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Live Events Production - Top Up

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Course details

Qualification BA (Hons)
UCAS code 4F89
Duration 1 years full-time
Location Production Park, Wakefield, WF9 3NR
Validated by University of Bolton
Tuition fees Home £9,275 per year International £20,000 per year
Entry Requirements Live Events Production FdA, HE Level 5 qualification or through APEL entry
Start date September 2025

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Course Overview

The third year of our BA (Hons) course in Live Events Production can also be taken as a standalone qualification. BA (Hons) Top-Up in Live Events Production provides a progression route for students who have successfully completed our Live Events Production FdA, a related HE Level 5 qualification at another academic institution or through APEL entry.

Our Top Up course will provide an insight into the key issues involved in the strategic organisation of large events, festivals, and touring music. You will investigate how businesses and individuals operate within the sector to provide dynamic solutions. Alongside

this, you can progress your choice of specialism in an area of creative technical production or event management. Personal and professional development is emphasised during the course, whilst the modules reinforce the programme’s integration with the industry to provide you with the right skills and attributes for employment across a variety of areas in the live events sector.

The delivery structure of the course is designed to be compatible with students maintaining employment in the sector and provide opportunities to get involved in a diverse range of practical projects, manufacturers’ seminars and visits.

Why the Academy of Live Technology?

Career-focused in Every Way
Award-winning Student Experience (Student Experience Award, Educate North Awards 2020).
A Campus in the Heart of the Live Events Industry
Global Work Opportunities
Award-winning Industry Partnerships
Learn from Working Industry Professionals
Highly-personalised Student Support

The course is regulated by the Office for Students.

Course content

Live Events Industry Perspectives

In this module you will study the framework in which a project is planned, organised and controlled to ensure a successful event, whilst developing the team working, decision-making, negotiation and communication skills needed to effectively manage within the music and events sector.
Events Logistics

This module offers you the opportunity to expand your knowledge of issues related to logistics and supply chain management in the live events industry. You will analyse the management of operations, supply chain management and evaluate how the international dynamics of the live events industry can work in a coordinated manner to provide a successful event.
Research Methods for Live Events

This module develops and consolidates your ability to undertake a major research project. The two main approaches, quantitative and qualitative, will be explored, including how data is collected and analysed within each of these areas. Attention will also be paid to ensuring that research is ethical. To give this module more salience, you will develop these research skills within the context of your particular subject area.

Choice of 1 of the following 4 modules…
Sound Engineering Practice

This module allows you to develop further knowledge and specialist skills in devising and operating complex live sound systems within live events settings. You will extend your technical knowledge and practical skills in live sound production through self-proposed productions that evidence technical expertise, aesthetic artistry, project management and leadership skills relevant to a sound production team.
Lighting Design Practice

This module allows you to develop advanced knowledge and specialist skills in lighting production and practice. You will design, setup, deliver and evaluate complex lighting shows within live event settings. You will also extend your critical and analytical skills in through self-proposed lighting setups and performances that evidence technical expertise and aesthetic artistry in this field.
Visual Production Practice

This module allows you to develop advanced knowledge and specialist skills in visual production and practice including team leadership. You will design, setup, deliver and evaluate complex visuals within live event settings. You will also extend your critical and analytical skills in Visual production through self-proposed Visuals setups and performances that evidence technical expertise and aesthetic artistry in this field.
Contemporary Issues in Live Events

This module allows you to develop your knowledge and perspective of the live events sector. You will explore and evaluate contemporary issues and analyse how they impact on the sector.
Major Project

The Major Project module is a substantial piece of work that will give you the opportunity to demonstrate the extent of your achievement on the degree as a whole. The module will enable you to consolidate the skills and experience gained during the first two years of the course. You will agree a project proposal and a learning agreement with your supervisor. You may work individually or in teams. If you work in a team, the team members will have a common supervisor or supervising team. Your project will build on areas already explored in the other modules in your programme. The module tutor and guide will provide further advice regarding the project, including attendance, supervisory arrangements, assessment criteria and rules regarding teamwork.

Entry Requirements

Live Events Production FdA, HE Level 5 qualification or through APEL entry

We may make you a lower or unconditional offer based on prior experience or potential demonstrated at interview.

Assessment

Generally, assessment is by portfolio and (where appropriate) a supporting piece of work relevant to the module. The portfolio is based around you evidencing your skills and experience, reflecting upon how you are developing both professionally and personally, and is a useful tool for you to set goals and targets. You will also be expected to research methods and practices that are not covered in the module, and to relate and compare these to your learning. Other work relevant to the module might include a report on a particular aspect of the industry.

Course leader

Johnny Goodwin Course Leader

Johnny began his career in live events production in 1992 after completing his Physics doctorate at Manchester University. He has been a core member of creative teams making indoor and outdoor theatre, dance, opening ceremonies and large-scale spectacles, and specialises in work designed for a large audience. As a production manager he has delivered a diverse range of festivals and has an extensive knowledge of the infrastructure and operational planning required for large-scale, unique and unusual events. Johnny also has a portfolio of work as a lighting designer and has animated many iconic buildings and bridges with light, music, performance, fireworks and special effects. His career has taken him across the world to places like Singapore, Mexico and Pakistan, but he also has a current role-call of clients across the UK, from Brighton to Edinburgh.

Employability

Graduates that have completed the Live Events Production (Top-up) BA (Hons) degree are well placed to become efficient and proficient Technical, Operational or Event Managers.

Armed with a foundation in the technical aspects of live events gained from completing the first two years of the Live Events Production BA (Hons) or two-year FdA, coupled with management, gives our graduates an employability advantage. This could be as a freelancer, employee or running your own business.