BA (Hons)

Arts and Event Management FAQ

1) What makes this course special

Our course allows students to ‘learn by doing’ wherever possible, whether writing marketing plans, programming an arts centre or through the ‘live’ arts event project. When working on your projects, you will work in small teams to set up a ‘working events production company’ which will see you organising a range of arts and other events such as festivals, exhibitions, fashion shows, arts workshops, theatre productions and/or dance events. All events are ‘for real’ – real audiences, working with real artists and performers, real venues, real budgets, real contracts – which prepares you to operate in a professional environment. We especially like arts events to be innovative and creative which includes all the marketing material such as creating ‘viral’ marketing events, PR events and photoshoots.

2) What do students say about the course?

Students tell us that when they graduate they feel well equipped to work on a whole range of events and arts projects. Our staff take part in research into arts management, cultural policy and event management Some staff work actively in the arts and events sectors as artistic directors, consultants, policy making and in artistic practice. We also have visits from arts professionals and conduct ‘fieldwork’ by going on visits – locally and further afield.

3) Will I have to take exams?

There are no formal examinations on the course. Every unit has one or two written assignments for which you are given written briefs, Feedback is constant, and assessment tasks are varied to allow different talents to shine. We try to allow students to be as independent as possible. Teaching methods include formal lectures, workshops, seminars, tutorials and site visits.

4) What do you need to see in my portfolio?

This course does not expect you to bring a portfolio of artwork, as it is an arts management course but It is always useful to bring along any details of events you have been involved in, examples of any written work, such as reviews of arts events, and any marketing materials you may have produced (flyers, websites, blogs, photographs, etc). We will not be judging these from an aesthetic perspective, but to kick start discussions about your arts interests and arts management potential’

In an interview we expect you to be able to talk about your interest in the arts and your aspirations to become a professional arts and event manager. You need to be a good communicator, organiser and team player with an ability to make things happen. You should be resilient and have a good eye for detail.

5) What work experience is available? Is there help obtaining this?

The course includes a unit in the first year entitled ‘working in the arts’ where students are provided with the opportunity to ‘career plan’ take on board planned work as a volunteer on arts events and to meet professionals working in a range of creative industries and the subsidised arts. There is a mandatory assessed 6-week work placement, which is undertaken in the summer term of Year 2. This is supervised by the Course Leader and supported by preparatory tutorials throughout the second year, which involves CV writing workshops, presentation techniques and how to approach employers. Placements may be taken anywhere in the world in a range of arts and event organisations appropriate for each student’s professional aspirations. In the past students have taken placements in Norway, Denmark, Germany, Austria, Japan, New York, Florida, Dubai, Canada and Australia (subject to the student achieving the suitable visa requirements. Many placements have resulted in subsequent offers of employment on graduation. Other students, through work placement have been inspired to set up their own creative enterprises, who in turn now take our students on placements. Other units will challenge your entrepreneurial spirit by writing business and marketing plans.

6) What are the employment prospects?

Employment prospects are good – Employers state that they find our graduates attractive as they not only know arts management theory but have gained some vocational experience on the course. Previous graduates have found work in managing, organising, developing and promoting the arts, in such organisations as charities, production companies, galleries, crafts and design, local authorities, visual arts venues, performing arts venues and companies, the music business, festival management and commercial event companies. Some students go on to further study at postgraduate level.

7) Will I be able to do an event on my own?

Not as part of the course but enterprises that you wish to do outside of the course are encouraged.

8 ) How many students are on the course?

It varies a little but is usually about 50