Course specification and structure
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UDEVEMFY - BA Events Management (including foundation year)

Course Specification


Validation status Validated
Highest award Bachelor of Arts Level Honours
Possible interim awards Bachelor of Arts, Diploma of Higher Education, Certificate of Higher Education, Bachelor of Arts, Preparatory Diploma, Preparatory Certificate
Total credits for course 480
Awarding institution London Metropolitan University
Teaching institutions London Metropolitan University
School Guildhall School of Business and Law
Subject Area Business and Management
Attendance options
Option Minimum duration Maximum duration
Part-time 6 YEARS 8 YEARS
Full-time 4 YEARS 8 YEARS
Course leader  

About the course and its strategy towards teaching and learning and towards blended learning/e-learning

The Events Industry makes a significant contribution to the economic and cultural life of the UK and globally. The BA Events Management degree course is designed for students who wish to pursue a career in this vibrant sector. Event Managers play pivotal roles in a diverse range of companies, organisations and institutions including: government, corporations, non-profits, entertainment companies, exhibitions and shows, incentive travel, tourism, outdoor and sporting events. This course aims to equip students with a complex skill set that will enable them to flourish in what is a creative, entrepreneurial and fast-moving career. It also provides a rigorous foundation for further study and lifelong learning.
The degree offers an intellectually stimulating and engaging programme, which is multidisciplinary in nature but retains its distinctive subject-specificity. It combines a focus on event management practice with the underpinning theoretical foundation in the Event Management subject area which draws from a range of disciplines in Business Management, the creative industries and the closely related fields of Leisure and Tourism.
One of the key features of this course is that it provides students with practical experience from the outset and throughout. At each level of the degree students have opportunities to work together and contribute to the organisation and management of live events of different kinds. In putting on events students are encouraged to raise funds for charitable causes and student societies and to explore ‘eventscapes' within and outside of campus. The course makes the most of its location in the heart of London, one of the world’s major event cities, incorporating field visits where possible.
Students will gain experience of a real-world business environment through the compulsory work-related learning module options. The options are offered to students in either the second or third year of their course programme. This also suit the needs of students wishing to develop as entrepreneurs within the events field and beyond.
Through optional modules students have scope to focus on areas of interest, either practical or academic.
Teaching is through a combination of lectures and seminars which include various learning activities that engage students to work in groups and prioritise tasks, solve problems, or even plan some fieldwork. Students’ core skills and capabilities are developed through activities including, case study analysis, debates, presentations, role-playing, live case studies, work-based learning, independent study and research. Guest lecturers provide an important contribution from the industry, shaping what is taught and getting involved (where possible) with student assessments. The course has important relationships with event companies who provide formal and informal opportunities to gain first-hand experience of different roles in events management.
Technology-enhanced and blended learning techniques are utilised throughout the course to support the curriculum and complement class-based contact. The course uses online platforms such as WebLearn and where possible social media, both in terms of providing student access to module materials, but also in terms of facilitating student interaction, supporting reflection and delivering feedback on assignments promptly and efficiently.

The overall approach to learning and teaching focuses on making students independent learners and developing their confidence to tackle assessments and progress as appropriate. The priority is to engage with the programme via the development of appropriate and inclusive ‘teaching’ styles while acknowledging that some students need additional support for this journey.

All staff are periodically trained, their teaching is reviewed, and have regular reminders of the requirements for good practice in teaching and learning. Module architecture and assessment strategies are reviewed regularly for their robustness to ensure they fulfil the overarching strategy of the university for a supportive educational environment. The drive for independent learning is achieved via the process of introducing ideas in the contact periods (face-to-face and online), stimulating debates and the use of assessment instruments to encourage discovery.

Course aims

The aims of this course, which follow those set out in the QAA benchmarks for Events, Leisure, Hospitality, Sports and Tourism (QAA, November 2019), are:
· To offer an intellectually demanding programme of study which enhances the understanding of the events industry and its role within a wider leisure, tourism and business context and how these relate to the society as a whole.
· To provide students with the theory and application of key event management concepts, approaches and techniques so as to provide knowledge, understanding and skills suitable to the development of a professional career in events management.
· To foster an awareness of the social, cultural, economic and political environment in which the events industry operates, and the strategic implications and broader social responsibilities that this environment generates.
· To create graduates who possess the relevant specific skills needed in the industry upon their successful completion of the course, including, but not limited to: time management, prioritisation, numeracy, communication and leadership, as well as life-long learning) and who are capable of driving their career forward.

