Emma Risk, BA (Hons) International Festival & Events Management 2025
Why did you choose to study International Festival & Event Management?
I studied Business Management as an Advanced Higher at High School, and was really interested to see what job roles could come from this subject area. That’s when I discovered Events Management. It just made sense! I was always the one to take the lead on organising and booking holidays and events for my friend group and always found so much joy in creating and throwing the perfect birthday party growing up.
What career outcomes were you considering when you chose this course?
When I first chose the course I didn’t fully know what route I would want to go down! I loved the idea of major events, and was extremely interested in music and sporting events throughout my studies. I always liked the idea as an event manager that you see the event grow from the ground up. From event design to planning to execution, and seeing the positive experiences others share because of something you’ve created. I’m proud to now be working as an Event Designer at Scottish Gas Murrayfield Stadium in which this dream has very much become a reality!
Did you consider alternatives such as Tourism, Marketing, or Business Management? Why did you decide against them?
As my initial interest was in Business Management as a whole, i definitely explored this route. However it felt too broad for what I wanted to achieve. I’m much more of a practical learner and felt having something to direct my learning towards would be more beneficial to me whilst also providing a vast range of career paths at the end of it.
What made you choose Edinburgh Napier University to study this discipline? (Specific modules/accreditations?)
Firstly, I love Edinburgh and have always felt it provided a real ‘home away from home’ feeling. Edinburgh Napier University also shared this same feeling as it felt instantly welcoming, everybody was so friendly. In terms of course content, I liked the practical focus Napier had to offer, from organising our own event in 2nd year to the placement opportunity that was offered in 3rd year. I also liked the variety of option modules that could be chosen from. This allowed me to delve into difference aspects of the business and tourism industries whilst keeping my key focus on events.
How would you describe the teaching and support from lecturers?
All lecturers were really approachable and friendly. They always provided different ways of learning to ensure there was something that worked for you. For example, some classes would be team discussions or presentations, some would be question and answer sessions, or others a video or slideshow. I quickly realised that if I didn’t understand something, support was always available, I just had to ask. It always feels scary but that’s what they’re there for, and it will be so helpful!
How well does the course link theory to real-world practice?
This was the most beneficial part of the course to me! I always found theories and statistics more challenging, but when they were applied to real life events it felt much simpler to understand. Being able to visualise and unpack the process in which well known festivals or venues used in their event planning was so interesting and definitely increased my engagement in class. By having these references throughout my learning I feel I still carry the skills and knowledge into my career today.
Which modules had the biggest impact on your understanding — and why?
The Sports Event Tourism and the Event Planning modules were of particular interest to me and provided me with a greater insight in the planning and preparation that goes into major events. Being able to refer this to real life examples led to a deeper understanding of the many different elements that contribute to a successful event. The Event Planning module was particularly impactful, as it allowed me to apply everything I had learned in a real-world context.
How do assessments reflect what you might do in a professional role?
Group projects were really beneficial in learning how to work within a team. Coming together to share ideas and creativity was really eye opening as no two minds think the same. Presentations helped me to learn how to effectively create and present information to others, something that has been really useful to take into the working word.
How has the course prepared you for your future career?
Without the placement opportunity provided to me in 3rd year, I wouldn’t be where I am today! After successfully carrying out the placement hours required from me at The Murrayfield Experience, I was asked to stay on as an Events Assistant before graduating and being offered a Full Time position as an Event Designer. The course gave me the push I needed to gain real world experience which helped me to confidently apply my knowledge and experiences to the job I’m in today.
What careers or employability support have you accessed?
There was lots of support available to me when finding my placement. The lecturers held a class where they guided us through building my CV in which I learnt so much from! They also offered networking evenings when I could speak to event venues in and around Edinburgh about different opportunities they had.
Looking back, was choosing this degree the right decision for you — and why?
I can’t even begin to imagine my life if I hadn’t chosen to study International Festival and Events Management at Edinburgh Napier. It has built the foundations of everything I have now and still have to come, as well as making me the person I am today. When you enjoy something you work harder for it and that’s exactly how I feel about this course! The learnings, friendships and experience I have taken away from it are invaluable. To graduate with a First class degree, the University Choice Award and already be working full time at Scotland largest stadium is a dream come true.
What would you say to someone unsure about choosing this subject?
If you love business, creativity, and organisation then this course is for you! It’s the perfect blend of events, tourism, business, marketing and so much more! The modules are all so interesting and feel so relatable to the end goal.
