Creative Events Management MA (Online)
Become a pioneer in the events industry.
Course overview
Events play a decisive role across business, culture and sport. Managing increasingly discerning audiences and ever-changing developments in technology to maximise their impact demands skills and insight.
Falmouth’s online MA in Creative Events Management will support you to rise to these challenges, helping you to evolve your practice in the planning, production and delivery of exceptional event experiences that are sustainable, inclusive and memorable.
Joining an international community of practitioners, you will critically evaluate current industry norms, and consider the design, management and impact of a wide range of events, placing sustainable development, inclusivity and digital innovation at the heart of your management practice.
Using insights from a course team with international events expertise, paired with academic rigour, this course will enable you to embrace emerging technologies, enhance your creative perspectives and prepare you to grow your career in events across the creative and corporate sectors.
Why study this course at Falmouth?
- You’ll be part of a vibrant global community of practitioners and will collaborate while you learn from wherever you’re located on a course designed specifically for online study
- Take a pioneering approach to creative events management for international and local audiences, in both physical and digital spaces
- Study on a course accredited by A Greener Future (AGF), an industry leader in event sustainability, with the opportunity to gain certification upon completion of certain modules
- Expand your learning and your professional networks at our optional in-person events
Start dates: January / May / September
(Three intakes per year)
Interested in studying this Online MA? Join our virtual masterclass on 9 December.
Find out moreCourse details
Throughout the modules on this online master’s, you will gain access to international perspectives and expertise, and will develop your understanding of event management and the business contexts in which events operate.
Through examining the impact of the digital economy on event management and designing your own digital event, you will apply the very latest in best practice in sustainable events management.
You will also explore how to engage audiences in creative and immersive event experiences, undertaking your own specialised events research project.
The course is built to help individuals find success in the events industry and is designed to meet the needs of students with differing levels of expertise.
Whether you’re currently working in events and looking to enhance your capabilities or working in a similar field and seeking a route into events, the course will equip you with specialist knowledge, practical know-how and the confidence to investigate new approaches to event management.
Additionally, your certification as A Greener Future Stage 1 Assessor opens opportunities to work with AGF as part of its global network of Environmental Assessors. Our students have also regularly chosen to complete the Stage 2 qualification.
Modules
The modules have been specifically designed to be studied in a non-linear order, with the order in which you’ll study the modules depending on when you begin the course.
MA
You will need to complete four 30-credit modules and one 60-credit Major Project (180 credits in total). All modules on the course are compulsory and must be passed in order to complete the award.
From module information to course aims and assessment criteria, discover the full course details for the MA.
PGDip
You will need to complete four 30-credit modules (120 credits in total), and will not complete a Major Project.
From module information to course aims and assessment criteria, discover the full course details for the PGDip.
Module details
The module will introduce you to key themes that create the platform for understanding event management and the business context in which events operate.
This will include introductions to principles and practice of:
- Concept development and associated theory
- Business planning and finance
- Health and safety assessment
- Legal considerations
- Marketing theory
- Operational delivery
- Event impacts and evaluation.
You will also acknowledge the potential impact of international variations in regulation, and legislation when working with best practice examples.
(30 credits)
You will learn key theories, concepts, techniques and considerations around event and experience design, including:
- Approaching the conception and delivery of the event, engaging a range of senses
- Audience flow and focal points during the event
- The differentiation between various stakeholders and expectation, including designers, creative agencies, set designers and producers
- Creativity of stages and construction.
(30 credits)
The events industry is benefiting from technological developments and simultaneously being challenged by the digital economy. You will look at this from a local, national and international perspective and identify fundamental sectoral issues and relevant theories.
You will then demonstrate knowledge gained by working in a group to design, implement and evaluate a digital event.
(30 credits)
The events industry operates globally and generates a wide range of environmental impacts. You will look at the sustainability of events from a local, national and international perspective and identify fundamental sectoral issues.
You will consider varied approaches towards implementing sustainability, across event type, industry sector and country alongside the theoretical threads underpinning them.
