Esports BA(Hons)

In year one, you'll gain a solid practical and theoretical foundation in the field of esports. You'll learn about the basic context in which esports are streamed, gain an understanding of the whole delivery process from start to finish, discover the roles that work together to make a project happen and explore team-working methodologies. You'll also get an introduction to digital media and creative marketing processes.

Modules

Theory: Sports History and Contemporary Esports Studies

You'll be introduced to the historical context for studying esports and the theories and concepts that have been developed specifically for their discussion, as well as those which have emerged from other disciplines such as sports history and visual media.

Development Principles

You'll engage with the core processes of digital project development in a studio-centred context, as well as the culture it supports. You'll work in teams to develop your collaboration skills.

Marketing and Digital Media

An understanding of marketing and digital media is vital in the esports industry. You'll learn how to utilise creative marketing processes within the experience sector.

Streaming Technology and Online Networked Broadcast

In this module, you'll gain an understanding of the components that make up a live networked streaming setup designed for online spectatorship. You'll get to grips with the technologies, protocols, and systems vital to esports production.

Multidisciplinary Development Practice

This module will help you to deliver an industry-standard proof-of-concept for an esports production, using specialist skills and multi-skilled collaboration.

In year two, your growing knowledge and skills will be put to the test with practical projects. You'll define and execute a solo esports, livestreaming or content creation project and work in a team to respond to a project brief. You'll consider the game-specific factors that impact spectator experience, encounter the legal, regulatory, financial and ethical considerations for running an esports business and develop an understanding of branding and promotion.

Modules

Legal and Financial Management in the Experience Sector

Through this introduction to the legal and financial elements of the industry, you'll learn to accurately interpret and respond to financial data and legislative considerations.

Analysing Esports Strategy and Highlights

In this module, you'll unpick the strategy behind an esports production. You'll get to know all the game-specific factors that need to be considered when producing an engaging spectator experience.

Media Lab

Focusing on esports promotion, you'll explore the creative opportunities and ethical implications of media technologies and advertising platforms.

Esports Events and Community Management

You'll work in a team to deliver a livestreamed esports event, considering physical vs. digital delivery. Backed by the lessons learned in the Media Lab module, you'll also consider online promotion and community engagement.

Individual Esports Project

You'll strike out on your own to explore content creation and media production as part of a solo project. You can focus on esports or digital content creation more generally.

Collaboration University-wide Challenge

This module encourages collaborative opportunities between students across all areas of the University.

Your final year is all about preparing for industry. You'll gain vital entrepreneurial knowhow and finesse your practical skills by doing it for real. Working in a team, you'll deliver a large-scale, long-term esports event management project, which you'll present at the end of year show. To support this practical project, you'll write an extended essay based on a specific game and/or esports research topic.

Modules

Esports Professional Practice

You'll advance and consolidate your knowledge and understanding of esports enterprise. Supported by lecturers and mentors, you'll discover how to participate in esports enterprise and how to set up an esports company.

Entrepreneurial Practice

This module will support the development of entrepreneurial skills alongside your professional and specialist practice.

Major Game Development Project: Pre-production

You'll prepare for the Final Major Collaboration module by carrying out the pre-production of a market-viable esports production, as part of a team.

Theory: Preparing for the Future

This theory-based module will help you build a greater awareness of the evolving nature of games and esports. You'll deepen your understanding of the cultural, social and political contexts within which games and esports are made, played and perceived.

Major Collaboration

Building on the pre-production developed in the Major Game Development module, you'll produce, promote and broadcast a market-viable esports production as part of a multi-skilled team.

We consider all applications on their own individual merit and potential. We invite all applicants to an interview day or audition to give them the opportunity to demonstrate this along with what inspires and motivates them in their field. Applicants will also be able to show their portfolio or give a performance depending on the course. We welcome applications from all subject backgrounds, whether you’ve specialised in STEM, the arts or humanities.  

As a guide our typical offer at undergraduate level is 104 – 120 UCAS Tariff points, primarily from Level 3 qualifications such as but not limited to A-levels, a BTEC/UAL Extended Diploma or a Foundation Diploma. 

Check how many points your qualifications are worth

For applicants whose first language is English we require you to have or be working towards GCSE English Language Grade 4 (C), or equivalent. 

If English is not your first language you will need to meet the same standard which is equivalent to the IELTS Academic 6.0 overall score, with at least 5.5 in Reading, Writing, Speaking and Listening. We accept a range of in country equivalencies and approved tests.  

If you need a student visa to study in the UK, you'll need to take a recognised language test that is approved and vouched for by the University. You can read our English Language Requirements for more information.

UK/EU applications: 26 January 2022 (for equal consideration) 

Late applications will be considered if there are places available. 

International fee payers can apply throughout the year. But we recommend applying as early as possible, to make time for visa and travel arrangements.

£9,250 per year - full-time UK

£16,950 per year - full-time EU/international

£9,250 per year - full-time UK

£17,460 per year - full-time EU/international