MSc International Event Management
Due to unprecedented demand, this programme is now closed to international applicants for 2012 entry. Limited places are still available for Home/EU students but early application is encouraged.
This programme is an exciting development which recognises the vital role of the events industry and the need to improve the level of professionalism within it.
Combining a young and dynamic outlook with a leading international reputation in Hospitality and Tourism education and research, this programme is delivered by the UK’s number one department for Hospitality and Tourism.
By taking this programme you will benefit from the over 40 years of teaching and research experience of staff in the School in key areas of the services sector including hospitality, tourism, food and retail management.
The programme is designed to provide you with an opportunity to develop your knowledge and skills in core areas of business and management generally, and specifically in relation to the international events industry. You will critically explore the issues and problems relevant to the range of situations faced by event managers and other professionals, and will be required to complete a number of challenging and creative assessments including the design, development, execution and evaluation of a real event.
On completion of this programme you will be prepared for a variety of career opportunities in event management including conference and exhibition management, festival management and in other related businesses.
Entry standards
Applicants should hold a Bachelors degree (UK Lower Second/2.2 or above) or equivalent qualification from a recognised British/overseas university. Every applicant is assessed individually on their own merit. Higher level professional qualifications may also be accepted. Relevant work experience could be an additional benefit where applicants have not reached the standard entry requirements, although it is not an admissions requirement for this particular degree programme.
As a result of their high popularity, we have successfully secured further places for our postgraduate programmes in this area. We are therefore extending our deadline for submission of applications to 31 May 2012. Applications received after this date will only be considered subject to availability of places.
English language requirements
Non-native speakers of English will normally be required to have IELTS 6.5 or above, with a minimum of 6.0 in each component (or equivalent).
Please note that the University of Surrey offers English language programmes and is also an IELTS Test Centre.
MSc International Event Management - structure and modules
Module Titles
Compulsory Modules
- Understanding the Events Industry
- Services Marketing: Events
- Hospitality and Tourism Operating Systems
- Event Operations Management
- Project Management
- Financial Management
- Research Methods
- Dissertation
Optional Modules
- Conference and Exhibition Management
- Marketing Communications
- Visitor Attraction Management
Module Overview
This programme consists of seven compulsory modules, one optional module from a range of three, and a dissertation.
Compulsory Modules
Understanding the Events Industry
This module explores the scale, scope and structure of the international events industry and its links to existing structures in the tourism and hospitality industries. It assesses the economic, social, cultural and environmental impacts of the events industry and its fundamental business models.
Services Marketing: Events
In this module you will explore issues and concepts related to generic services marketing. This is complemented by a specialist seminar in the specific international events industry context. The international events context is explored through the use of specialist texts and industry case studies.
Hospitality and Tourism Operating Systems
This module provides an understanding of the way that hospitality operations function through the adoption of a systems approach. You will analyse a series of hospitality operations, identifying key systems and their interrelationships.
Event Operations Management
In this module, you will plan, market, finance, organise, execute and evaluate an event. It provides an integrative mechanism for a number of other modules, offers first-hand experience of the pressures of event management and builds transferable skills.
Project Management
This module develops your practical understanding of projects and your ability to plan and manage a small to medium-sized event to its successful conclusion.
Financial Management
This module provides you with the conceptual foundations for understanding, analysing and interpreting financial information. It enables you to apply accounting principles and financial theory to decision making in modern business organisations.
Research Methods
Introducing the process of research project formulation and the key elements of research design, this module prepares you to design and carry out research for your dissertation in a systematic and scientific manner.
Optional Modules
- Conference and Exhibition Management
- Marketing Communications
- Visitor Attraction Management
Programme Structure and Modules
| Semester 1 | |
| Compulsory Modules | Credits |
| Research Methods | 15 |
| Hospitality and Tourism Operating Systems | 15 |
| Services Marketing: Events | 15 |
| Understanding the Events Industry | 15 |
| Semester 2 | |
| Compulsory Modules | Credits |
| Project Management | 15 |
| Event Operations Management | 15 |
| Financial Management | 15 |
| Optional Modules | Credits |
| Conference and Exhibition Management | 15 |
| Marketing Communications | 15 |
| Visitor Attraction Management | 15 |
| Compulsory Module | Credits |
| Dissertation | 60 |
MSc International Event Management - entry standards
Entry standards
Applicants should hold a Bachelors degree (UK Lower Second/2.2 or above) or equivalent qualification from a recognised British/overseas university. Every applicant is assessed individually on their own merit. Higher level professional qualifications may also be accepted. Relevant work experience could be an additional benefit where applicants have not reached the standard entry requirements, although it is not an admissions requirement for this particular degree programme.
As a result of their high popularity, we have successfully secured further places for our postgraduate programmes in this area. We are therefore extending our deadline for submission of applications to 31 May 2012. Applications received after this date will only be considered subject to availability of places.
English language requirements
Non-native speakers of English will normally be required to have IELTS 6.5 or above, with a minimum of 6.0 in each component (or equivalent).
Please note that the University of Surrey offers English language programmes and is also an IELTS Test Centre.
Planned intake
Up to 60
Start date
SeptemberProgramme Leader
MSc International Event Management - fees and funding
Fees
International Event Management (full time):
UK/EU - £9,190
Overseas - £14,830
MSc International Event Management - professional context
Professional recognition
The School of Hospitality and Tourism Management at the University of Surrey is accredited by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB). The School is recognised as a key Education and Training Centre by the World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) and has TedQual Certification from the UNWTO.
