About This Course

Event Management focuses on the processes, techniques, and strategies required to successfully organize and deliver events. The discipline teaches students how to build an event concept, plan effectively, and identify the target audience. It includes budgeting, theme development, and ensuring that all equipment, logistics, and facilities align with client expectations. Event Management combines business and management principles with creativity and design-oriented thinking.

The field draws on theoretical and practical knowledge from related disciplines such as Innovation Management, Project Management, Marketing, and Public Relations. Typical subjects in an Event Management curriculum include strategic management, innovation for events, advertising and promotion, effective messaging, and event business operations.

Students develop strong creative thinking, leadership, and organisational capabilities. They learn to coordinate diverse teams, communicate clearly with clients and contractors, and pay meticulous attention to detail—skills that are essential for delivering successful events.

Graduates can pursue careers in areas such as event design, conference and exhibition management, wedding planning, public relations, and related sectors.

Doctorate of Business Administration (DBA) and Doctorate in Event Management

The Doctorate of Business Administration (DBA) enables students to deepen their knowledge within their area of specialisation. The programme provides advanced research methodologies and enables the detailed analysis of real-world cases. Upon completion, graduates are equipped for senior management roles and strategic leadership positions.

The Doctorate in Event Management is designed for individuals seeking to advance their careers in event organisation. The programme provides advanced tools and methods that students can apply directly in their professional practice. Courses such as Advanced Event Planning, Planning and Financial Management for Events, and Advanced Hospitality Management significantly enhance problem-solving abilities and open new opportunities within the event industry. The curriculum is designed with consideration of global conflicts and environmental challenges, preparing graduates to contribute to sustainable and forward-thinking event practices.

Ph.D. in Management

The Ph.D. in Management is a research-intensive academic programme with a strong professional orientation. Its purpose is to prepare individuals with exceptional potential for careers in higher education, research, and high-level managerial roles in the public and private sectors. Graduates develop deep expertise in international business research methods and gain the ability to contribute meaningfully to their chosen specialisation.

The curriculum blends broad knowledge of core business administration concepts with advanced disciplinary specialisation. Its flexibility enables students to follow their strengths and adapt their studies to different professional pathways. The programme requires proficiency in key research tools and knowledge in international business, as well as a concentration in one of the following areas: supply chain management, finance, information technology, marketing, or strategic management.

A key outcome of the programme is preparing graduates to teach and conduct research related to emerging economies. Consequently, many graduates pursue academic careers in business schools, particularly in regions focusing on economic development.

Tourism, Hospitality, and Event Management (THEM): Research and Impact

The Department of Tourism, Hospitality & Event Management (THEM) aims to advance the understanding of social, psychological, and environmental factors that lead individuals, families, and industries to value tourism, events, and recreation—ultimately improving quality of life.

THEM supports communities and organizations by developing sustainable tourism, recreation, and environmental opportunities, including parks, beaches, and public spaces, that serve diverse populations. Its research has contributed to sustainable tourism, regenerative tourism, tourism degrowth, critical event studies, place-based community events, and equity, diversity, and inclusion (EDI) initiatives within the events sector.

The department collaborates with local, national, and international stakeholders, including policymakers such as VisitScotland and global event organisations such as the FIFA World Cup, the Commonwealth Games, and the UCI World Cycling Championships. The focus is on producing impactful research that shapes policy and practice in tourism, events, and hospitality.

Studying a PhD in Event Management

A PhD in Event Management provides the opportunity to investigate the complexities of planning, organising, and executing large-scale events. Students engage in advanced research on topics such as event marketing, sustainability, risk management, event technology, and consumer engagement.

Throughout the programme, students work closely with experienced supervisors who guide them through the research process. They may attend academic conferences, present their findings, and collaborate with professionals in the field. This not only strengthens their analytical and academic capabilities but also builds influential industry connections.

As a researcher in Events and Tourism, you will join an active, internationally diverse team dedicated to applied research, aiming to advance knowledge and influence global policy and practice across the events, tourism, and hospitality sectors.

