Develop practical knowledge of how events are planned, organised, promoted and evaluated with a free online course available to eligible learners in Scotland.
The course is designed to be completed over 8 to 12 weeks, with tutor support available throughout.
Complete your learning and assessments online with access to course materials throughout your studies.
Complete the course successfully and receive your Certificate in Event Planning.
Build a broader understanding of what goes into planning, managing and reviewing an event.
By the end of the course, you’ll be able to:
The course is made up of five units covering the main stages and responsibilities involved in event planning.
There are no exams. You’ll complete online assessment questions based on the knowledge developed through each unit.
Explore the events industry and the scope of an event planner’s role.
You’ll look at the main stages involved in planning an event, how to prepare for contingencies and why health, safety and security measures need to be considered.
Understand why evaluation is an important part of event management.
You’ll explore the information that can be collected, different evaluation tools and how to plan an effective review of an event.
Learn why understanding an audience matters when organising an event.
This unit introduces market research, the methods and resources available for event marketing and how marketing activity can be planned.
Explore how events are managed and the different people who may contribute to their delivery.
You’ll consider team roles and the human resource requirements that need to be planned before an event takes place.
Understand the importance of clear communication throughout an event.
You’ll also explore equality and diversity, the role of customer service and how expected customer service standards can be communicated to event staff.
Event planning brings together organisation, communication, marketing and people management to turn an initial idea into a structured and well-prepared event.
This free online Event Planning course introduces the main areas involved in planning, organising and evaluating events. You'll begin by exploring the events industry itself and the role of the event planner, including the responsibilities and decisions involved before an event takes place.
The course then looks at some of the practical areas that support effective event management. This includes contingency planning, health, safety and security, market research, event marketing and the people required to deliver an event.
You'll also explore the importance of communication and customer service. Events frequently involve different teams, suppliers, colleagues, customers and attendees, so understanding how people work together is an important part of the planning process.
Evaluation is another key theme. You'll learn why events should be reviewed afterwards, what information can be used and how evaluation can help identify improvements for future events.
These skills can be useful in many different settings. You may already help organise workplace activities, community events, hospitality experiences, meetings or promotional events. Alternatively, you may be exploring Event Planning or Event Management as a new area of interest.
The course provides a useful introduction to the subject while developing transferable skills in organisation, communication, marketing, customer service and working with others.
For learners in Scotland, the course is comparable to SCQF Level 5 and can be fully funded if you meet the current eligibility criteria.
This course may be useful if you are:
No previous Event Planning experience is needed to start developing your knowledge.
You'll have support from a qualified tutor while you complete the course, giving you someone to turn to if you need help understanding the learning materials or assessments
This course can help you build useful planning, communication and organisation skills for your current role, further study or an interest in Event Management.
Scotland's events industry makes a major contribution to the economy
VisitScotland estimates that the Scottish events industry adds around £6.1 billion to the economy each year.
Behind sporting events, cultural events, conferences, community activities and business events are people responsible for planning, communication, marketing, staffing and delivery.
Developing an understanding of these areas can be useful whether you want to support events as part of an existing role, build broader business skills or explore the events sector further.
Source: VisitScotland, Events Industry Reports / UK Events Report 2025
Check whether you meet the current funding criteria and complete the online application.
If you’re eligible, you’ll be matched with the appropriate training provider to continue your enrolment.
Work through the online learning materials and complete assessment questions covering each course unit.
There are no exams and you’ll have access to tutor support while you study.
Once you’ve successfully completed the required learning and assessments, you’ll receive the relevant event planning certificate.
For learners in Scotland, the course is comparable to SCQF Level 5.
Completing the course can help you build knowledge that is useful in a range of business, hospitality, customer service, marketing and community settings.
You could use the course to:
The course provides introductory knowledge and does not by itself qualify you for a particular professional role.
This course is available online through one of our approved training provider partners, The Skills Network, which provides it in partnership with West College Scotland and North East College Scotland.
The aim is to enhance skills, promote lifelong learning and support workforce development in key sectors in Scotland.
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*View visa restrictions
Funding isn’t available for Skilled Worker visas, Student visas, Graduate visas, Sponsorship (skilled/seasonal) visas, or any visa with a study restriction.
If this applies, you won’t be eligible for funding.
The course is fully funded for eligible learners in Scotland, which means there is no course fee to pay if you meet the current funding criteria. Funding is subject to eligibility and availability.
Yes. The course is available online to eligible learners in Scotland.
Yes. The course is completed online using a dedicated learning platform. You’ll work through the course units remotely and complete your assessments online.
Yes. On successful completion of the course, learners in Scotland receive a digital e-certificate issued by their college.
The course is comparable to Level 5 on the Scottish Credit and Qualifications Framework.
It should not be described as an SCQF Level 5 qualification simply because it is comparable to that level.
Course completion times can vary depending on the college or provider delivering your course and the study schedule you are given.
Your provider will confirm your submission dates and completion window when you enrol.
No. There are no exams.
You’ll complete assessment questions based on the knowledge developed through the course units.
No previous Event Planning experience is required to begin developing your knowledge through the course. You will need to be able to access and use the online learning platform.
You’ll cover planning an event, contingencies, health and safety, event evaluation, market research, marketing, human resources, communication, equality and diversity and customer service.
Funding is available to eligible learners in Scotland. Eligibility requirements can change between academic years and funding routes, so check the current eligibility criteria before applying.
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