La Trobe University > Courses > Event management

Event management

Be a future leader in the events sector with the practical skills, specialist knowledge and innovative strategies to run and manage effective events.

Event management at La Trobe

Develop fundamental business skills, while focusing on negotiation and interaction skills, critical thinking, communication and human interaction. We produce future leaders with the knowledge and skills needed for effective event management.

Whether your sights are set on profit making or community building, working at an international organisation or contributing at a local level, you’ll be ready to meet high standards of professional excellence as soon as you enter the workforce. You will:

  • Learn about the management and delivery of sports, music, arts and cultural events, community festivals, meetings, conferences, exhibitions and tradeshows.
  • Get a solid business degree by studying accounting, marketing, business law, tourism, project management, entrepreneurship and economics.
  • Study with industry leaders in Melbourne, the internationally recognised events capital of Australia and home to a $1 billion events industry.

Put your practical skills to the test. As an events management student, you’ll enrol into our Event Planning subject and plan a major fundraising event in your third-year. You’ll work with classmates to develop a strategic plan and work to the budget allocated to you. Over the years, our students have raised more than $1,000,000 for our charity partners.

Career opportunities

A qualification in event management is your key to working in varied positions across all sectors. You could consider working in areas abd roles such as:

  • conference management
  • corporate client services
  • destination marketing manager
  • event management
  • general manager
  • marketing officer
  • media.

Courses

Doctor of Philosophy

Location: Melbourne Albury-Wodonga Bendigo City

Start dates: AnytimeAnytime

Duration: 3 years full-time or 6 years part-time4 years

Master of Arts

Location: Melbourne

Start dates: AnytimeAnytime

Duration: Two years full-time or part-time equivalent2 years

Master of Business (Research)

Location: Melbourne Albury-Wodonga Bendigo Shepparton

Start dates: AnytimeAnytime

Duration: 2 years full-time or 4 years part-time2 years

Student and graduate profiles

Find out about the experiences of one of our Event management students.

La Trobe graduates

Where have graduates found work opportunities?

Our recent graduates have started their careers within mid-tier and local firms, the public sector and not-for-profit organisations, and have risen to high-level positions as company directors in commercial organisations such as:

  • National Australia Bank
  • Myer Australia
  • Crown Casino
  • Geelong Football Club.

How much can I earn?

The wage of an event management graduate can vary greatly based on your specialisation, position and organisation you find work in. Below is an estimation of the salary and career path of an event management graduate.

  • event management graduate $50,000 - $55,000 per year*
  • event manager $50,000 - $100,000 per year
  • corporate position or higher $90,000 + per year

*Average salary range for roles located in Melbourne and Sydney, as advertised on Seek, 2017

Industry links

What are industry links?

Industry links are organisations that work with us to shape our curriculum and provide partnership and placement opportunities. We look for strong links with industry, schools, community groups and other stakeholders to ensure you develop the best theoretical and practical skills required in your chosen career.

How do industry links affect me?

Our business industry links consider La Trobe graduates for internships, placements and employment opportunities, as they know our teaching and content standards. Our business industry links include:

  • 3M
  • CPA Australia
  • Drake
  • Oxford University Press
  • RACV
  • Rio Tinto
  • Westpac Banking Corporation
  • Telstra
  • Victoria Police
  • Manta group
  • Melbourne Water

Find out more about La Trobe Business School.

Alternative pathways

Are there alternative pathways into an event management courses?

Going straight from school to university isn't an option for everyone. If you have not completed year 12, didn't get the score you needed or are working on ways to transition into tertiary education, we have options for you.

  • Aspire Program - Be recognised for the difference you make. Refer to dates to see if your eligible for an early offer.
  • Course transfer - Start your studies in one business course and apply for transfers into another. *
  • Tertiary Enabling Program - Successfully complete our 17-week program and improve you academic results to be eligible for a range of courses.
  • Work Recognition Program - If you are over 21 years of age, you may be eligible to gain entry into a Bachelor of Business based on your work experience.
  • Diploma in Business - Successfully complete a Diploma in Business at one of our regional campuses and transfer into second year of the Bachelor of Business.
  • La Trobe College Australia - Successfully complete a Diploma in Business with our pathway provider, and get guaranteed entry into a second year of our Bachelor of Business.
  • TAFE diplomas - Do a relevant course and get Advance Standing for your prior learning.**

    • * Other than Bachelor of Politics, Philosophy and Economics of Bachelor of Laws.
    ** Minimum Weighted Average Mark (WAM) required for entry into some courses. You may also be eligible for Advance Standing

    If you'd like some more information, contact our future students team on:

  • T: 1300 135 045
  • W: Future Students website
  • Enquire online: Ask La Trobe

    • Or see alternative course pathways.

Our event management staff

Experience the business industry in the classroom. You’ll learn from academics and Professors of Practice who have expertise across a range of industries and sectors. Our staff work with industry to:

  • link our courses with industry
  • design industry-relevant curriculum
  • reflect best practice nationally and globally through lectures, workshops and executive programs.

View staff in event management or view all staff from the College of Arts, Social Sciences and Commerce.

Placement opportunities

Be career ready. Extend your learning beyond the classroom by testing your knowledge in a ’real world’ role. Create your industry network and gain practical skills through Work Integrated Learning (WIL) and placement subjects. Work with your course coordinator to find opportunities that best suit your skills and interests. Previous students have found internship opportunities within organisations such as:

  • Bendigo Writers Festival
  • Midsumma Carnival
  • Melbourne Exhibition Centre
  • Crown Casino

Refer to course specifics above to see what placement opportunities exist for you

International study opportunities

Give your qualification an global edge with international study. As a part of La Trobe Business School, you may be eligible for a number of opportunities, including study tours and international exchange. Previous International Study Programs have visited:

  • China
  • Indonesia
  • Vietnam
  • Europe.

Contact us

International students

Local students

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