(30 credits)
In this module, you will undertake your own events research project. You will explore and analyse further a specialist area of contemporary events practice reflecting current theories and debates. In doing so you will initiate research that will inform your future career development.
This final module provides you with the opportunity to reflect on your learning in relation to your personal objectives and professional development.
Examples of previous Final Major Project titles include:
- Effective event experience design for UK higher education major gift level philanthropy
- The fan family that conventions together stay together: A grounded theory study of family fan convention experiences in the United States
- The influence of gamification practices on education events in the corporate sector
- Exploring if cultural events and other supporting variables can revive tourism in Syria in the post-conflict era
(60 credits)
As part of our process of continuous improvement, we routinely review course content to ensure that all our students benefit from a high-quality and rewarding academic experience. As such, there may be some changes made to your course which are not immediately reflected in the content displayed on our website. Any students affected will be informed of any changes made directly.
Meet graduate Eva Balaban
Hear from recent graduate, Eva Balaban, about her award-winning master's thesis and how the course supported her to secure an exciting management role in the music industry.
Read moreIs Online Study for Me?
The creative culture at our core is not confined to our Cornwall campuses; with our online degrees, ...
Online Learning Support
You'll have access to a range of support throughout your studies with us to help you thrive and deve...
Creative Writing BA(Hons) (Online) in-person event © Ellie Hope / © Mayn Creative
In-Person Events
As an online student at Falmouth, you’ll have the opportunity to attend in-person events throughou...
Parents & Carers Guide to Online Study
See how you can support a student considering an online degree at Falmouth.
Resources and Support
- Dedicated easy-to-use virtual learning environment (VLE)
- Accessible online audio / visual content
- A Student Advisor to support you throughout your studies and access to our Student Support Services
- Access to our Employability Service
- 24/7 access to Falmouth's extensive online library of contextual books, journals and resources
- Access to online software tutorials at LinkedIn Learning
- Students' Union community
- Optional in-person events
- Invitation to attend alumni events
Although online students don't have access to on-campus facilities as part of the course, you can hire equipment and access facilities by paying a charge. Find out more about availability and prices here.
How will I learn & be assessed
How will I study online?
You'll learn through a blend of lectures, webinars, guest talks, tasks and discussion forums, which you'll access via our dedicated virtual learning environment. This is also where you'll find all key documentation, get course announcements and access extensive learning resources.
You'll refine dynamic practices, spending 20-25 hours a week working on your craft. We incorporate optional in-person events for all our online students. There will be up to two per year and will typically run over a long weekend, to fit around your other commitments.
How will I be supported?
You'll be supported academically by Online Tutors, who will also deliver weekly webinars and facilitate the online forums. If you need assistance with anything that isn't directly related to course material, a dedicated Student Advisor team will be on hand to help. You'll also have access to Falmouth University's excellent Employability Service.
Assessment methods
All assessments are taken and submitted online.
Assessment methods for the master's degree in Creative Events Management can typically include:
- Written assessments, such as reports, a blog, a business plan, a research proposal, a literary review, a sustainability audit as well as a dissertation
- Practical assessments such as collaborative and individual presentations as well as a digital event.
Meet the team
Chantal Laws
Course Leader, MA Creative Events Management
Chantal joined Falmouth in August 2023 and is a Senior Lecturer with over twenty years experience of...
Dr Alex Lambley
Lecturer and module leader
Prior to working at Falmouth University, Dr Alex Lambley worked in the culture & media sector as...
Samantha Salisbury
Online Tutor, Creative Events Management MA (Online)
Samantha Salisbury has more than 25 years’ experience managing events all over the world. Sector e...
Designed with employer-focused learning at the core, our MA Creative Events Management team work with global organisations, staff and alumni to provide you with the breadth of experience and networks needed to accelerate your career.
The Sustainable Event Planning module has been developed with A Greener Future. This not-for-profit organisation works internationally with festivals, events and venues to help them be more sustainable and reduce environmental impacts.