How would you describe your overall experience in one sentence?
An enjoyable industry-focused degree that gave me both the creative confidence and practical skills to step straight into my graduate role!
What would you say to someone considering studying this course?
Go for it! Make the most of every opportunity and experience you’re offered. Get stuck in early and be prepared for each tutorial and assignment well in advance. Don’t be afraid to ask for help! No answer is too silly. Embrace the teamwork, and soak up as much as information as you can!
Alistair Stewart, BA (Hons) International Festival & Events Management 2024
Why did you choose to study International Festival & Event Management?
I chose to study IFEM because I had already been involved in organising events for years without really realising it could be a career. I always thought of it as a hobby and something I just enjoyed doing, but I realised it was one of the few things I felt genuinely confident in. Doing the course felt like an obvious way to take something I was already doing and actually understand it properly, rather than just learning by trial and error.
What career outcomes were you considering when you chose International Festival & Event Management?
I did not really have a specific career outcome in mind at the time. I just wanted to do something I enjoyed and was already involved in, and I trusted that the next step would become clearer as I went through the course.
Did you consider alternatives such as Tourism, Marketing, or Business Management, related courses? Why did you decide against them? ○ No, not really. If I was going to push myself to go to university, it had to be for something I genuinely enjoyed and could stay focused on. Events felt immersive and practical in a way that worked for me, although I did enjoy the marketing side and would have considered a joint route if that had been available.
What made you choose Edinburgh Napier University to study this discipline?
ENU felt the most flexible out of all the university options and gave me a bit more choice through the variety of modules on offer. My early conversations with the support team before accepting my place through UCAS made it feel like the right decision for me at the time.
Did you have any concerns about the course before starting, and how did that turn out?
Of course! If you aren’t nervous, is it the right thing for you? I had been in and out of college several times before, so I wasn’t really sure how I would cope in a university environment. With dyslexia and ADHD, plus a background in the care system, university didn’t feel like something people like me usually did. In the end, I proved myself wrong and graduated with a first class honours degree. In the end, it worked out much better than I expected, and I graduated with a first class honours degree.
How would you describe the teaching and support from lecturers on your course?
You are not going to get on with every academic member of staff, and that is normal. But overall, the support on the course was unmatched. Knowing I could speak to lecturers about pretty much anything and actually be supported made a huge difference. I also set up roundtable discussions with my support network, both internal and external, and had a member of the academic team from my course involved so everyone was kept in the loop. It was led by me, not part of any standard process, but it worked for me and the team were genuinely keen to engage with it.
How accessible are academic staff when you need support?
Very accessible. They have set office hours where you can jump on a call or go and see them on campus, but they are also really easy to reach by email. I genuinely never waited more than 24 hours for a reply from my academic team.
How well does the course link theory to real-world business/tourism practices?
I am a very hands-on person, so the theory side was not the most exciting part for me, but it did give me a lot of knowledge across different areas. It also made me realise how much goes on behind the scenes, because most of the time you only see an event once it is on the ground, not everything that goes into getting it there.
Which modules have had the biggest impact on your understanding—and why?
I loved most of my modules, but two of them have definitely stood out for me in my next steps. Planning and Public Policy for Festival and Events (or PPPFE we called it) had a huge lasting impact because it helped me understand the legal side of events, including what councils need to approve them and the procedures that have to be followed, something that I am doing constantly. Festival and Event Design and Delivery was also a standout, especially learning about colour psychology and what it communicates, which completely changed how I think about branding and event aesthetics.
Looking back, was choosing International Festivals & Event Management here the right decision for you, and why?
I would say yes. The course was the right decision for me and helped me grow a lot in terms of confidence, perseverance, and how I approach work and leadership. It also gave me a strong understanding of how events actually function behind the scenes and pushed me to think more critically and independently.
What would you say to someone unsure about choosing this subject?
Do it. Being unsure is not a weakness, and this course helped me find clarity and confidence where I did not have it before.
How would you describe your overall experience in one sentence?
Napier felt like home in a way I did not expect.
What would you say to someone considering studying International Festivals & Event Management at The Business School?
I would say go into it with an open mind and be ready to put the work in. The course gives you a lot if you engage with it properly, especially in terms of understanding how events actually work behind the scenes and pushing you to grow as a person. Do not expect it to be an easy ride, because the value really comes from what you put into it.