Eligibility

To be admitted into any adult degree program, applicants must meet the following credit transfer conditions:

Minimum Transfer Requirement: At least 30% of the total credits required for the program must come from previous education and/or validated professional experience.
Maximum Professional Experience Transfer: No more than 20% of the total credits required may be transferred based solely on professional or life experience.

Specialist / Expert Diploma

Duration: 3 to 9 months
Program Structure: 100% textbook-based
Eligibility: Open to applicants over 19 years of age
Final Examination: Submission of one or two written reports (20–35 pages each) based on the assigned textbook(s)

Bachelor’s Degree

Credit Requirement: 130 credits beyond secondary school
Duration: 1 to 3 years
Program Structure: 100% textbook-based
Eligibility: Adults over 23 years of age
General Education Requirement: Minimum of 40 credits
Credit Transfer Requirement: At least 40 credits from previous education must be transferred to satisfy the general education component of the online distance-learning Bachelor’s degree

Master’s Degree

Credit Requirement: 36 to 54 academic credits beyond a Bachelor’s degree
Duration: 9 to 12 months
Program Structure: 70% textbook-based study + 30% project work
Eligibility: Adults over 25 years of age
Admission Requirement: A Bachelor’s degree or international equivalent (3–4 years of study)

PhD in Event Management - Admission Process

Admission to the program is based on the following requirements:

Academic Qualification: A recognized baccalaureate, graduate, or professional degree from a regionally accredited U.S. institution, or an equivalent degree from an international institution.
Minimum GPA: A minimum grade point average of B (3.0), calculated from all coursework completed after the applicant has reached 60 semester hours or 90 quarter hours.
English Proficiency: Acceptable TOEFL scores (if applicable).
Letters of Recommendation: Three letters of recommendation.
Statement of Purpose: A clear and well-written statement outlining academic goals and research interests.
Alignment with Program Mission: Compatibility of the applicant’s education, professional experience, and research interests with the mission and objectives of the program.
Advisor Fit: Compatibility between the applicant’s background/interests and those of an available faculty advisor.
Departmental Needs: Consideration of teaching, research, and departmental priorities when applicants request departmental financial support.

During the application process, applicants are encouraged to review the research interests of individual faculty members and directly contact those they may wish to work with. An individual faculty member must agree to supervise the applicant before admission is granted. Final admission decisions are made by the THEM faculty committee.

Applying for Postgraduate Research at UWS

Applying for postgraduate research study at UWS is straightforward. Use the link below to access detailed information, including:

A step-by-step guide for submitting a successful postgraduate research application
Direct access to the online application system

How to Prepare Your Application

To complete your application, please follow these steps:

Prepare your research proposal
Gather all required supporting documents (listed below)
Submit your application directly through the online portal

When applying for this programme, ensure that all required supporting documents are uploaded to the online application system to avoid delays.

Future Scope

A PhD in Event Management opens the door to a broad spectrum of career opportunities across academia, industry, and entrepreneurship. Graduates may pursue academic careers as professors or researchers at universities, where they contribute to the advancement of knowledge, develop innovative event management theories, and support the next generation of professionals.

Beyond academia, graduates can take on leadership positions in event management companies, convention and exhibition centers, tourism boards, and government agencies. Roles may include senior positions in event planning, operations, marketing, strategic development, or sustainability initiatives.

The skills gained during a PhD—such as advanced project management, critical analysis, leadership, and research expertise—are highly transferable and valued in many sectors. These competencies enable graduates to work effectively in complex, fast-paced environments that require creativity, strategic thinking, and problem-solving.

Entrepreneurial paths are also abundant. Graduates can establish their own event management firms or consultancy services, using their specialized knowledge to design and deliver high-impact events, advise on industry best practices, or develop innovative solutions for emerging trends and challenges.

A PhD in Event Management provides an exceptional opportunity to become an expert in the field and to conduct impactful research that shapes future event management practices. Whether your goal is an academic career, industry leadership, or entrepreneurship, this program equips you with the knowledge, skills, and professional insight needed to excel in the dynamic and evolving world of event management.

PhD Degree in Event Management - About, Minimum Qualification, Universities, And Admission 2025-26