of graduate employers say relevant experience is essential to getting a job with them
Course Level
Level 3
Duration
2 years full-time
Placement
10 days per year
Entry
September
Fees
View Fees
$1.1bn global Esports revenue in 2019*
Join the UK’s 2nd-fastest growing entertainment and media sector
Esports is an industry rapidly on the rise. Global Esports revenues are tipped to hit $1.8 billion by 2022, with more than 450 million viewers tuning in last year. As part of a balanced lifestyle, it’s also a beneficial alternative to passive media like TV and supports building a wide array of technical and personal skills. Our BTEC Esports college course lets you explore the field in depth and opens doors to a future in this booming business.
Esports has strong connections to computing education, STEAM subjects and developing business and enterprise skills, cyber skills and digital literacy. Endorsed by the British Esports Association for learners wanting to work in the industry, this Level 3 course builds upon a wealth of transferable skills and enables you to experience different aspects of Esports, covering a range of subjects from video production and branding to games design and computer networking.
By completing our Esports BTEC course, you will gain a recognised qualification that will enable you to progress to employment in the industry, possibly via an apprenticeship. You could also move into higher education with potential pathways ranging from media to events management, as well as accessing Higher Nationals directly from your qualification.
Find out more about this course and the college by ordering a physical copy of our college prospectus by clicking here.
Why choose this college course?
- BOOST YOUR SKILLS – Learn a range of subjects including Esports coaching, events, livestreamed broadcasting, business applications in social media and more
- WORK PLACEMENT – Transfer your learning into real-world practice through work placement opportunities with our industry partners
- INDUSTRY APPROVED – Our course is endorsed by the British Esports Association, meaning it is recognised by employers and supports entry into a range of industry roles
- MOVE UP TO UNIVERSITY – Want to continue your learning journey after college? Progress your training to degree level on an undergraduate course at University College Birmingham
There are lots of reasons why we think you should study with us, but here are our top 5. View video.
Our facilities
Our dedicated esports suite at Camden House is equipped with the latest technology to support students on our Esports course at University College Birmingham. You will also have access to computer labs on campus, as well as our Digital Creative Studio featuring industry-standard media equipment.
Our esports suite houses 15 gaming grade computers, all with matching looks and hardware, providing the top-spec technology needed for this rapidly growing field
Our machines feature the latest graphics cards, CPUs, display units and peripherals for the best possible experience, as well as advanced tools for recording and streaming gameplay
Our esports suite offers GT Omega PRO racing gaming chairs for comfort on longer gaming sessions, as well as three large TV screens to mirror the tutor's computer for easy viewing during lessons
Also based in Camden House, our Digital Creative Studio houses a dedicated teaching lab complete with high-spec computers and industry-standard media technology, including Adobe Creative Cloud software
The Digital Creative Studio features state-of-the-art video and audio production facilities, including a video production studio with 4K cameras and green screen technology
Our Digital Creative Studio also hosts audio podcasting, vision mixing and editing facilities, as well as a creative media and design lab with graphics tablets
Course breakdown
Topics you will study:
Year 1
- Introduction to Esports
- Esports Skills, Strategies and Analysis
- Enterprise and Entrepreneurship in the Esports Industry
- Health, Wellbeing and Fitness for Esports Players
- Producing an Esports Brand
- Games Design
- Esports Coaching
Year 2
- Esports Events
- Live-streamed Broadcasting
- Video Production
- Business Applications of Esports in Social Media
- Shoutcasting
- Ethical and Current Issues in Esports
- Launching Your Esports Enterprise
- Computer Networking
Maths and English
To help you secure your dream career, you will also continue developing your maths and English skills alongside your full-time course. If you haven’t achieved GCSE grade 4/C in English and maths at age 16, you will continue to study these through resits or taking Functional Skills at an appropriate level.
How maths will support your career
- Designing computer game algorithms
- Understanding calculated decisions
- Understanding the use of geometry, vectors and transformations to design a game
- Presenting information
- Understanding statistics and equations
How English will support your career
- Good quality speaking and listening skills are needed when communicating with colleagues and customers
- Customer service requires good English skills in speaking and written communication
- Accurate reading is vital for following instructions, reading documents and emails, and understanding the ideas, aspirations and demands of colleagues and competitors
- English is important when preparing a CV and a business proposal, and for putting together advertising and marketing plans for your business
Entry requirements
Our business lecturers are looking for students who are enthusiastic and passionate about business, together with a keen determination to succeed in the industry, so please contact Admissions if you do not have the specific requirements outlined below.
If you are unsure if your qualification is equivalent or if you wish to check if you meet the entry requirements for this course, please call 0121 214 2919, email feadmissions@ucb.ac.uk or use our live chat.
Academic requirements
4 GCSEs at grade 4 (grade C) including English Language and Maths, or equivalent.
English and maths
As applicants are required to achieve English and Maths at grade 4 (grade C) prior to entering this course, University College Birmingham will not offer English or Maths alongside the Esports course.
Supporting documents required
- School applicants will be required to provide a good school report, which must include attendance. This will be assessed in conjunction with your qualifications and application during the confirmation of your place at University College Birmingham.
- If you are a school leaver (over 19), you will be required to provide a reference from a previous education provider or employer in support of your application.
Guaranteed progression
Students who achieve 56 UCAS points or more from this qualification, will automatically be guaranteed a place on a degree course at University College Birmingham. Some undergraduate courses require additional entry requirements, so applicants are advised to check entry requirements before applying.
Key information
Teaching and assessment
You will be assessed through 100% coursework assignments and projects, some of which will involve industry-related visits.
Our teaching and assessment is underpinned by our Teaching, Learning and Assessment Strategy 2021-2024.
This qualification is endorsed by the British Esports Association
Accreditations, endorsements and partnerships
University College Birmingham works with a wide range of organisations to ensure you receive the best possible training and qualifications recognised by industry.
70%
Work placements
Work placements offer a wealth of benefits alongside your studies, helping you put your learning into practice, develop your skills and understanding of the workplace, boost your CV for your chosen career or enhance your UCAS application for higher education. Our hired@UCB team can help find the ideal placement for you.
During your BTEC Esports course, you will undertake a work placement with one of our industry partners. Each year of the course involves 10 days on placement, usually split into two block placements of 5 days each.
Esports will rival the biggest traditional sports leagues in terms of future opportunities, and between advertising, ticket sales, licensing, sponsorships and merchandising, there are tremendous growth areas for this nascent industry.
Career opportunities
Note: Some roles below may require further study/training. The roles and salaries below are intended as a guide only.
Marketing executive
Average salary: £26,500 – £30,500
Social media manager
Average salary: £25,000 – £32,000
Event manager
Average Salary: £33,000
Journalist/content creator
Average Salary: £24,000
Production crew
Variable
Professional Esports player
Variable
Aspiring to a higher level career? Complete this course and you could progress onto our Computer Science degree.
Kanwal’s Story
Kanwal brings vast expertise to this new course and is dedicated to promoting learning strengths across diverse groups of students.