Careers
A number of Internet sites exist which provide information on jobs specifically within event management in the UK and overseas including:
www.eventjobsearch.co.uk
www.event-jobs.net
MSc International Event Management - teaching
Teaching
The learning and teaching strategy includes:
- Large group sessions, designed to provide you with an overall framework of the existing knowledge and which will give you sufficient information to follow up details independently
- Large group sessions that will introduce you to new issues including controversial topics and recent research that are not dealt with in the existing literature
- Small group sessions that will provide opportunities to discuss and demonstrate your learning with your peers and lecturers
- Individual supervision, particularly for the dissertation
Each individual module uses a mix of teaching methods to provide a rich and varied learning environment while ensuring that you take responsibility for your own learning. Sessions may take the form of traditional lectures, seminars, tutorials or workshops, or they may be delivered through paper or electronic media.
On average, class contact, including assessment, accounts for between 30 and 40 per cent of your time on the module. For the balance of your time, you will be working on your own or in groups pursuing directed reading, project and assignment work, as well as individual reading and study.
Staff perspective
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I really enjoy this programme as it recognises the vital role of the events industry and the need to train people to manage this industry in a professional way.
I believe that Surrey is the best place for you to do this degree as we have over 40 years of expertise in teaching, research and consultancy in the services sector and are a leading provider of internationally recognised
degrees in areas such as tourism and hospitality management. This makes Surrey unique amongst other universities offering similar degrees and ensures that Surrey graduates are held in very high regard by employers.
In fact, Surrey has an excellent record in graduate employment and I love working at the University because of its commitment to excellence in teaching and research, and its focus on the continuous enhancement of the student experience.
This programme provides great opportunities for you to learn general management skills and more specialist skills in event management. You will have the opportunity to benefit from a range of guest speakers from the event industry and will work with your peers to plan, develop, organise and execute a live event.
I have held various roles in tourism and events for many years and am particularly passionate about the events industry because I believe that it offers a dynamic, creative and exciting working environment.
So if you share my passion for the industry and wish to develop your knowledge and skills in this area, then this degree is perfect for you!
MSc International Event Management - learning
Assessment Strategy
The assessment strategy provides an opportunity for you to demonstrate the extent to which you have acquired or strengthened your understanding, your theoretical and applied knowledge, your abilities of application and critical evaluation, and your powers of synthesis and creativity.
The strategy is designed to include a range of different types of assessment that test your learning and provide feedback during the course of each module. The assessments include unseen, time-constrained written examinations, as well as individual and group work.
The assessment strategy for each module is designed to allow you to demonstrate the extent to which you have met the intended learning outcomes of the module. Each taught module normally provides at least two different means of assessment.
MSc International Event Management - graduate profile
Student Profile: Feriha Dikmen
MSc International Event Management
After graduating in public relations in my home country, North Cyprus, I chose to come to Surrey because of its international reputation. Surrey is also very popular in the UK for its Tourism Department and in my MSc I’m taking very similar modules, which will play a significant role in my future career.
Studying International Event Management is broadening my horizons as the programme includes modules on tourism, finance, marketing, research methods and special courses for events. We not only learn theories, but we also apply those theories and practise what we have learnt. For this reason, I would definitely recommend it.
Coming to Surrey was the first time I left Cyprus to study and it is developing my personality for the better. I can definitely say it improved my teamwork, organisation and communication skills, and leadership qualities. Most importantly, my English language skills have improved. All these will be very important in my future career.
After I graduate, I want to pursue my PhD in North Cyprus while teaching at Girne American University for five years. After that I plan to become one of the best-known event organisers in Northern Cyprus.
I live in Manor Park and I love it here because, whilst it is close to the University, I feel I am coming back home instead of living on campus. Also, it is the place where I made most of my friends. Guildford is a cosy and calm town and this is exactly what I like about it.
Student Profile: Nikla Torma
MSc International Event Management
Choosing Surrey was easy because the Hospitality and Tourism teaching was ranked number one in the UK on my year of entry.
The most exciting part of the programme was working in groups to organise our own events. We had the responsibility to design and execute an event which was an interesting experience, working in strong teams with people from different backgrounds, pooling all of our resources together.
The programme has taught me how to multitask and deal with difficult business issues and it has given me the insight to communicate with a variety of people. In addition I am more comfortable writing management reports and press releases, things that will be important in the role of an event manager. All of these skills have helped with decision making and I have learned to trust my own instinct and judgement a lot more.
I have been very happy living on campus, I have got to know a lot more people and made friends with students that I may not have otherwise met. Everything is so close; the town centre and train station are only a short distance away.
During my spare time I have been volunteering with the University’s Music Department, organising their events to gain more experience and to get more out of my time at university. After graduation I plan on getting a job in the event industry; I hope that with some work experience combined with this programme I will be able to get a good position in this industry.
MSc International Event Management - more
Personal Development Planning
You will be supported in personal development planning (PDP) by developing your own research and communication skills through a range of resources and activities. Each postgraduate student is provided with:
- A PDP logbook that encourages you to record and reflect on your personal development, especially in relation to research and communication skills
- A personal tutor who is available to discuss and support personal development needs
- A dissertation supervisor who provides detailed guidance and support on the development of your research and communication skills
- Access to support in skill development in academic English, including workshop sessions and support during the writing of the dissertation
MSc International Event Management - apply
You can apply for this programme online using the link(s) below. We recommend making an application as soon as you can, even if you do not have all the necessary supporting information ready at that time.
As part of the application process, you will be asked to enter a username and password. If you've used our application system before, please enter your details or click the forgotten password link.
If you are a new user, you will need to create a username and password by clicking the New User button.
Start date
SeptemberProgramme length
12 months full-time
Programme Leader
For general enquiries
T: 0800 980 3200 or
+44 (0)1483 681681
E: pg-enquiries@surrey.ac.uk
For admissions enquiries
T: +44 (0) 1483 686300
E: somadmissions@surrey.ac.uk