Bachelor of Arts (Honours) - Event Management (Placement Year)

The BA (Hons) Event Management with Placement Year at Derby is designed to equip students with the practical skills required to stage events alongside essential management, leadership, and entrepreneurial capabilities needed to succeed in the rapidly evolving events industry.

The programme explores the interconnected nature of events, tourism, and hospitality within the wider “visitor economy,” with students working closely alongside peers from tourism and hospitality disciplines to broaden career opportunities. Opportunities are available to study abroad for a semester during the second stage of the course, as well as to undertake a placement year prior to the final stage of study. All modules are aligned with the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals, encouraging students to consider the social and environmental impact of events in addition to financial outcomes.

The degree has been developed to provide strong management and operational foundations suitable for the demands of the 2020s and beyond, building on the University’s established success in delivering event management education. The updated curriculum places increased emphasis on business management, entrepreneurship, sustainability, creativity, and design thinking to develop adaptable and innovative graduates capable of challenging conventional approaches and leading positive change within the sector.

Modules are structured to embed core business disciplines such as finance, marketing, and human resources throughout the programme at points of direct relevance, rather than teaching them as separate standalone subjects. Students develop financial knowledge through activities such as business planning, while leadership and human resource skills are strengthened through learning how to drive organisational change and transformation.