There is no legal requirement to hold any specific qualification to work as an event manager in the UK — many in the sector have degrees in unrelated fields, and plenty have no degree at all. That said, formal qualifications can help with confidence, knowledge and standing out on a CV. Useful options include a degree in events management, a Level 2/3 vocational qualification, a short course from a body like the CIM or IEM, and add-ons like first aid and health & safety.
If you're thinking about starting your career in event management, either as a school-leaver or as a career-changer, you might be wondering about the entry requirements. While qualifications aren't always a requirement to enter this sector, they can provide you with the knowledge and confidence to kick-start your career.
In this guide, we're looking at routes into event planning and the qualifications and courses you might consider. These will be just as relevant for school leavers as they will be for those changing careers later in life. Armed with this information, you'll be able to make an informed choice about your career path and the right route into event planning.
Not everyone working in event management will have a degree in event management. Many will have degrees in other disciplines, including hospitality management, project management, marketing and business. But there is no legal requirement to hold these qualifications.
There are also plenty of people working in the events sector who didn't go to university. These individuals may have gained on-the-job experience, or they may have gained experience in other sectors and then completed a short course to help fill in the gaps and make the transition smoother.
It's becoming increasingly common for employers to care more about your work experience and personal competencies than your academic qualifications. However, they may want to see evidence of GCSEs and A Levels, or the equivalent, to demonstrate key skills in maths and English.
There are other qualifications that can be quite helpful for your career, including health and safety training and first aid training. Having these qualifications can help to make your application stand out. Languages are another key way to strengthen your application, particularly if you are looking for roles in international event management. Knowledge of BSL can also strengthen your application.
There are three main types of event management qualifications:
Popular university degrees to study to get into event management include BA or BSc in Events Management, International Events Management, Business Management with Events, International Events Management or Sports and Events Management.
For vocational qualifications, you might complete the Level 2 Certificate in Event Planning or a Level 3 Events Assistant Apprenticeship.
And for professional certifications from professional bodies, you might consider something like a short course from the Chartered Institute of Marketing. They run short courses in event design and management. You might also consider the event management course from the Institute of Event Management.
Before selecting a course, you should always check that it is accredited by an established UK university, or a known professional body. If you are unsure about the credentials, request more information before you hand over any money. There are lots of courses operating that aren't recognised in the industry, so could end up wasting your time and your money.
If you are thinking about going down the university route, you want to feel confident that you're choosing a course that offers good student prospects and excellent connections with the industry. You also want to ensure you'll be taught by experienced professionals with hands-on experience in the sector.
Some of the best places to study event management in the UK include:
Entry requirements will vary depending on the course, but you will typically need CCC grades in any subject at A Level. Some courses will include a placement with your studies, and this can be an invaluable way to gain experience while you study. You could also arrange your own work placements during holiday periods to help boost your CV.
If you don't want to spend 3+ years studying for a degree, you might consider an online course that you can complete part time, or a short course, which would give you an accelerated path.
Popular online learning courses for event management include:
As you can see, there are many options available, allowing you to shape your career in the direction that most interests you. Taking short courses is also an excellent way to enhance your employability once you are in a job, as you can use this as a stepping stone to facilitate your next promotion.
Short courses are also a great way for career changers who need a simple way to demonstrate their willingness to adapt their skills to a new workplace. One of the biggest challenges facing career changers will be the questions surrounding their motivations. Taking a short course is a great way to demonstrate your motivation.
While qualifications might give you knowledge and confidence, employers are often looking for far more than this. It's far more important to have an understanding of how the sector works in practice, rather than in theory.
This often means showing that you have some hands-on experience in the sector gained through placements or work experience. Even agency work can go a long way to showing that you understand the demands of the sector.
For those who are moving to the sector from another area, employers will want to understand the motivation behind this move. They will also be curious about your past experience in other sectors and how you might be able to adapt this to your new career path.
So while a degree or qualification can give you the foundation for your career, you shouldn't assume that you'll walk straight into a role without some experience. This is why choosing a course that requires industry placements can be so valuable.
Employers will also value your outlook and resilience, as they want to be working with people who can handle pressure and stress without bringing down the entire team.
There are also plenty of routes into the sector without formal qualifications or courses. These might be better suited to school leavers, as they will typically include entry-level roles, which might not be a viable option for someone further on in their career.
To enter the event management sector without qualifications, try the following:
With 3 years of experience in the events industry, Sophie understands the events job market and what companies and candidates need from an industry-specific job board.