Dr Mohammad Shafiq
Updated on: 05-Oct-2025
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The best universities for event management in the UK have a global reputation for quality. The UK's events industry is worth over £61 billion to the national economy. From music festivals to business conferences, the country hosts thousands of major events each year.
More than 83% of companies now see events as vital for marketing success. This growth has created a high demand for graduates with creativity, planning skills, and industry knowledge. UK degrees combine classroom learning with real-world placements at leading brands and venues.
If you want a career in global events, the UK is indeed the wise choice. This guide explores top universities and specialisations, including information for international students.
Choosing the right event management degree goes beyond looking at university rankings alone. The best programmes balance academic depth with practical industry experience and worldwide recognition.
Here are five pillars to guide your choice:
Accreditations confirm that your course meets recognised professional and industry standards. BIIAB and IOSH-approved programmes are better choices, especially for event safety and risk management. Event marketing modules accredited by CIM add value for careers in promotional strategy.
For example, Sheffield Hallam University offers IOSH-certified safety training within its event management degree.
Placements help you apply classroom learning to real-world projects while building networks. These networks can lead you to permanent roles after graduation. For example, the University of Surrey offers a paid placement year with global event agencies.
Graduate employability rates show how well universities prepare students for the job market. So, look for programmes where over 85% of graduates find work or further study quickly. For example, Coventry University reports over 95% employability within six months of graduation.
The best universities offer niche pathways that match industry trends. Options may include Sustainable Events, Esports Event Management, and Luxury Event Planning.
International projects and study trips enhance cultural understanding and global career prospects. Many UK universities partner with overseas event organisations and tourism boards.
|
Feature |
Top Example |
Career Impact |
|
Dual Accreditations |
Sheffield Hallam University |
Meets UK and global safety/event standards |
|
Global Projects |
University of Greenwich |
Access to UNWTO and sustainable tourism links |
|
Placement Year |
University of Surrey |
Paid placements with global event agencies |
|
Niche Specialisations |
Manchester Metropolitan University |
Tailored skills for fast-growing market areas |
|
High Employability |
Coventry University |
Strong post-graduation job prospects |
Sheffield Hallam consistently ranks among the UK’s top institutions for applied learning. In the 2025 University Rankings, it’s in the top 20 for Hospitality and Event Management. The university is also famous for its strong links with industry and high graduate employability.
Sheffield Hallam integrates practical learning into every stage of its event management courses. The course also includes IOSH safety certification. The university offers a paid placement year with major organisations in the UK and abroad.
Programme(s): BSc (Hons) Events Management
Tuition Fees:
Specialisations Available:
Coventry University is known for its modern teaching style and global industry partnerships. It ranks among the top 15 UK universities for Hospitality, Tourism, and Event Management. Coventry also holds a strong position in graduate employability and student satisfaction surveys.
Over 90% of graduates find employment or continue studies within six months. Coventry also offers a placement year with employers such as NEC Group and event tech firms. Students have also secured internships in Europe, Asia, and North America.
Programme(s):
Tuition Fees:
Specialisations Available:
The University of Surrey is widely popular for hospitality, tourism, and event management education. It consistently ranks in the UK’s top 10 for these subjects in national league tables. The university has a strong focus on employability with paid placements, live projects, and industry networking.
Surrey’s campus in Guildford is close to London, giving students easy access to major event venues. The university has extensive international links, including study abroad options and global placement opportunities.
Programme(s):
Tuition Fees:
Another top university for Event Management programmes is Manchester Metropolitan University. Located in the vibrant city centre, MMU emphasises practical learning and industry connections. The Business School is triple-accredited (EQUIS, AMBA, AACSB), underscoring its global teaching standards.
Programme(s):
Tuition Fees:
The University of Brighton offers practical, career-focused courses in event management. It ranks among the UK’s top modern universities for hospitality and creative industries. The university offers a BSc (Hons) Business Management with Events, a 3-year undergraduate degree.
Brighton’s graduates achieve excellent results. Over 91.4% of graduates work or further study within months of finishing. Even more impressively, 80.6% of its graduates are in highly skilled roles in their chosen fields.
Programme(s):
Tuition Fees:
The University of Greenwich is another excellent choice for students aiming to excel in event management. It offers both BA and MA degrees designed to prepare you for a global career.
Besides, Greenwich has strong industry ties, including connections with iconic venues like the O2 Arena. These links give students unique opportunities to gain real-world experience in large-scale events.
Programme(s):
Tuition Fees:
Quick Overview of the Top Event Management Universities for Undergraduates:
|
University |
Programme(s) |
Duration |
Annual Tuition Fees (UK / Int’l) |
Placement Year? |
|
Sheffield Hallam University |
BSc (Hons) Events Management |
3 years / 4 years with placement |
£9,535 £17,155 |
Yes (paid placement) |
|
Coventry University |
BA (Hons) Event Management BSc (Hons) Global Events Management |
3 years / 4 years with placement |
£9,535 £17,155 |
Yes |
|
University of Surrey |
BSc (Hons) International Event Management |
3 years / 4 years with placement |
£9,250 £20,000 |
Yes |
|
Manchester Metropolitan University |
BA (Hons) Events Management |
3 years / 1 year (PG) |
£9,535 £20,000 |
Yes |
|
University of Brighton |
BSc (Hons) Business Management with Events |
3 years / 4 years with placement |
£27,750 £40,248 |
Yes |
|
University of Greenwich |
BA (Hons) Events Management BA (Hons) Events Management and Innovation |
3 years / 4 years with placement |
£9,535 £17,500 |
Yes |
If you want to specialise, the UK offers some of the top postgraduate courses in Event Management. These programmes provide advanced skills, more profound knowledge, and stronger industry connections.