Guest lecturers have included:
- Dr Graham Berridge, Author of Event Experience Design
- Alex Covell, Live Events Access Manager, Attitude is Everything
- Jeff Gill, Personal / Career Coach and Author of Get Sorted and Your PhD Coach
- Andrew Lansley, Cheltenham Festivals Innovation Manager and Musician
- Dr Teresa Moore, A Greener Future
- Sara Pugh, Eight Wire Creative Marketing Agency
Some members of staff only teach on specific modules, and your course might not feature every staff member who teaches on the course.
Stories from our community
Explore student projects, graduate successes, staff news and industry insights
Photo credit: Nick Williams
Cornwall Tourism Awards 2024: Supporting the county's thriving industry
08 November 2024
Celebrations were many at this year's Cornwall Tourism Awards 2024, where businesses across Cornwall...
Industry guest speakers bringing sustainability to the fore
30 October 2024
Industry insights are a huge part of our approach to enriching learning for our students, and Cornwa...
The Future Is Green: Sustainability-driven business events begin
25 October 2024
Last week, Falmouth University proudly hosted the first in-person training day for The Future is Gr...
‘Dark power’ enveloping Cornish tourism
17 October 2024
The Dark Symposium, hosted by Falmouth University’ Launchpad Futures in collaboration with Bodmin ...
LJ Downs-Ahearn: My summer placement at the Dracaena Centre
04 October 2024
Creative Events Management BA student LJ Downs-Ahearn has completed a summer placement at local comm...
Online Creative Events Management students get hands-on experience in festival accessibility
26 July 2024
Creative Events Management MA (Online) students have gained invaluable experience in festivals and ...
Online Creative Events Management students gain valuable industry insights at London events
18 July 2024
Members of Falmouth’s online Creative Events Management community were inspired by professionals a...
Falmouth University students gain exclusive behind-the-scenes experience at Eden Sessions
17 July 2024
Last month, students and staff from the Sustainable Festival Management BA and Sustainable Tourism M...
Sustainability and surfing: In conversation with Dr Greg Borne
15 July 2024
Dr Greg Borne, course leader for Falmouth’s new MSc in International Business Management, is a sus...
The Business School lecturer building a musical link between East Africa and Cornwall
02 July 2024
Sam Jones is a management lecturer at Cornwall Business School, running various businesses and creat...
Falmouth University joins Cornwall National Landscape Partnership
24 June 2024
Falmouth University is to join the Cornwall National Landscape Partnership in a move spearheaded by ...
Graduate Spotlight: Sustainable Events Manager Eva Balaban
03 June 2024
Since completing her online master's in Creative Events Management with Falmouth in 2023, graduate E...
Creative Events Management students round off a year of fantastic events
31 May 2024
The 2024 season of live events for Creative Events Management BA students has come to a close, with ...
Community support events take centre stage for Creative Events Management students
22 May 2024
Second year Creative Events Management BA (CEM) students have recently completed a series of live ev...
Cornwall Business School Conference 2024: Building Resilience
21 May 2024
Falmouth University's Cornwall Business School just hosted their first-ever Year in Review Business ...
Helping make the Cheltenham Jazz Festival accessible for everyone
20 May 2024
I had the opportunity to take part in a field research project with Falmouth University on the 1st-4...
How can festivals help build a better future?
31 January 2024
Head of Business & Experience Design, Adrian Bossey, shares some key thoughts about how festivals ca...
Meet the Sustainable Festival Management graduate helping the live events industry clean up its act
12 January 2024
Once part of the crowd as a music-mad teen, Sustainable Festival Management BA(Hons) graduate Bryoni...
Meet Msc Marketing course leader Pedro Longart
26 October 2023
We spoke to Marketing MSc Course Leader Dr Pedro Longart about his career in industry, what initiall...
Ones to Watch | Zen Beach & Vintage Religion founder Benjamin Penrose
20 October 2023
Business & Entrepreneurship BSc(Hons) graduate talks about his life as a thriving business owner.
