BA (Hons) Live Events Production introduces you to the technical, design and management areas of live events with four distinct pathways for you to choose from including lighting design & technology, live sound, live visuals and event business.

Course details

  • Qualification BA or FdA
  • UCAS code BA - N821, FdA - N820
  • Duration BA (Hons) - 3 years full time, FdA - 2 years full time
  • Location Production Park, Wakefield, WF9 3NR
  • Validated by University of Bolton
  • Tuition fees £9,000 per year, £27,000 in total
  • Entry Requirements 64 UCAS points, FdA - 32 UCAS points
  • Start date September 2024

Course Overview

Live Events Production introduces you to the technical, design and management areas of live events with four distinct pathways for you to choose from:

  • Lighting Design & Technology
  • Live Sound
  • Live Visuals (LED walls, projections & video)
  • Event Business

The first year of the course gives you a strong grounding in a range of technical, creative and production management disciplines. In the second year, you will begin to specialise by choosing two pathways to focus on. In the final year of the course, you will focus entirely on one pathway. 

The first two years of this course can also be taken as a foundation degree (FdA), after which there is then the option to carry on to the third year by applying for the BA (Hons) Top-Up. 

Whether you have a passion for lighting a stage, mixing sound, projecting visuals or running an events business, this degree allows you to focus on your chosen subject whilst developing an underpinning knowledge of all four pathways, developing you into a specialised yet well rounded live events professional.

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

  • ACADEMIC AND PROFESSIONAL SKILLS FOR THE EVENTS INDUSTRIES

    This module is designed to equip you with the methods and techniques to support and plan your studies. You will explore the live events industry to increase awareness of opportunities available in this sector and how you might progress into employment. Key skills and training related to Health and Safety in live events are delivered throughout the module.

  • CONCEPT DESIGN AND PRESENTATION

    Those involved in the installation and operation of staging and technical systems are more effective if they can engage with the creative process. To do this they must understand the aims of the artistic concept and how the resultant design  meets these aims. You will be introduced to the creative process of staging and technical design within the live events industry, focussing on communicating design concepts and ideas to satisfy the expectations of client and audience.

  • STAGING

    Complex solutions to ever increasing technical and artistic demands require those working on live events to have an in-depth knowledge of staging systems and components. You will be introduced to techniques, terminology, theory and practice for modular-staging systems, truss systems, hoists and motor control. Using industry standard software you will create a stage plan, and learn how to develop a stage layout to satisfy a client brief.

  • LIVE SOUND

    Live performances rely upon high quality sound to engage the audience. In this module you will learn about the operation and control techniques involved in the preparation and production of live sound. You will evaluate the quality and  aesthetics of sound output for live events, investigate a range of techniques for engineering live sound sessions and be introduced to a range of manufacturers’ products and equipment.

  • LIGHTING

    Lighting plays a significant role in shaping the perception and emotion of the live event audience. This module introduces you to a wide range of lighting  technology, common programming techniques, control signal protocols, the science of colour and light and the principles of lighting design. You will practice technical skills involved in lighting for live events and apply relevant knowledge creatively. Through the use of industry standard software you will design a lighting plan, visualise it, and produce the required technical paper work.

  • VISUAL PRODUCTION

    With the development of video walls, projection mapping and the pixel mapping of LED sources, the use of live visuals has increased exponentially. Through the use of industry standard software you will learn how to gather and edit content, explore the attributes and technical specifications of different types of projector and video walls, and investigate a variety of media servers to deliver content including mapping to a 3D shape. You will consider the aesthetics of live visuals whilst you design your own live visuals performance.

  • WORK PLACEMENT

    This module will provide you with experience of working in the events industry, and facilitate opportunities for reflective analysis of event operations and practice in a work context. 


    Choice of 2 of the following 4 modules…

  • LIVE SOUND SYSTEMS & MIXING

    This module allows you to develop your knowledge, understanding and practical skills in live sound engineering and mixing of live event performances including setting up, operating and mixing on systems typical in performance spaces and venues.

  • LIGHTING SYSTEMS & PROGRAMMING

    This module allows you to extend your knowledge and skills in lighting operation, design and practice. You will learn about the development of lighting design in a variety of genres and investigate colour theory, lamps and optics together with intermediate programming and operation. You will also deliver lighting in live performance situations through a range of technical and aesthetic activities.

  • VISUAL PRODUCTION SYSTEMS & DESIGN

    This module will extend your knowledge and skills in visuals design and operation and investigate its impact on live events. You will extend your practical skills by delivering visual productions in live performance situations through a range of technical and aesthetic activities.

  • EVENTS BUSINESS, MARKETING & SPONSORSHIP

    This module will give you an understanding of the management of finance and the principles of business when planning and staging an event. The marketing process will be explored as well as the scope and characteristics of event sponsorship and income generation.

  • EVENT PRODUCTION MANAGEMENT

    This module focuses on the key elements of event production management including preparing creative proposals for site and venue layouts, specifying infrastructure, preparing budgets and defining how safe operations will be regulated. You will also explore contextual issues around the nature of events, audience profiles and the marketing of events. 

