving a real-life organizational collaboration.
This project allows students to apply their theoretical knowledge and skills in a practical setting.

Assessment:

The program utilizes diverse assessment methods, including written essays, case studies, presentations, individual and group projects, individual and group presentations, and objective tests. Assessment is designed to evaluate students' achievement of the program's learning outcomes and their ability to apply theoretical knowledge to real-world scenarios.

Teaching:

The program utilizes various teaching methods, including lectures, case studies, business simulations, one-to-one tutor sessions, and field trips to hospitality and tourism venues and live events. Guest speakers from the industry are also invited to share their expertise and insights.

Careers:

Graduates of this program are well-equipped for a variety of careers in the events industry. They can pursue roles in event management companies, in-house event teams within organizations, or freelance event management positions.

Other:

The program is accredited by the Institute of Hospitality, a recognition of its quality and alignment with international industry standards. Students graduating from the program with the Advanced Practice option gain an additional advantage through their internship or applied consulting project experience, further enhancing their employability and career prospects.