Foundation Year (Level 3)
The Foundation Year provides a supportive and accessible introduction to higher education, particularly for students from non-traditional academic backgrounds. It is designed to build confidence and prepare students for successful progression to Level 4 study.
Students develop core academic, analytical and communication skills, including academic writing and research, alongside an introduction to business, finance and management principles relevant to the creative industries. Learning is delivered through a problem-based, project-led approach that encourages creative thinking, collaboration and reflection.
Throughout the year, students explore different perspectives, ethical approaches and real-world creative and commercial contexts, supporting their personal, academic and professional development as they prepare for undergraduate study.
Core units/ modules include:

• Unit 1: Creative Challenge: Identity, Environment, Community (40 credits
• Unit 2: Creative Challenge: Systems, Story and Change (40 credits)
• Unit 3: Final Major Project (40 credits)

Level 4
Level 4 introduces students to study at higher education level and builds core skills in event management, including idea generation, event design, planning, feasibility, responsibility and evaluation. Students develop an understanding of how events are created, managed and delivered, alongside the wider impact of creative projects.
Throughout the year, students take part in live projects for different audiences, helping them gain practical experience and confidence in applying their learning. A strong emphasis is placed on research skills, encouraging students to explore purpose, meaning and context within events and festivals, and to understand their role within wider social and cultural settings.
Core units/ modules include:

• CIM408 – Introduction to Creative Project Management (40 credits)
• CIM409 – The Purpose, Meaning and Impact of Creative Projects (40 credits)
• CIM410 – Project Lab (40 credits)

Level 5
At Level 5, students take on more complex live event projects, working to real briefs set by external clients. This means managing client expectations, responding professionally to feedback, and taking responsibility for delivering high-quality outcomes. Developing strong communication, teamwork and people-management skills is central to success at this stage.
Students also learn how to research, develop and present ideas for a start-up creative business. This builds confidence in pitching ideas, understanding the basics of funding, and communicating business concepts clearly and professionally.
The second year also offers opportunities to gain valuable experience within the creative industries, helping students explore career interests and build practical skills that support future employment or progression into the final year.
Core units/ modules include:

• CIM501 - Client Brief (40 credits)
• CIM502 – Audiences Marketing and Programming (20 credits)
• CIM504 – Creative Entrepreneurship and Business Planning (20 credits)
• CIM505 – Contemporary issues in the Creative Industries (20 credits)
• CIM506 – Industry Insight (20 credits)

Level 6
In the final year, students bring together everything they have learned to design and deliver a creative, professional-level event. This major project allows students to showcase their skills, creativity and impact, and forms the centrepiece of their graduate portfolio.
Alongside this, students either explore a topic of personal and professional interest through independent research or work on a consultancy-style project with a real client, gaining experience of professional practice and industry expectations.
By the end of Level 6, students graduate with strong examples of their work, clear stories to share with employers, and the confidence to progress into the events industry or further postgraduate study.
Core modules include:

• CIM601 – Major Project Planning (20 credits)
• CIM602 – Dissertation (40 credits)

OR

• CIM603 – Consultancy Project (40 credits)
• CIM604 – Major Project (60 credits)

Mandatory Requirements

• All applicants regardless of the entry route, academic or non‑academic, are required to attend the Prepare for Foundation (PFF) or Prepare for Degree (PDF) admissions assessment and must successfully complete it and submit the full admissions eligibility requirements documents in order to receive the final offer.
• The PFF or PFD assessment will require participation in a variety of activities which will assess your academic ability, engagement, conduct and/or other components related to the course.
• The applicant should demonstrate a genuine commitment and motivation for higher education study in this subject.

Academic and Advanced Entry Routes

• Applicants with Level 3 or equivalent qualification will be categorised as 'Academic Route' when applicants submit evidence of prior learning to support their application. (More information about level 3 qualifications and equivalent qualifications can be found at www.uca.com)

Note: Not all courses at UKMC offer advanced entry, and so the course title will include if the route is a 'top up' or 'foundation year' 4 year route. If you require clarification please contact admissions, or admissions will make an assessment based on the application documentation provided.