Careers
Upon graduating from the course, you’ll be able to explore a variety of different progression paths - from corporate roles such as client entertaining and exhibitions, to non-profit roles like sponsorship coordination and campaign planning.
In addition to the guidance offered by our tutors, you can also access our careers and employability service throughout your studies, and for life.
Our expert team will help you identify potential opportunities in the UK or internationally, prepare for job interviews, advise you on starting up your own business, and more.
How to apply
Speak to us about the course
If you'd like to talk to an Advisor about this course or your application, get in touch with us via the form below.
Apply now
Ready to apply for postgraduate study? We have three start dates a year: January / May / September. Select the start date you'd like to apply for in the drop-downs below and then click the relevant apply button to begin.
You can apply to begin your studies in January 2025 by selecting the relevant course route below:
You can apply to begin your studies in May 2025 by selecting the relevant course route below:
You can apply to begin your studies in September 2025 by selecting the relevant course route below:
How to apply for our Online Degrees
Find out moreAn honours degree or Level 6 equivalent qualification is desirable.
Candidates without a degree or formal qualification are also encouraged to apply. If you have prior learning or experience with this subject, you may even be able to apply for Accreditation of Prior Learning (APL). You can learn more about this via our APL guide.
If English is not your first language you will need to meet the same standard which is equivalent to the IELTS Academic 6.5 overall score, with at least 5.5 in Reading, Writing, and Listening, and a minimum of 6.0 in speaking.
We also accept a range of other recognised English language qualifications. You can visit our English Language Requirements page for more information.
For more information about equivalent international qualifications or English language requirements please contact our friendly Course Advisors.
This course has three intakes per year: January, May and September.
Academic start date* | Application deadline |
---|---|
20 January 2025 | 8 January 2025 |
26 May 2025 | 6 May 2025 |
22 September 2025 | 1 September 2025 |
Please note:
*Virtual Welcome Week begins the week before the academic start date. During this time, our Student Advisor team will host Welcome Webinars and be in touch with practical information on how to study online.
An Early Bird discount is available for early applications. Currently the scheme offers up to £600 off MA tuition fees: £300 if you apply by the Early Bird discount submission deadline, and a further £300 off your tuition fees if you receive an offer and within two weeks you accept the place and pay the acceptance fee. Both these payments would be applied to your final fee instalment. Please note the discount amount is subject to change for future intakes.
Early Bird discount submission deadline | Academic start date |
---|---|
25 November 2024 | 20 January 2025 |
31 March 2025 | 26 May 2025 |
4 August 2025 | 22 September 2025 |
To discuss all our discount opportunities, contact an advisor.
Fees, costs & funding
Tuition fees
£12,150 total fee (incl. acceptance fee) - 2 years part time - MA/MSc course
£7,921 total fee (incl. acceptance fee) - PGDip course
£12,150 total fee (incl. acceptance fee) - 2 years part time - MA/MSc course
£7,921 total fee (incl. acceptance fee) - PGDip course
Tuition fees are set annually and are subject to review each year. The University may therefore raise tuition fees in the second or subsequent years of a course, in line with inflation and/or the maximum permitted by law or Government policy. Students will be notified of any changes as soon as possible.
The figures above don't include accommodation and living costs
Typical course costs
Laptop/computer
You will need a laptop or computer with a webcam, microphone and speakers/headphones. You'll also need a good internet connection or a data allowance capable of supporting frequent video meetings and streaming.
Optional in-person events
You will be expected to cover your own travel, accommodation and subsistence costs to attend these events. Where ticketed activities are part of the event, such as festivals and fairs, you will also need to meet these costs.
Early Bird discount available
Request informationPostgraduate funding
There are loans, awards, graduate discounts and alternative funding sources for postgraduate studies. Read about them on our Postgraduate Funding page.
Find out about fundingSpeak to an advisor
Do you have questions about the course or studying online with Falmouth? Fill in our simple online form and we'll get in touch to support your application journey.
Submit form