Tourism, Hospitality and Events Management (Events Specialisms)

The Tourism, Hospitality and Event sectors are at the heart of Northern Ireland economic growth and are dispersing wealth right across Northern Ireland. The Tourism Strategy: 10 Year Plan (Dept of Economy, 2023) establishes a vision and mission for the growth in Northern Ireland over the next decade and the events industry is embedded deeply in this strategy. Consumer events such as sporting events and concerts draw crowds and stimulate the local economy, and business events play an important role in showcasing NI as a place to visit, study, live, work, do business and invest in. It is estimated the expansion of the business events sector will generate up to 2,000 new jobs across Northern Ireland (Northern Ireland Business Events - Integrated Strategy 2030).

Recently, the Department of Digital Culture Media and Sport (2024), estimated that the events industry generates £84bn every year with conferences and business events generating over £18bn in direct spend annually. With over 700,00 people employed within the events industry, there is a need for new graduates in this sector and opportunities are available across the industry in areas such as exhibitions and conferences, business events, music and festivals, and bespoke sporting events.

This two-year Foundation Degree in Event Management, validated by Ulster University aims to provide graduates with the principles and theories alongside the practical application of skills required to plan, organise and manage live events. Our students will have the skills, knowledge and experience the industry needs and this two-year programme, opens the door to an exciting range of career pathways.

Students are also given the option to travel and to experience the industry at first hand through Work Based Learning, site visits to the industry or through their engagement with a wide range of industry professionals. The Turing Scheme is the UK government’s programme to provide funding for international opportunities in education and training across the world and students on this programme will have the opportunity to take up opportunities through this scheme.

Students will typically have the potential to work on a range of events, adapting to the very different challenges of charitable fundraising, corporate meetings, conferences, exhibitions, festivals and public events.

Structure Full Time Structure: The course is delivered over 2 years.

The programme consists of 11 modules. On the full-time course students will study six level 4 modules in year 1 and five level 5 modules in year 2.

Level 4 modules - Event Operations - Management in Action - Introduction to Hospitality, Tourism and Events - Managing Financial Performance - Corporate Events - Global and Cultural Events

Level 5 modules - Contemporary Events - People Management - Marketing and Entrepreneurship - Personal Professional Development - Work Based Learning

The assessment strategy typically includes a combination of written coursework, scenario-based and live practical activities, presentations, and the application of 21st Century skills, knowledge and thinking to professional practice in event operations and management.

The key approaches to teaching and learning include lectures, case studies, practical activities, presentations guest speakers and group work with the aim of developing graduates who are dynamic leaders, self-motivated, skilled communicators and future ready.

The course is delivered in the classroom and supported by practical workshops and the College VLE.

This programme of study is likely to include enrichment units, which are an additional component to enhance your employability.

Please read our Terms and Conditions at https://www.belfastmet.ac.uk/media/5idjrsdi/belfast-met-terms-and-conditions-for-enrolment-and-application-202526.pdf before applying for or enrolling on any of our courses.