Technical Events Management Professional Diploma Level 4

This qualification provides you with an opportunity to explore and develop autonomous skills towards managing and supporting events within the creative industries. This will help with progression onto higher-level education into employment. The course is suitable if you want to be part of the performance industry but may not feel that being in the spotlight is for you!

If you are currently working in the industry, you can use this qualification to accredit your existing skills and knowledge while providing opportunities to develop further. By engaging with Technical Events Management you will understand the legislations and preparatory side to running events, put these skills in to practice (both technical and managerial) and be running events inside and outside of college. This qualification can be used as a starting point for careers in the industry, such as: assistant stage manager, senior technician, project management, event management, production management, sales and hire account handlers.

Semester 1:
Unit 1: Establishing principles of technical and production practice.
Learners will explore and understanding the working policies involved with organising an event whilst learning about the logistical elements that accompany them (both managerial and technical). This shall run alongside assisting with the management of booked events and will practically contextualise the operational policies and practices taught within the first term.

Unt 2: Applied professional practice
Learners will then take charge of the design and organisation of further booked events and shall start to demonstrate working autonomously in a variety of job roles towards the later part of the semester. It is expected that learners will solve practical challenges within the working environment and identify skills and specific training opportunities for professional progression. Learners will take responsibility for managing themselves and displaying interpersonal skills when working with others. This shall include pitching ideas to design teams, working with external companies and being responsible for the successful running of the event(s).

Semester 2:
Unit 3: Professional Development Project
As part of a final part of the year learners will have the opportunity to organise and run their own event, working with either internal or external companies, individually or collaboratively as part of a production team. Learners will operate at a professional level, applying industry standards at each stage of the project and shall evidence work as a digital portfolio. There are a wide range of opportunities for this project ranging from (but not exclusive to) Theatre in Education (TIE) tours, Music Performances, Fashion shows and exhibitions right up to organising shows for a Fringe Festivals. The learner is the driving force for this project and shall be supported and advised from project conception to completion, making sure as much industry experience is gained as possible throughout.

What will I study?

During the course you will cover the following modules/topics:

Unit 1: Establishing principles of technical and production practice
You will explore and understand the working policies involved with organising an event whilst learning about the logistical elements that accompany them (both managerial and technical). This runs alongside assisting with the management of booked events and will practically contextualise the operational policies and practices taught within the first term.

Unit 2: Applied professional practice
You will then take charge of the design and organisation of further booked events and start to demonstrate working autonomously in a variety of job roles towards the later part of the semester. It is expected that you will solve practical challenges within the working environment and identify skills and specific training opportunities for professional progression. You will take responsibility for managing yourself and displaying interpersonal skills when working with others. This includes pitching ideas to design teams, working with external companies and being responsible for the successful running of the event(s).

Unit 3: Professional Development Project
Part of the final year you will have the opportunity to organise and run your own event, working with either internal or external companies, individually or collaboratively as part of a production team. You will operate at a professional level, applying industry standards at each stage of the project and evidence work as a digital portfolio. There are a wide range of opportunities for this project ranging from (but not exclusive to) theatre in education (TIE) tours, music performances, fashion shows and exhibitions right up to organising shows for a Fringe Festival. You will be the driving force for this project and will be supported and advised from project conception to completion, making sure as much industry experience is gained throughout.

How will I learn?

You will attend approximately 13 hours of workshops, lectures and tutorials each week over a period of 36 weeks. The course will be taught with an approach that delivers a balance between practical skills development and knowledge acquirement. There will be times where working additional hours on events/shows will be necessary. Advanced notice of these changes shall be given in advance wherever possible.

The course is assessed continuously through a range of assessments, live projects, portfolios work, workshops and event outcomes. You need to pass each stage of the course in order to progress. The mark you get for this final stage will constitute your overall grade for the course, a pass, merit or distinction.

Upon completion of the course you will be awarded a UAL Professional Diploma in Technical and Production Practice for the Creative Industries.

Typical progression would be employment, self-employment and/or further progression to Higher Education. It’s possible to progress directly from this course on to Year 2 of an Events Management degree as a result of successfully completing this course, allowing you to save money by not paying the first-year university fees. This qualification will provide you with an opportunity to cultivate your employability by developing your organisation skills, expanding your contact base whilst developing your events portfolio and professional practice.

This qualification is designed for students who are working, or would like to work, in a Technical Events Management role within the production/performing arts industry. It is an ideal qualification for those who have some previous experience within the industry or within a technician role and who are looking to accredit or further develop their skills. Applicants must have a Level 3 qualification in a relevant creative of performance-based subject and a grade 4 (or C) in English Language. Industry experience can be taken into consideration on an individual basis if required qualifications are not held.

Funding may be available to support your learning as an adult (aged 19+) studying at Dudley College. Check out the Financial Support guidance for more information.