Venue degrees kick off

28 February 2012

A series of bespoke academic courses for venue managers, which can lead to an honours degree, was launched by the UK Venue Managers Association (UKVMA) at Wembley Stadium, just as preparations were underway for the 2012 Carling Cup final.

Neil Levett (left of picture), Director of the UKVMA, told members attending the launch of the course at Wembley: “This is the biggest ever change in the way that venue management is recognised and understood in this country. We have some of the world’s most prestigious venues managed by people who have spent their careers in the industry, and now they can be recognised for their knowledge and professionalism.”

The new one-day professional courses and Foundation Degree in Venue Management have been developed by Buckinghamshire New University as a result of managers throughout the country calling for a professional qualification that will promote continuing professional development (CPD) as well as recognise the wide range of disciplines involved in the venue management profession.

Teresa Moore (pictured right), Head of Department, Music and Event Management at Buckinghamshire New University in High Wycombe, which has developed the course and its modules, said: “Bucks New University is highly respected for its work-based learning programmes. The new professional courses and Foundation Degree in Venue Management takes the principles of work-based learning and applies them to a wide range of disciplines including event management, health and safety issues and commercial administration.

“The Foundation Degree is a two-year programme, and to achieve the BSc (Hons) will require a further year’s study. We are also enabling students to take individual modules, through attendance at University workshops and work-based learning, to maintain their CPD.”

The first year of the course covers legislation and regulations, such as health and safety, employer liability and finance, including budgeting and cashflow, as well as an introduction to venue management. Year two covers such subjects as negotiation and communication, logistics and planning, application of technology and event management. Those who choose to progress to the BSc (Hons) will go on to study security and crowd management, sustainability strategies, risk management and work-based projects, and have the opportunity to carry out their own research. There is also an option to study stadium and arena management.

“Venue management is much more than event management and demands a wider range of disciplines,” continues Neil Levett. “Venues throughout the world, and particularly in Europe, are gearing up for sporting and leisure events that are bucking the economic trend. This industry has a duty to ensure that the leaders and managers of all types and sizes of venues have the right skills and confidence to handle this growth.”