International Event Management

Ever wonder what goes into creating large scale events such as the Olympics or Glastonbury? Or how businesses run cutting edge digital conferences and hotels put on unique experiences for guests? Do you want to be part of a team that delivers unforgettable experiences from concept to delivery? The MSc International Event Management will give you the skills and confidence to successfully manage events anywhere in the world. From hotel functions to mass sporting events or business trade shows you can help make these happen.



Ulster University is ranked 2nd in the UK for Hospitality, Event Management and Tourism (The Guardian University Guide 2024). Accredited by the Institute of Hospitality, this qualification is recognised worldwide for international employment.



With international event management, you will have the opportunity to position yourself in a wide range of sectors from business and non-profits to sport, arts, music, cultural events, festivals and hospitality this degree will open the door to a wide range of diverse roles.



As the event sector evolves and the local industry transforms, innovative, creative and professional people are needed to drive it forward - this could be you. Working in partnership with industry experts we have created an extremely relevant and practical course meaning you will graduate industry ready with the skills employers are looking for. Our modules encourage collaboration and forward thinking with the opportunity to share ideas and experiences with a diverse network of international students.



With all assessment coursework based, you will cover topics such as event management, strategic marketing, managing and leading people, business sustainability and innovation as well as exploring external factors to be aware of within the sector.



Conversion Course

Are you looking to pivot your career or expand your expertise?



This programme provides the perfect opportunity to transfer your skills to a different sector with no need to have a background in the subject area.



Work placement / study abroad

There is no defined work placement on this course, however there is an option to complete this degree with an Advanced Practice Pathway.



By choosing the Advanced Practice option, you will complete either an internship or an applied consulting project, working with an industry sector partner. This will enable you to apply your knowledge and skills in a real life organisational setting providing you with invaluable work experience. It will enhance your employability and career prospects by building your confidence in a business environment, providing you with tangible experience and allowing you to network and showcase your skills to potential employers.



Full-time Attendance

The course starts with a 3-day induction period to introduce you to your new network of students and staff.



All modules are taught in 3 day blocks (usually Wed-Fri 9-5) so you can fit your learning around your lifestyle. Classes are taught both online and at the Belfast campus.



One module is delivered approximately every 4 weeks during each semester (4 semesters in total) with three half day Learning Sets (tutorial learning support) per module to allow you to meet with your tutors and student groups to develop your assessed work.



The calendar of scheduled teaching will be made available to you prior to you starting the course.



Professional recognition

Institute of Hospitality (IoH)

Accredited by the Institute of Hospitality that academic, vocational and professional standards achieved are appropriate and programme content and delivery meet international Institute of Hospitality benchmark standards.

Semester 1

• Event Management

• Strategic Marketing

• Managing & Leading People



Semester 2

• Critical Event Studies

• Business Sustainability & Innovation

• Research Methods



Semester 3

• Dissertation

Applicants must normally have gained:

A second class honours degree or better from a recognised university of the UK, Republic of Ireland, from the Council for National Academic Awards, the National Council for Educational Awards, the Higher Education and Training Awards Council, or from an institution of another country which has been recognised as being of an equivalent standard; or



An equivalent standard (normally 50%) in a Graduate Diploma, Graduate Certificate, Postgraduate Certificate or Postgraduate Diploma or an approved professional qualification or other qualification; and



Provide evidence of competence in written and spoken English to GCSE grade C or equivalent. Non-English speakers must demonstrate that English ability is appropriate for studying at this level and provide evidence of English competence to IELTs 6.0.



Applicants do not have to hold their primary degree in a cognate area, but prior knowledge of studying tourism and/or hospitality at an undergraduate level or relevant work experience may be beneficial.



In exceptional circumstances, where an individual has substantial and significant experiential learning, a portfolio of written evidence demonstrating the meeting of graduate qualities (including subject-specific outcomes, as determined by the Course Committee) may be considered as an alternative entrance route. Evidence used to demonstrate graduate qualities may not be used for exemption against modules within the programme.



An interview may form part of the selection process.



English Language Requirements

English language requirements for international applicants

The minimum requirement for this course is Academic IELTS 6.0 with no band score less than 5.5. Trinity ISE: Pass at level III also meets this requirement for Tier 4 visa purposes.



Ulster University recognises a number of other English language tests and comparable IELTS equivalent scores.

4 semesters, Full-time

Part-time - Most students complete the degree within two and a half years.

Start dates:

September 2025

January 2026

Career options

This internationally recognised course will provide you with the diverse knowledge and skills needed to operate across the industry within a vibrant and diverse range of sectors from business and non-profits to sport, arts, music and hospitality.



You could find yourself working within event management companies, in-house for an organisation or freelance organising large or small events ranging from personal events like weddings and parties, through to business to consumer (B2C) events like festivals and business to business (B2B) events like conferences and exhibitions.



Whether you are currently working in the industry and want to progress your career to management level or are a recent graduate who wants to enter the sector for the first time the knowledge and skills learned will equip you for working in a diverse range of job roles.



From coming up with creative ideas and researching the market to setting targets, choosing suppliers, establishing timelines and managing the event on the day itself this course covers the competencies and qualities needed for employment and career growth.