University of Essex FdA Events Management Program

The FdA Events Management program at the University of Essex is a two-year foundation degree designed to build practical and professional skills for careers in event planning and management.

Overview

This foundation degree offers a blend of hands-on experience and academic study, providing students with the core competencies required to organize and support a wide range of events, including weddings, conferences, corporate functions, and festivals. Completion of the program also provides a pathway to progress into a full honors events management degree.

Why This Course

The events industry is fast-moving and global in scope, offering careers in areas such as festivals, corporate events, weddings, and public events. This foundation degree equips students with practical event planning experience and essential industry knowledge.

What You'll Learn

• Event planning fundamentals: core techniques in scheduling, logistics, and vendor coordination
• Business and innovation skills: how event organizations operate and adapt in competitive markets
• Customer experience: understanding attendee needs and creating memorable event environments
• Cultural and festival events: exploring diverse event types and their societal roles
• Digital marketing for events: building skills to promote events and reach audiences online
• Human resources and team supervision: leading people and managing teams effectively

Your Learning Experience

• Work-based exposure: gain real experience by working within active event or hospitality settings
• Industry insight: learn from lecturers with hands-on professional experience in events and related sectors
• Applied project work: engage in practical event tasks that reflect industry practice
• Professional development support: build interview, CV, and workplace skills through structured activities
• Progression pathway: option to continue into a full honors level degree on successful completion

Careers and Outcomes

Completing a foundation degree in Events Management prepares students for entry-level roles across the global events sector, including:

• Event assistant or coordinator: supporting planning and delivery of events
• Venue operations support: assisting in the running of event spaces and facilities
• Festival or conference support staff: working on large-scale event logistics
• Client service roles: helping manage customer and stakeholder relationships
• Marketing and promotions support: assisting in event marketing and audience engagement

Employers of Graduates

Graduates from this foundation degree go on to work with a wide range of organizations in the events, hospitality, and leisure sectors, including event management companies, corporate event departments, festivals, venue teams, and creative agencies.

Entry Requirements

UK Entry Requirements

• GCSE: Mathematics and English C/4, or equivalent
• Plus one of the level 3 qualifications below:
  • A-levels: CC or 64 UCAS tariff points from a minimum of 1 full A-level or equivalent
  • BTEC: MPP or 64 UCAS tariff points from a minimum of 1 full A-level or equivalent
  • Combined qualifications on the UCAS tariff: 64 UCAS tariff points from a minimum of 1 full A-level or equivalent
  • IB: 24 points or 64 UCAS points to include a minimum of 1 Higher Level subject
  • IB Career-related Programme: We consider combinations of IB Diploma Programme courses with BTECs or other qualifications
  • QAA-approved Access to HE Diploma: 64 UCAS points
  • T-levels: 64 UCAS points

International & EU Entry Requirements

We accept a wide range of qualifications from applicants studying in the EU and other countries.

English Language Requirements

• English language requirements for applicants whose first language is not English: IELTS 6.0 overall, or specified score in another equivalent test that we accept

Structure

Components and Modules Explained

Components are the blocks of study that make up the course. A component may have a set module which you must study, or a number of modules from which you can choose.

Year 1

• COMPONENT 01: COMPULSORY - Finance for Events Business (15 credits)
• COMPONENT 02: COMPULSORY - The Event Business Environment (15 credits)
• COMPONENT 03: COMPULSORY - Marketing and Customer Behaviour (15 credits)
• COMPONENT 04: COMPULSORY - Food and Beverage Management (15 credits)
• COMPONENT 05: COMPULSORY - Delivering Event Operations and the Customer Experience 1 (30 credits)
• COMPONENT 06: COMPULSORY - Event Operations (15 credits)
• COMPONENT 07: COMPULSORY - Weddings and Festivals (15 credits)

Year 2

• COMPONENT 01: COMPULSORY - Management and Leadership (15 credits)
• COMPONENT 02: COMPULSORY - Sustainability in Events (15 credits)
• COMPONENT 03: COMPULSORY - Digital Marketing and Revenue Management (15 credits)
• COMPONENT 04: COMPULSORY - Continual Professional Development (15 credits)
• COMPONENT 05: COMPULSORY - Event Supervision, Data and Technology (15 credits)
• COMPONENT 06: COMPULSORY - Contemporary Issues in the Event Industry (15 credits)
• COMPONENT 07: COMPULSORY - Delivering Event Operations and the Customer Experience 2 (30 credits)

Fees and Funding

Home/UK Fee

• Ł9,790 per year

International Fee

• Ł21,500 per year

Scholarships and Financial Support

There may be scholarships, bursaries, or discounts available to help with the cost of this course.

What's Next

Open Days

Our events are a great way to find out more about studying at Essex.

Applying

Applications for our full-time undergraduate courses should be made through the Universities and Colleges Admissions Service (UCAS).

Visit Colchester Campus

Set within 200 acres of award-winning parkland, our Colchester Campus is located two miles from the historic city centre of Colchester.

University of Essex

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Overview:

The University of Essex is a public research university located in Colchester, Essex, England. It is known for its strong academic reputation, particularly in the fields of social sciences, humanities, and law. The university offers a wide range of undergraduate and postgraduate programs, as well as short courses and apprenticeships.

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Services Offered:

The university provides a comprehensive range of services to its students, including:

Accommodation:

Guaranteed, affordable accommodation for new undergraduate and postgraduate students.

Student Support:

A variety of support services are available to students, including academic advising, career counseling, and mental health support.

Careers and Employability:

The university offers resources and programs to help students develop their career skills and find employment.

Essex Sport:

A wide range of sports facilities and activities are available to students, including fitness classes, performance sport, and scholarships.

Faith:

The university provides support for students of all faiths.

Cost of Living Support:

The university offers financial assistance to students who are struggling with the cost of living.

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Student Life and Campus Experience:

Students at the University of Essex can expect a vibrant and diverse campus experience. The university has a strong sense of community, with a variety of clubs, societies, and events to get involved in. The university also has a beautiful campus, with green spaces, lakes, and modern facilities.

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Key Reasons to Study There:

Strong Academic Reputation:

The university is consistently ranked highly in national and international rankings.

Excellent Research:

The university is a leading research institution, with a strong focus on innovation and impact.

Diverse and Inclusive Community:

The university is committed to creating a welcoming and inclusive environment for all students.

Excellent Student Support:

The university provides a wide range of support services to help students succeed.

Beautiful Campus:

The university has a beautiful campus, with green spaces, lakes, and modern facilities.

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Academic Programs:

The University of Essex offers a wide range of academic programs, including:

Undergraduate Programs:

The university offers a wide range of undergraduate programs in the arts, humanities, social sciences, law, business, and science.

Postgraduate Programs:

The university offers a wide range of postgraduate programs, including master's degrees, PhDs, and professional qualifications.

Short Courses and CPD:

The university offers a variety of short courses and continuing professional development programs.

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Other:

The university has three campuses: Colchester, Southend, and Loughton. The Colchester campus is the main campus and is located in a beautiful parkland setting. The Southend campus is located on the seafront and offers a more urban experience. The Loughton campus is home to the university's drama school, East 15 Acting School.

The university is also home to a number of research centers and institutes, including the Centre for Research in Entrepreneurship, Innovation and Management (REIMI) and the Human Rights Centre.