  • PRODUCTION PLANNING AND REALISATION

    A vital learning environment is created by the experience of actually developing and delivering events for a live audience. Building on skills and knowledge gained in all previous modules you will work in a collaborative team to deliver an exciting program of live events and see them through from conception to delivery and evaluation. 

  • RESEARCH METHODS FOR EVENT STUDIES (BA only)

    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. 

  • CAREER DEVELOPMENT AND EMPLOYABILITY (FdA only)

    The purpose of this module is to provide you with the opportunity to develop your skills and experience in a way that is targeted to your personal career aspirations. You will reflect upon your achievements to date and relate your interests and expertise to career choices. Once you have identified your progression route you will develop a proposal for a project to further your skills and knowledge towards this chosen route, whether in employment or further academic study

  • 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. 

  • WORK RELATED PROJECT

    In this module you will complete a work placement intended to provide you with practical experience of working in the live events industry. The module will utilise the learning gained in the other modules studied. You will apply your learning to a work related project that you will develop to the potential benefit of an existing live events organisation.



    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 gives 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

Our standard academic entry requirements for the range between 64 and 104 UCAS tariff points for the BA (Hons) pathway, and 32 and 80 UCAS tariff points for the FdA pathway. You can see how many tariff points your qualifications would gain on the UCAS Tariff Calculator

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


Assessment

Assessment is by portfolio, group practical, presentation and (where appropriate) a supporting piece of work relevant to the module. All assessments are based around you evidencing your skills and experience, reflecting upon how you are developing both professionally and personally and are 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 stage design and layout, a festival event plan or perhaps a lighting design and visualisation.


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

Career opportunities exist in a huge range of sectors – from live music, festivals and touring to exhibitions, conferences and cruise ships – anywhere a live event takes place! 

We are frequently approached by the biggest names in the industry with job opportunities. Graduates from BA (Hons) Live Events Production have gone on to have incredible careers. In the last few years alone, our graduates have:

  • Stage managed Ed Sheeran's world tour. 
  • Produced the stage pyrotechnics for Stormzy's headlining set at Glastonbury.
  • Secure a position with one of the world's biggest names in TV & film, Warner Bros, creating content for the upcoming Lord of the Rings TV show. 

On completion of the FdA you are eligible to apply for the Live Events Production (Top-up) BA (Hons) one-year course. You are also eligible for entry to the Live Visual Design and Production BA (Hons) course at the second-year entry point.


Equipment / software

Students at the Academy of Live Technology benefit from having access to a wide range of specialist equipment, software and technology in line with the latest industry developments - much of which is made possible through our partnerships with some of the industry’s best entertainment technology manufacturers and distributors. 

This may include:

SOUND

  • Avid Digidesign SC48, Midas M32s, Soundcraft GB2 Mixer, Allen & Heath Zed
  • D&B V Series Speakers, D&B E Series Speakers, KV2 Speakers, HK Speakers
  • Yamaha Outboard, Focusrite Outboard, Klark-Teknik Outboard
  • Sure Microphones, Sennheiser Microphones, Audix Microphones

LIGHTING

  • Avolites Quartz, Tiger Touch & Titan Network Processor
  • GrandMA Command Wing
  • ChamSys
  • Avolites Art2000 Dimmers & PowerCube Dimmers
  • Luminex Network Nodes
  • Prolight Moving Lights
  • Clay Packy Moving Lights
  • Prolight & Chauvet LED Fixtures
  • Chroma-Q LED Fixtures
  • Generic Lights: Source 4s, Par 64s, Fresnels & Blinders
  • Look Solution Unique 2.1 Hazer

VIDEO

  • Green Hippo Amba+ Media Servers
  • Avolites Q3 Media Servers & RX8 Media Server
  • Isadora Media Server
  • Disguise 2x2 Plus
  • Roe BP3 LED Video Wall & CB5 LED Video Wall
  • Prolights AlphaPix LED Video Wall
  • Panasonic Laser Projectors
  • Projection Design Projectors
  • Luminex Network Switches
  • Xbox Kinect
  • HTC Vine
  • Blackmagic Design ATEM 4K & Design Studio Cameras
  • Shogun Atmos 4K

SOFTWARE

  • Adobe Creative Cloud
  • Avolites Titan
  • D&B Array Calc
  • GreenHippo Zookeeper
  • Isadora
  • Notch
  • SketchUp
  • Vectorworks
  • WYSIWYG

Example Work Experience Opportunity


How do i apply?

Applications are made through UCAS. 

You will need the following information to make an application:

Institution Code: B05
Course Code: BA - N821, FdA - N820

To find out more about applying for this course, please visit our application process page. 


FEES AND FUNDING

To find out more about fees and funding, please visit our Student Finance page.


Make an Enquiry for BA (Hons) & FdA Live Events Production

Click on the link to make an enquiry into this degree. 

Ready to start your Academy of Live Technology journey?