Choosing to study an event management course is an exciting first step into one of the most creative and vibrant industries out there! At Event Crowd, our online events courses are designed to provide all the practical knowledge and qualifications you need to thrive in any corner of this sector, from managing live festivals to building your own agency.
But, before you enrol in one of our courses, it’s important to understand exactly what you learn in an event management diploma course and, therefore, whether it fits your career goals. So, in this guide, we will break down the key offerings and modules in our Level 4 and Level 5 Event Management Diplomas.
Overview of the Two Programmes
Both Level 4 and Level 5 Event Crowd programmes are fully online and self-paced, offering students a more flexible and modern alternative to traditional university education. Whether you’re in-between careers or simply eager to get out there faster, our courses allow you to gain the necessary qualifications while balancing your time and existing commitments.
Supported by expert tutors from across the industry, our curriculum draws from real-life experiences and challenges in event management. Each of these courses were created to provide practical, industry-led learning, giving you the right tools and confidence before helping you land your dream role.
While Level 4 offers a solid foundation in all areas of event management, from planning and safety through to marketing, Level 5 builds on that knowledge even further, focusing on leadership and strategy. Both courses hold CPD certifications and are recognised by CIM (Chartered Institute of Marketing) and CMI (Chartered Management Institute). On top of that, the Level 5 Events Management Diploma is the first non-university course to receive accreditation from the IEM (Institute of Event Managers).
The Level 4 events diploma acts as your gateway into the profession, preparing you for managerial roles across numerous areas, including festivals and live music events, corporate events, conferences, sports events, fashion events, and more. It provides 12-month access to the materials of 6 key modules:
The first module introduces you to the events industry as a whole: the principles of creating events, modern event markets and audiences, workplace wellbeing, and what makes you, as a professional, employable. You’ll learn how to create social impact and develop inclusive, accessible experiences.
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The second module covers proven health and safety practices in the events industry, as well as how to plan for risks and respond to incidents using the right crowd management tools and escalation procedures.
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Creating a great event is only half of the job – attracting and retaining audiences requires its own skillset. This module will teach you how to turn readers into attenders through various event sales techniques, build digital visibility, run effective PR campaigns, and create tailored content strategies.
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Event delivery is where everything comes together on the day. From ticketing and budgeting to supplier management and on-site experience design, you’ll gain practical skills to deliver seamless experiences.
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Diving deeper into the logistics, Module 5 guides you through all the operational aspects of event management, including event control and communication, live event operations, managing staff, post-show procedures, and radio etiquette. It’s the ideal module for detail-oriented problem-solvers.
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Finally, the Spotlight module introduces the main types of events and their unique aspects, helping you decide which sector might suit you the most, based on your strengths and interests.
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The Level 5 of our Event Management Course is the next step up. It includes everything in Level 4, adding 3 advanced modules designed to push your leadership and strategic thinking skills. With Level 5, you’ll have 18-month access to course materials and a Free OnePlan subscription for the duration (worth £690).
Often referred to as an event manager’s “bible”, this module is all about the EMP (Event Management Plan). You’ll learn about its importance and purpose in event management as well as the crucial elements it should include.
Additionally, the module will teach you the practical skills of creating an event-specific EMP and presenting information effectively. For coursework, you will draft your very own EMP for a chosen event, applying your newly-acquired skills.
The success of any event lies in its creative design. Module 8 builds on your knowledge from Module 3, diving deeper into the world of event branding. You will learn how to market to the right audiences and distinguish yourself from the competitors through visual identity and brand personality. After which, you will be asked to create your own brand guidelines and visual identity for an event of choice.
Furthermore, the Event Design module also steps into the spatial side of event planning, by teaching you how to build a comprehensive site map – a vital component to ensure effective crowd management and a safe event environment. Using the OnePlan software (with our free subscription), students will also make a site map for their chosen event.
Project Management is where creativity meets strategy. This module details how to plan and execute large-scale events, presenting you with the essential project management toolkit: Gantt Charts and Run Sheets.
The skills you’ll learn in this module, such as effective time management, milestone tracking, and budget and deadline management, will serve you in various other business endeavours, not just events. For coursework, students will participate in Gantt Chart and Run Sheet workshops, producing their own examples.
As you can tell, the Level 5 of our Event Management Course builds on top of the knowledge you gain in Level 4, taking your career to the next level. While certain topics overlap slightly, the advanced modules are developed to prepare you for more strategic, senior roles, making them perfect for those already working in the industry. However, all students can start with Level 4 and upgrade to the Level 5 at any point, only paying the difference in tuition costs.
The below table shows examples of the main learning themes in our online events courses and how the Level 5 curriculum builds on your knowledge from Level 4.
Level 4 | Level 5 | |
Event Planning & Safety | Core planning principles, risk assessments, incident management, and crisis response; | EMP creation, development of Site Plans (learning how to use OnePlan software), and strategic coordination; |
Marketing & Sales | Understanding and building audiences, campaign execution, social media, and PR; | Event design (competitor research, brand voice and personality, visual identity); |
Event Delivery & Operations | Event ticketing, commercial strategies, venues and suppliers, project management, on-site operations, and event control; | Leadership and strategic thinking, EMP creation, development of Site Plans (learning how to use OnePlan software); |
Project Management | Planning and operational control, project life-cycle and budget management, commercial understanding; | Large-scale, multi-event project control and professional documentation (Gantt Charts and Run Sheets); |
Job Roles | Managerial roles across festivals, live music, corporate, charity, exhibition, mass participation, and other types of events; | Senior roles that require strategic leadership and innovation, and / or entrepreneurship aspirations; |
What you learn in an event management diploma course can be applied across a range of areas, from festivals to charity events. If you’re not yet sure which direction you want to take, Level 4 Events Management Diploma is a good starting point, guiding you through the main career routes (you’ll find Module 6 particularly useful).