The purpose of the course also aligns with QAA benchmarks for Business and Management (QAA, 2019), which requires:
· Increasing understanding of organisations, their management, the economy and the business environment
· Preparation for, and development of, a career in business and management
· Enhancement of a wide range of skills and attributes which equip graduates to become effective global citizens

The underlying philosophy of this multidisciplinary course is to provide an education experience that gives a sound academic base focusing on the business environment and events management and that is designed to demonstrate coherence and progression within the different business management disciplines.

The curriculum provides students with an understanding of the business environment and the techniques, concepts and principles that make businesses successful and efficient in the context of the events industry. Students will have the opportunity to study the events business, acquire real life and virtual business experience and explore the factors that influence business from an international perspective. Students will also be able to develop an appreciation of the wider context of their studies in terms of social and ethical issues and a respect for cultural diversity.

Course learning outcomes

The University learning outcome that cuts across the entirety of the London Metropolitan University provision, and thus, the BA (Hons) Events Management is:

On completion of this course, students will be able to: demonstrate confidence, resilience, ambition and creativity and will act as inclusive, collaborative and socially responsible professionals in their discipline (ULO)

The School has translated its mission statement into a set of learning objectives that translate into the lived experience of students and academics alike to produce the attributes differentiating GSBL graduates. Upon graduating with an honours degree in Events Management, students will typically:

1. Have the confidence needed to take leadership decisions in challenging situations (LO1).
2. Possess the necessary communication skills that will help them adopt a global and multicultural perspective in their professional context (LO2).
3. Be cognisant of the effects of the social and environmental effects of their decisions and will remain active citizens of the places they live and work (LO3).
4. Demonstrate application of creative thinking skills to practical problems, and possess the analytical and organizational skills to translate creative ideas to operational solutions (LO4)
5. Be able to critically analyse and evaluate the concepts and defining characteristics of events as an area of academic and applied study (LO5). This includes being able to:
- explain, interpret and challenge theories and concepts which are used to understand the origin, purpose, meanings and development of events from a range of critical perspectives
- display an insight into the structure of event providers and their sectors, and analyse the political, technological, social, environmental and economic factors which affect, or impact upon, the supply of, and demand for, events
- analyse and reflect on the different cultural and business concepts, intercultural and international dimensions of events
- demonstrate a critical awareness and understanding of how core values, for example, ethics, sustainability, creativity, strategy, and continuous improvement, relate to, and are reflected in, events.
6. Demonstrate a range of professional event planning and management knowledge and skills (LO6). This includes being able to:
- demonstrate a critical awareness and understanding of appropriate domains, including administration, design, operations, marketing and risk, and how they apply to the phases of events, such as initiation, planning, staging of the event and closure and legacy
- operate and effectively manage resources, including human (paid or volunteer), financial, venue, and subcontracted and technical resources and the development of return on investment models
- display critical knowledge, understanding and application of risk management and the legal, ethical and regulatory frameworks that affect event management, including health and safety considerations and crowd management
- plan, project-manage, produce, stage, analyse and evaluate events, including the procurement of support service provision, the application of new technologies and logistics
- design creative events, including the programming of spectacle, exhibition, ritual, and performance
- engage with, contribute to, and produce events based on an acquisition and understanding of appropriate vocabularies, skills, working methods and professional business communications.
7. Be able to recognise and value the centrality of the attendee and/or client and meet and respond to their needs and expectations (LO7), including being able to:
- analyse the nature, characteristics, needs and expectations of different consumers through applying consumer behaviour theories and concepts and socio-cultural theories
- generate creative ideas/concepts, proposals, pitches and solutions to offer experiences that meet differing needs
- analyse and evaluate the quality of the event experience and its impact on the event consumer and/or client and the wider organisation and the practices of coproduction and co-creation
- evaluate the importance of cultural and other diversities in developing access to, and participation in, events by specific target groups
- demonstrate an understanding of the ways in which attendees behave at events and within the venue and surrounding destination, in particular, crowd management.
8. Be able to use, and understand the impact of, rationales, sources and assumptions embedded in policy, planning and delivery mechanisms in an events context (LO8), including being able to:
- evaluate the legacy and impacts of events in social, economic, environmental, political, cultural, technological and other terms
- appreciate the complexities of future scenario planning and the ability to forecast and envisage the future for events through the impact of technological, social, environmental, political and economic changes
- appreciate the ethical and sustainability issues associated with the financial support, operation and development of events
- write and critique event plans, portfolios and event strategies, which recognise and meet the needs of specific stakeholders
- critically reflect upon the role of those organisations and structures charged with a responsibility for the promotion or the training of practitioners in events
demonstrate a critical awareness and appreciation of existing and emerging standards, policies, initiatives, frameworks and contemporary issues.

