Esports BSc (Hons)

At the University of Northampton, everything we do, from funded trips to paid internships, is to give you everything you need to make a difference when you leave.

If you join this full time BSc esports degree at Northampton, you will receive a laptop when your course begins*. The laptops are built to a bespoke custom specification ideal for use in the seminar room, collaborative group work or studying at home.

Whatever your ambitions, we’re here to help you to achieve them. We’ll support you to identify the skills you’re learning during your course, find your strengths and secure practical experience so that when it comes to applying for jobs or further study you’ll feel confident in standing out from the crowd. We’ve created the Northampton Employment Promise because we are so confident that if you focus on your studies and complete one of our awards you’ll be highly employable by the time you graduate. Putting you in a great position to secure employment or continue your studies.

To check out the full list of perks, visit our Student Perks page or dedicated International Perks page.

*UK fee payers only (see Terms and Conditions for further details).

The Integrated Foundation Year (IFY) offers a new and exciting route into studying for a degree, attracting ambitious and driven students who are willing to learn and advance.

If you have non-standard qualifications or do not quite meet the admissions requirements we can offer you a fantastic opportunity to study a four year programme which includes an Integrated Foundation Year. The Integrated Foundation Year will help you develop the theoretical/practical and academic skills you need, in order to successfully progress to the full award.

Our four-year courses will enable you to successfully follow the degree pathway of your choice while gaining essential study skills. The foundation year of your chosen degree will be studied on a full-time basis and is aimed at supporting the transition to higher education. Years two, three and four are then studied as a standard degree programme.

The University of Northampton works in partnership with a number of local, regional, national and international games and esports bodies such as British esports and EpicLan. Our close partnerships provide an excellent base for students to learn and develop their sport business skills in a real life setting on a regular basis.

What is an esports course?

Our BSc esports programme offers a multidisciplinary approach to the esports industry, with specialised modules in esports marketing, media production, management, casting and streaming, event management, and more.

From Year 2 (Level 5), you can tailor your studies to align with your career aspirations, choosing from a range of specialist pathways. The programme is delivered by a team of academic experts in esports and experienced industry professionals, ensuring a rigorous curriculum that integrates established academic frameworks with esports-specific applications.

You will benefit from a dynamic learning environment that combines theoretical knowledge with real-world industry insights. To enhance employability, we provide local and international study trips, work experience opportunities, and networking with leading esports organisations. Our strong industry connections with Epic LAN, Dream Hack, Riot Games, and other key players ensure that you gain valuable exposure and professional connections.

How will I learn?

Our esports course provides a mixture of classroom-based sessions (to introduce and explore key concepts) and practical activities that enable you to develop your esports gameplay performance, coaching, and business approach. There are also opportunities to learn ‘off campus’, you will have the opportunity to attend esports competitions and events and interact with esports professionals to help support your development and enhance the learning experience.

Alongside this esports university degree, you are also encouraged to take an active engagement in esports, participating in the university esports teams, and engaging in practical work experience and volunteering with local esports organisations. We believe that the knowledge gained through your degree experience should be used to create a social impact wherever possible, that’s why we bring elements of the industry into your degree and encourage all our students to re-invest their knowledge, skills, and talent back into local, and national, initiatives and programmes.

Is there an opportunity to go on placement?

Esports students have the opportunity after their second year to take a year out and source work within the industry on a paid (sandwich) placement. They also have the opportunity to undertake a placement as part of their study in their final year.

How will I be assessed on this esports course?

You will be assessed through a rich and mixed diet of assessments designed to develop your learning, applied skills and improve your employability. This includes practical work, digital tasks, presentations, essays, assessed practicals, poster presentations, blogs and in-class tests.

Are there any specialist esports facilities?

• Our students benefit from our HP Omen equipped esports lab, professional standard Greaves 3D sim racing rigs, and media studios.
• UON is home to a growing and competitive student union led Gaming Society.
• We can help you source short term industry placements and internships.
• Our annual Changing Futures Week helps you learn about career options and meet prospective employers.