However, if you have clear aspirations in mind, you will find specific modules that support them. Here’s some examples of common career routes, matched with relevant modules from Level 4 and Level 5:
Responsible for planning and execution of live music events or cultural festivals.
Focus: Module 2 (Planning & Safety) / Module 4 (Event Delivery) / Module 5 (Operations) / Module 6 (Spotlight), session 6.3 (Festivals).
Recommended: Module 7 (Event Management Plans), Module 8 (Event Design).
Plans events specifically for businesses and corporate settings, including product launches, conferences, and team-building activities.
Focus: Module 4 (Event Delivery) / Module 5 (Operations) / Module 6 (Spotlight), session 6.1 (Corporate Events).
Recommended: Module 7 (Event Management Plans).
Organises events for charities and non-profit organisations, coordinating fundraising strategies and managing volunteers.
Focus: Module 3 (Sales & Marketing) / Module 4 (Event Delivery) / Module 6 (Spotlight), session 6.5 (Charity Events).
Recommended: Module 8 (Event Design), session 8.1 (Event Branding) / Module 9 (Project Management).
Creates and implements creative marketing strategies for events.
Focus: Module 3 (Sales & Marketing) / Module 5 (Operations), session 5.6 (Radio Etiquette) / Module 6 (Spotlight).
Recommended: Module 8 (Event Design), session 8.1 (Event Branding), Module 9 (Project Management).
Oversees all logistical and operational aspects of events.
Focus: Module 2 (Planning & Safety) / Module 4 (Event Delivery) / Module 5 (Operations) / Module 7 (Event Management Plans) / Module 8 (Event Design), sessions 8.2 – 8.4 (Site Plans).
Recommended: Full Level 5 for technical control in large-scale events.
Creates a positive change in events through sustainable practices and impact planning.
Focus: Module 1 (Event Fundamentals), session 1.4 (Social & Political Impact) / Module 2 (Planning & Safety), session 2.4 (Sustainability).
Recommended: Module 7 (Event Management Plans) / Module 8 (Event Design), sessions 8.2 – 8.4 (Site Plans).
Launches their own event brand or an agency.
Focus: Module 3 (Sales & Marketing) / Module 4 (Event Delivery) / Module 5 (Operations) / Module 7 (Event Management Plans), Module 8 (Event Design), session 8.1 (Event Branding) / Module 9 (Project Management).
Recommended: Full Level 4 and Level 5 for all-round knowledge and strategic-thinking skills.
Curates personalised experiences for weddings and private parties.
Focus: Module 2 (Planning & Safety) / Module 4 (Event Delivery), session 4.3 (Venues & Suppliers), session 4.5 (Creating Experiences) / Module 6 (Spotlight), session 6.3 (Weddings & Parties).
Recommended: We have a dedicated Level 3 Wedding Planning Diploma, ideal for those who want to work specifically in weddings and / or start their own business in the industry.
Choosing which events management diploma to join can feel tricky. The key here is to think about where you are now and where you want to be next, considering your career goals and the level of commitment you’re ready for. Here are some practical considerations that may help you decide:
Each of our online events courses have been designed to provide you with the right skills and toolkit to enter the industry with confidence, whether you’re looking for an introduction to event management (Level 4) or want to elevate existing knowledge (Level 5).
But, regardless of which events diploma suits your personal aspirations better, you can be sure that both of our courses are designed around one goal – to help you turn your passion for events into a successful, sustainable career.
Find more details about the modules on our course pages or book a discovery call with one of our friendly course advisors, who will be happy to provide more information and answer any questions!
Founded by Roger Woodall, the creator of the award-winning Bournemouth 7s Festival, Event Crowd courses were developed by industry leaders who know exactly what it takes to succeed in this fast-changing sector.
Each module is designed and delivered by experienced tutors, based on real-world challenges and a deep understanding of how the industry really works. Therefore, our comprehensive curriculum stretches beyond the basics, covering safety, operations, marketing, commercial strategy, sustainability, and other event management disciplines, supporting a wide range of career paths.
Our programmes are built with flexibility in mind. Delivered entirely online and self-paced, they offer a quicker and more accessible alternative to traditional university education (which typically takes 3 years to complete).
You can study anytime, anywhere, fitting your learning around work and other commitments. However, there is no compromise on credibility, as our Event Management Diplomas are industry recognised, with Level 5 holding a CMI accreditation too.
At Event Crowd, we don’t just teach you event management – we provide full support to help you kick-start your career. From the moment you enrol, you’ll join our Career Hub, where industry experts will help you craft a strong CV and find work opportunities.
Not just that, our Student Hub and Alumni Network are excellent for building meaningful connections in the industry, which often turn into incredible opportunities. Having prepared over 700 students for their careers since 2022, we have numerous success stories of our Alumni who have gone to work for such brands as Glastonbury Festival, Mercedes-Benz, Chelsea FC, and Cancer Research UK.
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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