Assessment strategy

The assessment strategy is based on the model of progressive and inclusive curriculum, QAA Subject Benchmark Standards and the University’s Teaching, Learning and Assessment Framework, with study skills being introduced, then practiced and finally assessed in one or consecutive modules.

Assessment methods intend to be appropriate to the aims and level of the module and its desired learning outcomes, with difficulty of the assessment increasing per level. At level 4, assessments intend to focus on assessing student’s knowledge and comprehension, then increase in difficulty to assess application and analysis skills, to finally in level 6 measure also ability to synthesise and evaluate information. Additionally, assessments in level 4 tend to employ forms that students are likely to be familiar with from earlier stages of education (e.g. essays, presentations and tests), while new forms of assessment, more advanced in digital literacy and linked to professional business environment (e.g. blogs, business pitch, report, audit, portfolio, consultancy, etc.) are introduced in levels 5 and 6. Variety of assessment forms considers diverse socio-cultural body of students and intends to provide forms of engagement suitable to different learning needs. Many assessments allow for personalisation, with students being given a choice of the object of study.

An effort has been made to ensure spread of assessments per level of study, with obvious limitations such as end of academic year. An annual assessment calendar is available to students at the beginning of the academic year, hence student’s practice of effective time management skills is essential in ensuring even workload.

Formative feedback and feed-forward is embedded in the course at all levels, where students can discuss draft work and early research findings. Modules use varied feedback mechanisms, including oral feedback in taught sessions, written feedback on draft work (eg comments on blog posts), feedback sessions (in-class and online via Blackboard Collaborate), written and audio feedback on the final work and sometimes visual feedback (eg mind maps of feedback on draft work, eg dissertation). The timeline of feedback provision is in line with University policies and standards, and marking schemes for levels 4, 5 and 6 respectively are employed in all modules.
All assessments (apart from artefacts and written exams) are submitted online via Weblearn/Turnitin to ensure timely submission and monitoring of engagement. Online submission enables anonymous marking and guarantees equal access for all module tutors and external markers to assignments.

Organised work experience, work based learning, sandwich year or year abroad

Every student will undertake work-related learning either in the form of a work placement or ‘live’ project with a partner organisation or planning to set up small business.

Work-related learning provides students with:
● the experience of a competitive recruitment process or pitching for an opportunity
● a work-related experience or project which impacts a real organisation
● assessment and feedback on their reflections on their experience of the work-related learning and planning for their future career.

In the first and second year of the course dedicated event practice modules provide students with opportunities to gain practical skills and experience in events management and apply what they are learning on the course by organising and working at events with fellow students within and outside of the University. The level 5 module Live Event Practice requires students to work on an event of their choice from conception to delivery and draws on partnerships with relevant companies, promoters and venues, to provide services and guidance to students on the module. The level 6 module Leading Innovation – in Events (Business Innovation through Events) is designed to enable students to explore the challenges facing events entrepreneurs and freelancers, where they will evaluate business models and articulate proposals based on current and advanced business innovation.

Students are also encouraged to participate in extra-curricular activities including involvement in peer coaching of students, receiving professional mentoring, volunteering in the not-for-profit sector, joining or setting up a student society and taking part in University wide and national competitions/activities.

