Bachelor of Arts (Honours) - International Festival & Event Management and Marketing

The International Festival & Event Management and Marketing programme at Edinburgh Napier University is designed to equip students with the skills to plan, design, market, operate, and develop events. It also explores how these events can positively impact local economies and communities. With opportunities for a 24-week work placement and study abroad, the course provides excellent preparation for a career in festivals and events management.

The programme includes a range of compulsory modules covering both event management and marketing, alongside optional modules in marketing specialisms. These are designed to help students stand out in the competitive job market from the outset.

Edinburgh Napier University is ranked the #1 Modern University in Scotland, according to the Times World University Rankings 2025.

This applied course blends theory and practice to help students develop a comprehensive understanding of event planning and marketing. It covers the key aspects of how festivals and events relate to the broader functions of marketing across various industries.

Students gain foundational knowledge in general marketing principles and can choose to specialize in areas such as international marketing, direct and digital marketing, and social media marketing. The course also fosters strong business acumen, communication, and problem-solving skills.

In the first year, students are introduced to core themes relevant to the operational aspects of event management, as well as mainstream business skills that help contextualize how organizations function.

During the second year, students delve into event design, assessed through a practical module. They also study topics such as sports events and venue management, building upon the foundation established in the first year.

The first half of the third year places events in a political and strategic context, with a focus on conferences and corporate events. The second half emphasizes industry experience, during which students either complete a 24-week work placement or a consultancy-based Live Project.

In the final year, students complete a dissertation — a substantial piece of independent academic research. Additional modules cover event sustainability and strategic management, preparing graduates for leadership roles within the industry.