Hoping to pursue a career in festival management? Got a passion for outdoor events? By focusing on practical event management techniques and established business theory, this hands-on festival and events management programme supports you to take theories learnt in the classroom and apply them to a range of live events.
The University’s approach to events and festival management starts with an emphasis on practical industry insights and transferable business management skills.
Students are supported by experienced staff as they seek out and undertake a minimum of 210 hours of practical work experience. These placements help students graduate with at least a basic level of on-the-job experience. Students are strongly encouraged to pursue work above and beyond these 210 hours – pitching for freelance work through our in-house Solent Creatives / Solent Works agencies and organising events around the city.
Practical insights are also gained on field trips. Past events management students have visited a range of agencies, industry exhibitions and commercial events. Students are encouraged to take part in national event management awards. In 2015, the University had two students reach the final of The Eventice, a major event management award. One of the pair took home the grand prize and the other secured employment as a result of the exposure.
These provisions are made possible by the course team’s extensive industry experience and Solent’s long history in the sector. The team maintain established links with festivals and specialist event businesses, and incorporate these connections into their teaching and research.
What does this course lead to?
This course has been designed to help students achieve one of two intended outcomes. The first involves students managing their own business and applying the knowledge gained throughout their degree in a way that helps the business grow.
Students will also be taught how to manage a portfolio career, where personal ventures are combined with part-time work or work within small to medium businesses, which are common in the events industry. Students may find themselves working with PR firms, event agencies, or as an in-house events specialist.
Who is this course for?
This is the ideal course for students who want to enter the world of professional events management while specialising in festivals and large outdoor events. Students should aspire to careers related to event planning, bookings, logistics or fundraising.
