Risk assessments within the events industry are an everyday occurrence but do those writing them really understand what constitutes risk at peaceful crowd gatherings? Until recently most research published on crowd psychology and dynamics tended to focus on crowd disorder, often totally ignoring peaceful crowd activities such as at concerts, sports and cultural events.
In recognition of the fact that crowds and audiences have psychologies and dynamics that need to be studied to enable safe and successful management, Buckinghamshire New University (formally BCUC) set up its Foundation Degree in Crowd Safety Management to promote the advancement of crowd safety at events in both the UK and worldwide.
Mick Upton, who as founder and Chairman of Showsec International has over forty years experience of crowd management, worked closely with a group of leading industry experts including Glastonbury’s Ben Challis and concert management author Chris Kemp, to design a course that reflected the needs of modern crowd managers and the events industry. Key industry organisations such as the UK Crowd Management Association (UKCMA), the Production Services Association (PSA), the Football League and the NCFE have all provided invaluable support and guidance to the continued success of the course, now in its fourth year.
The Foundation Degree in Crowd Safety Management is a part-time distance learning course and is open to all those working within the many different sectors of the events industry. The study is a mix of work based learning, specialist skills development, tutoring and project based studies. Students benefit from a range of study methods including: workshops and seminars run by specialist tutors and learning within the workplace supported by the university’s Virtual Learning Environment. Students can also become involved in additional research projects and opportunities through the Centre for Crowd Management & Security Studies.
Although the degree programme recognises prior learning, and students with relevant qualifications can apply for exemption from some modules, there are no set entry requirements beyond a commitment to the industry, the study of crowd safety and the further development of the student’s own skills, knowledge and experience. | | The course team comprises of senior managers from world leading crowd management companies including Showsec International, Rock Steady Group, Show & Event Security, and Eventsec. This ensures that the course is relevant to the needs of the modern events industry and that students benefit from the tutors wealth of knowledge and experience. Past and current students include crowd safety managers, event producers, venue safety managers, sports spectator managers, local authority licensing officers, tour safety managers, festival and concert promoters, police officers with event planning duties, health and safety officers, carnival organisers and medical services planners.
Former students have found the Foundation Degree to be stimulating, informative and of great benefit in both their employment prospects and professional careers. Many are running successful companies and working at the very highest levels within the events industries in the UK and worldwide.
If you would like an informal chat and further information or an application form please contact Owen Grainger-Jones on 01494 522141 Ext 4368 or email Owen.Grainger-Jones@bucks.ac.uk
Our website can be found at www.bucks.ac.uk
Modules Studied.
Level 1.
- Introduction to working at events
- The Safety Steward and Crowd Marshal
- Crowd Safety by Design
- Legal Framework and Ethical Considerations
- Management skills pt1
- Personal and Professional development
Level 2.
- Management pt2
- The theory and practice of crowd safety management
- Conducting a site survey and risk assessment for an outdoor event pt1
- Conducting a site survey and risk assessment for an outdoor event pt2
- Research project
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