The Careers and Employability Team assists students in obtaining placements tailored to students’ needs and/or circumstances. Its service is targeted to support students before, during and after their placement. Placement preparation workshops or one-to-one interviews run during the year prior to the placement to provide advice and support on aspects such as CVs, job applications, interview technique and job search strategies. Individual support is provided during the placement, complementing the role of academic placement supervisors, and reflection and debriefing workshops are organised in the year following placement. Staff have contacts with employers in many business sectors in the region and may also help arrange placements abroad.

Currently it is possible to undertake work placements or internships that are worth 15 credits during or outside term-time. Two modules are offered: ‘Learning Through Work’, which focuses on the learning experience in an employee position for a minimum of 5 weeks (or the equivalent of this part-time); and ‘Creating a Winning Business’ which applies to a taught learning experience where students develop a business plan. With respect to the latter the students who wish to pursue an entrepreneurial path may benefit from the university’s unique partnership with the Accelerator, a business incubator.

The course includes the option to take a paid 30-credit Work Placement module at level 6 or sandwich year, that is, between levels 5 and 6 (subject to approval by the Careers and Employability Team). As this extends the course to 4 years including the placement year, students must seek appropriate advice on funding implications.

Course specific regulations

There are no specified part-time structures for this course. Students on a part-time mode of study are required to take between 30 and 90 credits per academic year to complete the degree programme within the maximum time length allowed (6 years for a three-year course).
Programme planning is therefore agreed between the student and course team, in accordance with regulations on progression and completion.

Modules required for interim awards

CertHE Events Management: 120 credits at Level 4
DipHE Events Management: 240 credits at Level 5
BA (unclassified) Events Management: 300 credits at Level 6 (excluding Project/Dissertation)
BA (Honours) Events Management: 360 credits at Level 6 (including Project/Dissertation)

Arrangements for promoting reflective learning and personal development

Developing reflective practice in students is built into the curriculum, and two specific activities to support this are the introduction of Enhancement Weeks and Personal Development Planning (PDP), which are now an established part of the undergraduate programmes.

Enhancement weeks are scheduled to enable students to engage in broader course-based activities. These include opportunities for reflective engagement with feedback, career preparation and employability development activities, conferences by and for students, and programme planning advice.

PDP is embedded in activities and assessments to encourage and emphasise reflection on learning goals and outcomes, to plan ways to address students’ learning development needs and to capture their learning achievements. PDP on the course involve a variety of processes and formats as appropriate to the discipline (e.g., learning journals, e-portfolios, annotated sketchbooks, case books, skills audits, reflective commentaries, graduation statements).

For example, with regard to reflective learning, most core modules include practice and assessment of students’ reflective skills both individually and in groups. A wide range of the course modules also assess the student reflective practice through learning journals or logs contributing to personal development planning and career management. In this way, students will be encouraged to develop specific skills increasing their employability prospects by the end of the course.

Generic and transferable skills are integrated into the context of the events industry in a wide range of modules that are delivered centrally. Assessment is customised to focus on research and enterprise in sector-context, which enables the promotion of best practice, such as:
· Incorporation of a formative assessment task for most modules at each level
· Publication and communication of assessment criteria from the outset of module delivery
· Provision of details on feedback, including timing and overall management at module and course levels

Career, employability and opportunities for continuing professional development

Upon successfully completing this course, graduates can embark on any of the careers within the events management sector (eg event planner, event marketing executive/co-ordinator, event operations executive/co-ordinator, manager). Past graduates have gone on to have successful careers in some of the leading companies in the industry whilst others have launched their own enterprises. Graduates are also well equipped to enter other sectors, such as hospitality, tourism and marketing or public relations, either being employed at an organisation, or pursuing self-employment opportunities. The programme also prepares for further research or study at the university, eg through its MSc International Events, Leisure and Tourism Management.

Professional Statutory and Regulatory Body (PSRB) accreditations & exemptions

Our events management course is recognised by the Association of British Professional Conference Organisers (ABPCO), the UK’s leading professional body for conference and event organisation.

London Met is also a member of the Association of Events Management Education.

Career opportunities

A degree in events management can help you enter a wide range of careers. Many of our graduates have found employment with employers such as BlueGlass Interactive, C Squared, Chillisauce, Diageo, Heart Productions, TripAdvisor and Upper Street Events.