Non-Academic and Mature Student Route

• It is expected that some applicants will be mature students with work experience, who wish to further their career development through higher education study.
• These applicants will be processed through the Prepare for Foundation Day (PFF) for Foundation Route (Level 3) applications, or a Prepare for Degree (PFD) activity for Year One (level 4) or above courses. Other specific entry requirements may apply for Level 4 and above courses, or accredited courses, and listed in the Course Specific Entry Requirements.

Note on Awarding Partners

UKMC work with the Awarding University admissions entry requirements and therefore may be updated from time to time.

Note on Fraud Prevention and Verification of Supporting Documentation

Admissions may request further documentation to confirm eligibility and validity of documents at any stage in compliance with the partners Admissions Policy, Partner  Requirements, Regulatory requirements, UKMC Admissions Policy available on the Policies and Procedures page, or Fraud Prevention and Verification Statement.

Teaching is delivered through a blended learning approach that includes lectures, seminars, workshops and project-based learning. Learning activities are interactive and practice-focused, supporting the development of professional skills alongside academic understanding.
Students are supported through the Virtual Learning Environment (Canvas), where learning materials, assessment briefs and feedback are accessed. Teaching emphasises collaboration, reflective practice and applied learning aligned to professional event industry contexts.

Assessment methods are designed to reflect real-world event management practice and may include:

• Written reports and reflective journals
• Event proposals and project plans
• Presentations and professional pitches
• Portfolio and practical submissions

Feedback is provided electronically via Canvas and supports students in understanding strengths, areas for development and progression across the course.

With a strong emphasis on career focused outcomes studying at UKMC in partnership with Arts University Bournemouth (AUB) will help students take their first steps into the business of Events Management with confidence. Students who study with us:

1. Design and deliver live events from year one.
2. A creative events degree focused on experience design.
3. Work with real clients and industry professionals.
4. Collaborate with a specialist arts university.
5. Graduate with a portfolio, industry experience and career-ready skills.

A degree studied at UKMC, developed with and accredited in partnership with AUB can open a variety of possibilities for your future career. Exciting roles like:

• Fashion & Luxury Events
• Music & Entertainment
• Hospitality Management
• Sports Events
• Corporate & Business Events
• Weddings & Private Events
• Tourism

UKMC in partnership with AUB teaches BSc (hons) Events Management across three locations in the UK, Manchester, Sunderland and Derby

Manchester

In an exciting city like Manchester, with a thriving entertainment sector, large and small events happening every week, nightlife, and corporate events throughout the year, graduates with experience and understanding of Event Management can enjoy career opportunities that a degree from UKMC in partnership with AUB can provide.

The city is home to some of the largest football clubs in the world, world class event spaces from the CO-OP Live to legendary grass root venues the likes of Band on the Wall and the Ritz. In the city music events like the Parklife and Sounds of the City festivals make Manchester an ideal location to study, graduate and work.

Sunderland

On the North East Coast with easy links to Durham, Newcastle and Middlesbrough studying at UKMC Sunderland opens the doors of possibilities in its thriving events scene

Sunderland has a thriving city centre and with that a growing variety of event spaces and venues are emerging throughout the city; From the Fire Station for concerts from up and coming bands to premier league football at the Stadium of Light. Further afield The North East is home to world class venues like the Norman Foster designed Sage, large scale venues like Newcastle’s Utilita Arena, heritage sites like Durham and its cathedral and throughout the Northumberland a variety of wedding venues that require staff with a knowledge of organisation and event management.

Derby

Derby is ideally located within reach of many major UK event hubs the likes of Nottingham, Birmingham, Manchester and Sheffield. Derby itself has a much broader events eco system than many people expect with new venues like Valliant Live recently opening. With several larger venues Derby has become an ideal location for conference and corporate events. Derbyshire is particularly strong for weddings and countryside events with many companies in the area looking for well trained and educated events executives.