Overview

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).

The event sector is a vibrant segment in the UK and Northern Ireland economies and one which makes a significant contribution to job creation. Recently, the Department of Digital Culture Media and Sport 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..

The HLA programme will provide a fully funded career development pathway, enabling new or existing staff to advance into supervisory/operational management positions within the events industry.

The philosophy of this two-and-a-half-year Foundation Degree in Event Management, validated by Ulster University, is to provide graduates with academic concepts, principles and theories alongside the practical application of skills required to plan, organise and manage live events. Students on the course have developed in virtual events and it could be a growth area in the future. Hybrid Events is also a growth area whereby there are less participants face to face and more online. Industry will look to our students for this experience.

Students are also given the opportunity to experience the industry at first hand through the module Work Based Learning or through volunteering opportunities with local charities.

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.

Careers

This two-and a half year programme, validated by Ulster University, opens a wide range of career paths, from in-house corporate events and PR through agency and consultancy positions. Students will 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.

Students who complete the course may proceed to the final year of the honour’s degree in many universities in the UK. Ulster University will accept students onto the full- time final year of the BSc Hons Leisure and Events Management degree after successful completion of summer bridging modules. Alternatively, since this programme has been designed to meet the demands of a major employment growth area, you will be able to pursue a career in the events industry.

Suitable roles for graduates include:

• Events management
• Sales and marketing management
• Sport events promotion
• Charitable fundraising
• Conference and exhibition management
• Running your own events company