With the support provided at London Met – including the University’s business incubator Accelerator – many have also gone on to set up their own businesses or undertake postgraduate study.

Entry requirements

In addition to the University's standard entry requirements, you should have:

  • at least one A level (or a minimum of 32 UCAS points from an equivalent Level 3 qualification, eg BTEC Subsidiary/National/BTEC Extended Diploma)
  • English Language GCSE at grade C/4 or above (or equivalent)

To study a degree at London Met, you must be able to demonstrate proficiency in the English language. If you require a Tier 4 student visa you may need to provide the results of a Secure English Language Test (SELT) such as Academic IELTS. For more information about English qualifications please see our English language requirements.

If you need (or wish) to improve your English before starting your degree, the University offers a Pre-sessional Academic English course to help you build your confidence and reach the level of English you require.

Official use and codes

Approved to run from 2019/20 Specification version 1 Specification status Validated
Original validation date 22 Aug 2019 Last validation date 22 Aug 2019  
Sources of funding HE FUNDING COUNCIL FOR ENGLAND
JACS codes
Route code EVEMFY

Course Structure

Stage 1 Level 03 September start Offered

Code Module title Info Type Credits Location Period Day Time
BA3005 Using and Managing Data and Information Core 30 NORTH AUT+SPR WED PM
          NORTH AUT+SPR TUE PM
          NORTH AUT+SPR TUE AM
          NORTH AUT+SPR MON PM
          NORTH AUT+SPR MON AM
          NORTH AUT+SPR WED AM
MN3101 Development for Success in Business Core 30 NORTH AUT+SPR WED AM
          NORTH AUT+SPR TUE PM
          NORTH AUT+SPR WED PM
          NORTH AUT+SPR MON PM
          NORTH AUT+SPR MON AM
          NORTH AUT+SPR TUE AM
MN3102 The Context of Business Core 30 NORTH AUT+SPR TUE PM
          NORTH AUT+SPR MON PM
MN3104 Orientation for Success in Higher Education Core 30 NORTH AUT+SPR TUE PM
          NORTH AUT+SPR MON PM
          NORTH AUT+SPR WED PM

Stage 1 Level 03 January start Offered

Code Module title Info Type Credits Location Period Day Time
BA3005 Using and Managing Data and Information Core 30        
MN3101 Development for Success in Business Core 30        
MN3102 The Context of Business Core 30        
MN3104 Orientation for Success in Higher Education Core 30        

Stage 2 Level 04 October start Offered

Code Module title Info Type Credits Location Period Day Time
FE4155 Understanding the Business and Economic Environ... Core 15 NORTH SPR MON AM
LT4056 London's Visitor Economy Core 15 NORTH AUT WED AM
LT4057 Event Planning and Management Core 15 NORTH AUT WED PM
MC4061 Principles of Marketing Core 15 NORTH SPR MON AM
          NORTH SPR TUE PM
          NORTH SPR WED AM
MC4062 Media Culture and Society Core 15 NORTH AUT WED PM
          NORTH AUT MON AM
          NORTH AUT MON PM
MN4063 Understanding and Managing Data Core 15 NORTH AUT FRI PM
          NORTH AUT MON AM
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          NORTH AUT TUE AM
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          NORTH AUT WED AM
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          NORTH AUT THU AM
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MN4W50 Learning Through Organisations Core 15 NORTH SPR THU PM
          NORTH SPR TUE AM
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          NORTH SPR WED AM
          NORTH SPR WED PM
          NORTH SPR THU AM
MN4W51 Learning Through Organisations (Professional Pr... Core 15 NORTH SPR TUE AM

