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Distance Learning vs In-Person Events Diploma

Distance Learning vs In-Person Events Diploma

Distance Learning vs In-Person Events Diploma

If you’re thinking about studying event management, one of the first decisions you’ll face is how you want to learn. A traditional university undergraduate degree is no longer the only option – at Even Crowd, we offer industry-recognised courses online, which provide all the same skills and qualifications necessary to work in the events industry.

Both online and in-person learning have their own advantages and, equally, drawbacks. So, it’s not about which is superior but, rather, which fits you better. To help you choose, let’s compare each route:

Event Management Diploma Online

Flexible Learning

Event Crowd Event Management Courses are self-paced, meaning you have full control over your own time. You’ll be provided 12-month access to all course materials and interactive video lessons (18 months for Level 5 Diploma), which you can watch and replay unlimited amounts of times, whenever it suits you. Everything is done online, so you can study from anywhere in the world.

Such level of flexibility is ideal for those balancing work, family or unpredictable event-industry hours. However, it also demands stronger self-motivation, as you are responsible for your own learning habits and schedule. 

 

Unlimited Support

Each student doing a distance learning event diploma at Event Crowd is assigned a dedicated course tutor. You may email them or book one-on-one Zoom meetings whenever you have any questions or need module guidance. All of our tutors are industry experts who have hands-on experience working for some of the biggest events out there.

Alongside this, students get access to a downloadable resource library as well as our Student Hub – an online community offering additional support and bonus content to deepen your learning even further. 

 

Career Prospects

Our self-paced event management course was developed based on 500+ years of combined industry knowledge from events experts. It will not only teach you the essential skills and proven toolkit, but prepare you for real-world challenges in this fast-paced sector. 

All Event Crowd diplomas are industry-recognised by the Chartered Management Institute (CIM) and Chartered Institute of Marketing (CMI), while Level 5 Event Management Diploma will also gain you accreditation from the Institute of Event Management (IEM)

Throughout your studies, we’ll be helping you kick-start your career in the industry. For example, our Career Hub is where students can upload their CVs for feedback and access exclusive job offerings, including temporary work placements and internships. 

Not just that, once you complete your Event Management Diploma online, you’ll be induced into our Alumni Network, where you can build connections with fellow industry professionals and, potentially, find exciting work opportunities.

University Course Face-to-Face

Structured Learning Environment

Traditional university degrees provide a clear timetable with a fixed schedule and weekly classroom sessions. If you struggle with self-discipline, a structured environment holds a layer of external accountability and helps you stay on track. 

Of course, this comes at a price: students often have to relocate to attend in-person lectures or may struggle to fit work around their schedules. Additionally, an undergraduate  degree typically takes 3 to 4 years to complete, making it more of a long-term commitment and postponing your career (with an Event Crowd diploma, you can get out there in around a year). 

Face-to-Face Interaction

A key advantage of in-person study is the immediate communication with both tutors and peers. You can ask questions in real time and receive instant feedback. Some university courses may also organise live site visits and physical networking events, which some students find preferable to online networking. 

The immersiveness of face-to-face learning cannot be underestimated either. It’s a much more social experience, where students are surrounded by their peers, engage in teamwork, and hold mutual accountability. If you’re at your best in highly social and collaborative environments, a self-paced event management course may not be the right choice for you.

How to Choose the Right Fit?

Both, a distance learning event diploma and an in-classroom university degree, will provide the skills and qualifications you need for a successful career in this industry. Therefore, your choice between the two comes down to your personal preferences, learning style, current commitments, and career goals.

Start by asking yourself these questions:

  • How do I prefer learning: independently or in a classroom environment? 
  • Do I want a local campus I can visit or am I comfortable studying remotely?
  • Am I self-motivated or do I need external motivation and structure to keep me disciplined? 
  • What’s my budget and how soon do I want to see a return on my investment (when do I expect to start working)? 
  • What are my current work hours and commitments? Can I fit my studies around them?

For instance, if you’re fresh out of school with zero commitments and want that classic, immersive university experience, an in-person diploma will offer just that. However, if you’re super eager to get out there, the Event Crowd Event Management Diploma online will allow you to begin your career much faster. 

Similarly, a self-paced event management course is ideal for those who already work full-time, either looking to switch careers or elevate their existing event management skills to the next level (e.g. our Level 5 Diploma prepares you for senior roles). With an online course, you’ll find it easier to fit your learning around existing work commitments.

Comparison Table

Consideration

Online (Event Crowd)

In-Person

Flexibility

Study anytime, anywhere, at your own pace. 

Fixed schedule and location.

Support

Dedicated tutor and unlimited Zoom calls.

Classroom access to lecturers. 

Resources

Interactive video modules (unlimited replays) and a downloadable resource library.

Live lectures at the campus, printed and online materials. 

Networking

Online Student Hub community and the Alumni Network. 

Face-to-face networking with peers and physical events.

Travel and Costs

No relocation or commute needed.

May require relocating, travel (commuting), or time off work.

Time Commitment 

Students have 12-month access to course materials (18 months for Level 5 Diploma), but most students complete their course in under a year.

An undergraduate university degree typically takes 3 to 4 years to complete. 

Motivation

Requires strong self-discipline.

Peer accountability and a structured learning environment keeps progress steady. 

Course Accreditations

All Levels are recognised by the CIM (Chartered Management Institute) and CMI (Institute of Marketing).

Level 5 Diploma is also accredited by the IEM (Institute of Event Management).

Depends on the course / institution. 

Career Support

Built-in job support through Career Hub and the Alumni Network. 

Depends on the institution, but usually involves independent job searching. 

Ready to Take the Next Step?

After considering the pros and cons of both routes, you should now have a clearer idea of whether you’re drawn to the flexibility of distance learning or the structure that comes with a classroom environment. 

If our modern online diplomas sound like the right call for you, explore full details and module outlines in our course pages for Level 3, Level 4, and Level 5

Our friendly advisors are also on-hand to answer any questions or concerns regarding our diplomas, so don’t hesitate to get in touch!

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Get a clear overview of our online diplomas, student stories, reviews, and a short course explainer video. Everything you need to see how Event Crowd can help you advance in the events industry.

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