The UK has over 57 master’s programmes in event management and related fields. Some of the top choices are:
Greenwich’s MA in International Events Management is a popular choice. It includes partnerships with the UN World Tourism Organisation (UNWTO), giving global insights.
It offers an MA in Luxury Events Management with exclusive ties to Vogue London. This course is perfect for those targeting high-end, luxury event careers.
Besides its undergraduate programmes, Coventry offers MSc degrees in Events & Experience Management and International Events Management. These courses focus on practical skills, digital marketing, and sustainability.
Surrey’s MSc International Events Management course combines strategic planning with live projects and work placements. It focuses strongly on sustainability and offers robust industry connections.
MMU’s MSc International Events Management covers current global trends like hybrid event production and leadership development. The course includes internships to provide valuable hands-on experience in the events sector.
The events industry is evolving quickly, and universities are adapting their courses accordingly. Many now offer specialisations that focus on the most in-demand trends.
Sustainability is no longer optional. It’s now essential. This pathway teaches eco-friendly event planning, waste reduction, and cutting carbon footprints. You’ll learn about green certifications and how to create events that respect the environment.
Gaming tournaments and virtual conferences are booming. Courses cover online event technology, digital audience engagement, and streaming production. This pathway prepares you for a cutting-edge, tech-driven career in esports and virtual events.
Luxury events are all about high-end details and personalised service. This specialisation focuses on corporate galas, weddings, and exclusive brand experiences. You’ll develop skills in client management, luxury branding, and VIP hospitality.
Hybrid events combine live and virtual audiences. You’ll learn how to manage both in-person logistics and online platforms seamlessly. This pathway is perfect for adapting to the new normal in event delivery.
Applying for event management courses in the UK is straightforward once you know what’s needed. Let’s break down the key points to help you prepare your application.
Most undergraduate event management degrees ask for between 96 and 120 UCAS points. These usually come from A-levels or equivalent qualifications. Some universities accept BTECs or Access to HE Diplomas.
Tuition fees vary depending on the university's programme duration. For UK students, fees usually range from £9,250 to around £10,000 per year. For international students, it ranges between £14,000 and £22,000 annually, depending on the university.
International students need a Tier 4 (General) Student Visa to study in the UK. You need to get an unconditional offer first from a licensed sponsor university. An English language test score, usually IELTS with a minimum of 6.0, is required. You’ll also need to show evidence of funds to cover tuition and living expenses. It's important to be certain about your application, so be sure to understand what happens if you need to withdraw your UK visa application before making a decision.
A degree in event management from a UK university opens many doors. UK universities are known for strong industry links and practical experience.
Graduates take on many roles, including:
Their skills also open doors to careers in PR, tourism, and luxury brand management. The project management and creative skills you gain are also highly valued in adjacent fields like fashion business management careers, which often involve large-scale events and launches.
Starting salaries usually range from £18,000 to £37,085 per year. With experience, event managers can earn between £30,000 and £45,000, especially in London. Senior roles or specialised fields like luxury or esports event management offer even higher pay.
Most event management courses require between 96 and 120 UCAS points. These usually come from A-levels or equivalent qualifications.
The University of Surrey and Coventry University are top choices for International Event Management. Both have strong global links and offer dedicated programmes.
Yes, some universities like Arden University offer fully online event management degrees. These courses are flexible and ideal if you need to study part-time or remotely.
While many UK universities offer placement years, they cannot guarantee placements for every student. Placement availability often depends on your efforts and the university’s industry connections.
Both BA and BSc degrees cover similar event management skills. The choice depends on the university and your preference. Neither is better universally. Choose based on course content and career goals.
Yes, several universities offer part-time event management courses. These are ideal for students who need flexibility in their work.
Entry-level event management graduates can expect salaries between £18,000 and £25,000. With experience, this can rise to £30,000–£45,000 or more. Specialist roles and senior positions often offer higher pay.
Yes, many universities consider relevant work experience or alternative qualifications. The UK system can be flexible, and it's entirely possible to study in the UK without formal qualifications like A-Levels if you can demonstrate other relevant experience or credentials.
The UK remains a top destination for event management studies. Its world-class universities offer strong teaching and excellent industry links. Whether you’re aiming for live festivals, corporate events, or virtual productions, UK degrees prepare you well.
With many courses offering placements and professional certifications, you gain a head start in this competitive field. So, when choosing the best universities for event management in the UK, you’re investing in quality education.
If you’re ready to make your mark in this vibrant industry, the UK has everything you need!
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