Stage 3 Level 05 September start Offered

Code Module title Info Type Credits Location Period Day Time
LT5078 Sustainability, Business and Responsibility Core 15 NORTH SPR WED PM
          NORTH SPR MON AM
          NORTH SPR TUE AM
          NORTH SPR WED AM
LT5090 Cities, Tourism and Eventfulness Core 15 NORTH AUT TUE AM
LT5093 The Event Experience Core 15 NORTH AUT WED AM
LT5W51 Live Events Practice Core 15 NORTH SPR WED PM
MC5081 Marketing Communications for Events Core 15        
FE5056 Problem Solving: Methods and Analysis Alt Core 15 NORTH SPR FRI PM
          NORTH SPR THU AM
          NORTH SPR THU PM
          NORTH SPR FRI AM
MN5070 The Practice of Consultancy Alt Core 15 NORTH AUT FRI PM
          NORTH AUT MON AM
          NORTH AUT MON PM
          NORTH AUT TUE AM
          NORTH AUT TUE PM
          NORTH AUT WED AM
          NORTH AUT WED PM
          NORTH AUT THU AM
          NORTH AUT THU PM
          NORTH AUT FRI AM
MN5W50 Creating a Winning Business 1 Alt Core 15 NORTH SPR FRI PM
          NORTH AUT WED AM
          NORTH SPR WED AM
          NORTH AUT WED PM
          NORTH SPR WED PM
          NORTH AUT THU AM
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          NORTH AUT THU PM
          NORTH AUT FRI AM
          NORTH SPR FRI AM
          NORTH AUT FRI PM
MN5W55 Learning through Work Alt Core 15 NORTH AUT WED AM
          NORTH SPR WED AM
          NORTH AUT WED PM
          NORTH SPR WED PM
          NORTH AUT THU AM
          NORTH SPR THU AM
          NORTH SPR THU PM
          NORTH AUT FRI AM
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          NORTH AUT FRI PM
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          NORTH AUT THU PM
CA5058 Risk and Crisis Management Option 15 NORTH SPR TUE PM
LT5089 Music Industry Contracts and Negotiation Option 15 NORTH AUT TUE PM
LT5091 Cultural Tourism Management Option 15 NORTH SPR TUE AM
LT5094 Field Trip Option 15 NORTH SPR FRI AM
MC5055 Digital Marketing Option 15 NORTH SPR MON AM
          NORTH SPR THU PM
MC5074 Consumer PR and Media Relations Option 15 NORTH AUT TUE AM
MN5072 International Selling and Negotiation Option 15 NORTH AUT TUE AM
MN5073 Developing Inclusive Organisations Option 15 NORTH AUT FRI PM
          NORTH AUT MON AM
          NORTH AUT MON PM
          NORTH AUT TUE AM
          NORTH AUT TUE PM
          NORTH AUT WED AM
          NORTH AUT WED PM
          NORTH AUT THU AM
          NORTH AUT THU PM
          NORTH AUT FRI AM
MN5076 Fundamentals of Project Management Option 15 NORTH SPR WED AM
          NORTH SPR WED PM
          NORTH SPR THU AM
          NORTH SPR THU PM
          NORTH SPR FRI AM
          NORTH SPR FRI PM
OL0000 Open Language Programme Module Option 15 NORTH SPR NA  
          NORTH AUT NA  

Stage 4 Level 06 September start Offered

Code Module title Info Type Credits Location Period Day Time
LT6083 Event Sponsorship and Fundraising Core 15 NORTH AUT FRI AM
LT6089 Conference Management Core 15 NORTH SPR TUE PM
LT6090 Contemporary Issues in Events Core 15 NORTH AUT FRI PM
MN6076 Leading Innovation Core 15 NORTH AUT TUE AM
FE6P04 Dissertation Alt Core 30 NORTH AUT+SPR TUE AM
          NORTH AUT+SPR WED AM
MN6P05 Consultancy Project Alt Core 30 NORTH AUT+SPR MON PM
          NORTH AUT+SPR TUE PM
          NORTH AUT+SPR WED AM
          NORTH AUT+SPR WED PM
          NORTH AUT+SPR TUE AM
LT6091 Service Excellence for Creative industries Option 15 NORTH SPR TUE AM
LT6092 Creative Artists Rights and Legal Disputes (Opt... Option 15 NORTH SPR TUE AM
LT6095 Tourism Destination Management Option 15 NORTH SPR TUE PM
          NORTH SPR MON PM
MC6091 Brand Management Option 15 NORTH SPR MON AM
OL0000 Open Language Programme Module Option 15 NORTH SPR NA  
          NORTH AUT NA