Graduate Diploma in Event Management

Are you organised and good at planning fun parties and informative events? Do you enjoy tackling a new challenge and having a job where every day is different? You could be suited for a career in event management. Undertake this programme and get all the skills you need to plan, organise, promote and run events, conferences and functions for a variety of organisations, communities, groups and individuals. We offer full-time and part-time study options for this qualification.

About the programme

Are you organised and good at planning parties and informative events? Do you enjoy tackling a new challenge and having a job where every day is different?

You could be suited for a career in event management. Undertake this programme and get all the skills you need to plan, organise, promote and run events, conferences, and functions for a variety of organisations, communities, groups, and individuals. Learn from highly experienced staff who are industry professionals with a wealth of knowledge and a passion for teaching.

Build on your existing qualifications and skills, and graduate in only a year, without having to complete a full degree.

Then step into the industry and make your mark! One day you could be organising an international music or sports event, the next you could be coordinating a professional conference or charity ball. Chances of getting work as an event manager are good as demand is strong.

Studying part-time or full-time

We know full-time study isn't always possible. We provide part-time study options during our February and July intakes. However, please note that full-time study is exclusively available during our February intake.

Courses

You will complete 120 credits of learning, of which 75 must be at Level 7.  

Course name and description Level Credits

Project Management

Learn about project management terms and concepts, the organisational and environmental context, project initiation, planning, implementation and control, and closure and review.

6 15

Event Logistics

Learn about health and safety and risk management, crowd control, food and beverage, audiovisual, volunteers, seating, staging, and performer management through participating in the logistics coordination of a number of actual events.

6 15

Event Planning and Management

Work in a group with an external client to prepare an event plan, and volunteer at other events within the event industry. Evaluating the event will enable you to relate theory to experience. 

6 15

Event Marketing and Sponsorship

Develop a marketing plan and communication plan, and sponsorship bid proposal and presentation around an event that you have developed. Gain knowledge from working in teams, on case studies, and through a number of guest speakers and lectures. The sponsorship bid proposal and presentation are delivered to a panel of staff and industry, and the practical application of event marketing is integral to this course.

7 15

Event Project

Focus on the development, planning, and execution of events. Work in groups to deliver an actual event in conjunction with an industry client. You will organise the resources, marketing, finances, human resources, and project timelines for the event, and will also learn to evaluate the event’s success. You will prepare a written report including concepts, models, and experiences gained from this experience.

7 15

Organisational Research Design

Learn how to form and scope a proposal for an investigation; apply critical reasoning to select appropriate research approach(es), management concepts, theories and tools to conduct an investigation and comply with legal and ethical standards of research.

7 15

Industry Project

This is an opportunity to balance theory with applied learning in your workplace or host organisation and tailor your studies accordingly to your interest. The project involves a workload of 200 hours, completing a written research project investigating an issue/problem that adds value to the organisation. This industry project will be useful in developing teamwork, communication, and other soft skills/capabilities and in helping establish industry connections post-graduation. 

7 30
Total   120

Further study options

Progress into higher levels of learning and enhance your employment potential with postgraduate study in Event Management.

We are part of Te Pūkenga

When you apply to study with Otago Polytechnic, you will be enrolled with Te Pūkenga, the new national network of vocational and applied education in Aotearoa New Zealand. You will learn in the same way, in the same place, and with the same people, and you will graduate with a Te Pūkenga qualification.

Disclaimer

While every effort is made to ensure that this sheet is accurate, Otago Polytechnic reserves the right to amend, alter or withdraw any of the contained information. The fees shown in this document are indicative only. Both domestic and international fees are subject to change and are dependent on the development and implementation of Government policies. Please note that additional fees may from time to time be required for external examination, NZQA fees and/or additional material fees.