Not sure university is right for you?
Maybe your results have changed your plans. Maybe you're still undecided. Or maybe you've simply realised that another three years of traditional study isn't for you.
There is another way.
The Degree Alternative is a practical, career-focused 12-month fast track into the events industry, combining industry-led learning, real-world experience and a three-month work placement.
Build a Career You'll Love
12 months. Real experience. A CIM Level 7 qualification. A direct route into one of the world's most exciting industries.
It's probably much bigger than you think.
Behind every great event is a team of people making it happen.
And the industry needs all kinds of people:
There are career opportunities for a huge range of personalities and skill sets.
And you certainly don't need to know exactly which job you want yet. That's what we're here to help you discover.
What event roles would suit my skills and personality
Three years at university or one year getting career-ready?
University can be a brilliant choice. But it isn't the only choice. If you already know that you want a practical, career-focused route into work, the Degree Alternative could save you considerable time and money.
And potentially enter the workplace and start earning up to two years sooner.
Download The Course BrochureUniversity comparison uses current published figures: tuition at £9,535 per year (the 2025/26 cap, rising to £9,790 for 2026/27), plus average student rent and living costs over three years (Leeds example, Accommodation For Students, January 2026). Future costs may change. Run your own numbers in the cost calculator.
But don't just take our word for it … hear it from the people who really matter …
Jess was weighing up Event Academy against going to university, and came to an Open Evening to talk it through. She joined, excelled on the course, volunteered with Virgin Sport and did her placement at Two Temple Place. Since graduating she has worked as Senior Event Manager at London Wildlife Trust before moving to Historic Royal Palaces.
Mia joined the Degree Alternative straight from school, having already decided on a career in events. She volunteered at The Brit Awards and the UN Film Festival as part of her course, then did her placement at the Smarty Train agency. Mia is now an Event Planner in motorsport, including the Goodwood Festival of Speed.
Charlie joined the Degree Alternative in 2021 after a year travelling post-college, and did his work placement at the immersive agency The Department. Since then he has run brand activations for Amazon Music at Wireless Festival and skate competitions for Dr Martens. He now runs events all over the world for Realmless, alongside his role as Head of Production for Secret Island Festival.
Ellie finished school and was picking up hospitality shifts at venues and festivals, but was set on a career in events. She sat in on a virtual lecture to see what Event Academy was like and loved it. Her work placement at The Proposers turned into a full-time role, and she has since run an event for the Marvel actor Simu Liu.
Choose the timing that works for you.
Whether you're ready to change direction now or want more time to decide, there are several opportunities to join the Degree Alternative.
If your university plans have changed this summer or you've decided you'd prefer a more practical route, there is still time to join us this autumn.
Places are now limited, so it's worth speaking to us soon if you'd like to explore this option.
Find Out About Autumn 2026Our spring intake is open and currently has availability.
However, the May intake is popular and usually fills by Christmas, so if spring feels like the right timing for you, we'd recommend starting the conversation early.
Talk To Us About May 2027Thinking further ahead?
There is currently good availability for Autumn 2027, giving you plenty of time to explore the industry, understand the course and decide whether it's the right next step for you.
Explore Autumn 2027That's exactly what the career chat is for.
Tell us where you are now, what you're considering and what you'd like your next year to look like.
We'll talk you through the options and help you decide whether the Degree Alternative, and a career in events, could be right for you.
Less sitting in lecture halls. More real-world experience.
The Degree Alternative is designed to prepare you for the world of work, not simply teach you about it.
Build your knowledge and skills through practical, industry-led training, progressing to advanced Level 7 study.
Work on real client briefs, visit venues and experience how events are actually conceived, planned and delivered.
Build your CV through practical projects and opportunities across the events industry.
Spend the final three months on an industry work placement, putting what you've learned into practice and developing valuable professional contacts.
Receive support with your CV, interviews and the transition from studying into full-time employment.
It's a fast track into the industry.
The Degree Alternative has been designed for people who want a more practical, immersive and career-focused way of learning.
Most importantly:
Over 90% of our Level 7 graduates are in full-time events work within six months of graduating.
For students who are prepared to work hard and want to get their careers moving quickly, the Degree Alternative offers a very different route to three years at university.
Good. You don't need to be.
Choosing what to do after school or college is a big decision.
You don't have to apply today. You don't need to know exactly what job you want. And you don't need to have your whole career mapped out.
Start with a conversation.
Talk to someone who understands the events industry. Ask questions. Explore the different careers available. Find out how the course works. And decide whether this could be the right route for you.
No pressure. No obligation. Just useful information to help you make a better decision.
A few places remain for Autumn 2026. May 2027 and Autumn 2027 applications are also open.
Your career doesn't have to wait three years to begin.
If you are under 18, we ask that a parent, carer or member of school staff joins the call.
The trusted route into events
Not sure where you fit? The skills test will tell you.