Module: BMA6110-20 Creating and Hosting Festivals and Events

Level: 6

Credit Value: 20

Module Tutor: Judith Robinson

Module Tutor Contact Details: j.robinson@bathspa.ac.uk

1. Brief description and aims of module:

The aims of this module is to develop your understanding of the day-to-day operations and background planning which goes on behind the running of festivals and events which are critical to the staging of festivals and events. Regardless of their scale, the success of festivals and events depends upon the utilisation of a variety of skills and tools encompassing a range of fields such as planning, strategy, operations, logistics and project management. This module takes a step-by-step approach to event design, strategy and planning, enabling students to reach a point of applying theory to practice and then being able to create, design, plan and manage a student led event.

By taking part in this module, you will be addressing the following Graduate Attributes:

▪       To be internationally networked, studying abroad for part of their programme or studying alongside students from overseas.

▪       Ethically aware, prepared for citizenship in a local, national and global context.

▪       Able to understand and manage complexity, diversity and change.

2.Outline syllabus

The content of the module is designed around two themes – a) design, planning and operations; b) Festival and event creation, planning and hosting. The design and planning element includes: Feasibility studies and event planning; event creation and ideation; strategic thinking; market research and stakeholder analysis; design and organisational structure; decision making and leadership; risk analysis; project management; Operations: programming and scheduling; marketing and communications; commercial strategies; risk and health / safety; customer service requirements; logistical management.

The content for the second theme running parallel to the taught element provides support and planning sessions for a live Festival and Event which students are expected to design, plan and develop.

3.Teaching and learning activities

Students are introduced to key concepts, themes and approaches to festivals and events management in a variety of teaching and learning approaches. Core content is delivered via lectures (1 hour) which will introduce key learning themes, theoretical frameworks and concepts. Seminars (2 hours) will develop themes further, engage in individual student tasks, group working activities and sessions from guest / industry speakers. Where appropriate sessions will use a variety of ICT such as web based research, analysis of social media material and event project planning tools such Prince2 and MS Project. Teaching and learning will also include dedicated sessions supporting the creation, development and management of a student led event.

Assessment Item 1:

• Assessment Type: Course Work

• Description: Festival and Event Creation (Planning and Hosting)

• % Weighting: 75%

Assessment Item 2:

• Assessment Type: Course Work

• Description: Event Project Commentary (1500 words)

• % Weighting: 25%