of graduate employers say relevant experience is essential to getting a job with them
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
Our facilities
Students on our computing and ICT courses at University College Birmingham have access to new computer labs on campus, as well as our new Digital Creative Studio featuring industry-standard media equipment.
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
- Normally, you will require 4 GCSEs at grade 4 (grade C) and above, including maths or English. (GCSE equivalent qualifications in English and maths will also be accepted)
- Alternatively you will need a BTEC Level 2 Diploma plus English or maths
- School applicants will be required to provide a good school report and references
- You should be committed, enthusiastic and have a desire to succeed in the IT industry
- If you do not have a grade 4 (grade C) or above in English and/or maths and you are under 19, you will be required to complete an assessment so we can ensure you receive appropriate support.
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 2015-2020.
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.
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.