Esports BSc (Hons)

• Overview

  Course is subject to validation – available to apply through UCAS

  • Full time/ Part time available for September 2021 entry
  • Full time with Foundation Study Framework available for September 2020 entry

  BSc (Hons) Esports focuses on the business of competitive video gaming. As one of the world’s most exciting and emerging multi-billion pound industries, there are an increasing number of job opportunities for graduates with the knowledge and expertise to excel in this environment.

  Esports players and teams compete globally at both live and on-line events. This degree develops graduates to work in this exciting global industry.

  You will work with players and teams, create online communities, promote events through digital marketing as well as exploring the culture of Esports, including its ethical and legislative regulations.

  All key components of the Esports event industry are taught including games play, event production, hosting and casting, journalism, games psychology, business management and Esports technology support. Throughout your degree you will be hosting your own events, and as you progress you will support and run a series of larger live and on-line events.

  We will support you to achieve your career and study ambitions, which is why if you complete our Employability Plus Gold programme or Changemaker Gold certificate alongside your studies and if you haven’t secured full-time employment 12 months after graduating* we will secure a three – six month paid internship for you, or support you into postgraduate study.

  *with a 2:2 degree classification or higher

  Read more

  Course

  Highlights

  • Learn in a specialist Esports professional gamer facility
  • Extensive professional industry networks provide real world experience and work placements
  • Optional modules such as hosting, game play, journalism, performance psychology and events production

  HP Laptop and software included with this course.*

  *Terms and Conditions apply

  Open Days

  
• Course Details

  BSc (Hons) Esports is aimed at students who are passionate about gaming and wish to work in the global Esports sector. The games and Esports industry continues to grow at a phenomenal rate creating a flourishing global job market for suitably qualified graduates.

  On this course, students will explore a variety of Esports disciplines from grass roots to elite.  Students benefit from bespoke games facilities, international links, an active local games culture and a large, competitive university BUCS gaming team.

  Students typically study on campus three days per week with a typical contact time of 12 hours per week in addition to the 20-25 hours per week of independent study. We adopt a unique approach to teaching and learning which encourages face to face interactive sessions, demos and workshops. This is supported by on-line and technology-enhanced learning to ensure you have the best possible study experience to achieve your potential.

  Year one

  In your first year of Esports BSc (Hons) you will study modules designed to introduce you to the key areas of the Esports industry. Students will study:

  • Ready player One: Develop your own gaming skills and analyse games play.
  • Digital Esport Marketing: The fundamentals of Esports marketing and promotion are developed in this module.
  • Developing Esport Event Production: Working with industry experts you will start to build the skills needed to run small to large scale Esports events
  • Understanding Competitive Games Culture: This social psych module help you understand the Esports history and sector
  • Global Esports Reporting: Introduces you to the journalism skills needed to report on this global industry
  • Esports Business Fundamentals: As the name of the module suggest you will develop the fundamental business skills to work in the multi-billion pound industry.

  Year two

  In year two, you build on your existing knowledge to develop your understanding, application and effectiveness of different aspects of Esports. You will study four core modules and choose another two from a choice of four. This allows you to start to design your degree and focus on your main areas of interest and future employment.

  Core modules are:

  • Skills, Strategy & Development: This builds on your applied and technical game play
  • Designing & Delivering Successful Events: Here you start to put into practice the theory around event production
  • Developing Esports Brands using Social Media & Marketing: You will apply marketing skills in developing and promoting Esport brands
  • Professional Practice and Business Delivery: This module further develops your business and entrepreneurial skills as well as further understanding this exciting part of the business sector

  In addition to the four core modules you can chose an additional two modules from the following:

  • Performing Under Pressure: The psychology of Esports performance.
  • Esports Journalism: Further developing applied, digital, journalistic skills.
  • Casting and Streaming: Applying key Esport sports presenting and media skills.
  • Consumer Behaviour: Understanding Esports culture.

  Year three

  The third year of your study on Esports BSc (Hons) you will bring all your skills together in a high level applied setting. You have to complete two modules totaling half (60 credits) of your final year credits. These are:

  • Esports Development Project: Here you have the opportunity to carry out a major applied or theoretical research project in an area of your choice.  This is a double weighted module worth 40 credits
  • Applied Event Productions. Live & On-line: Further developing your live event production skills.

  You can then choose three modules from a choice of six. These include:

  • Games Play Analysis. Competitive Coaching
  • VR and Immersive Technology for Esports
  • Esports Psychology: Understanding Player Dynamics
  • Globalisation within Esports. Understanding Culture of Gamers
  • Digital Management for Esports Leadership
  • Media and Journalism Practice for Esports

   

  Assessments

  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.

  Optional placement year

  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.

  Read more

  Additional

  Information

  Work Placements

  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.

• Careers and Events
  • The Northampton Employment Promise.

    *We promise to secure paid experience for you, if you need it.

    We work with employers to understand what they’re looking for and we’re confident that if you follow one of our structured awards, as well as committing to your studies you’ll be in a competitive position when it comes to applying for graduate jobs.

    We’re so confident, that we promise to secure a paid 3-6 month internship for you, if you need it. Find out more about the Northampton Employment Promise, including how it works and who is eligible.

    
  • Open Days

    Discover your Course

    Our Open Days offer you a fantastic opportunity to get a real taste of university life at Northampton and discover how studying here will be a life-changing experience.

    Each Open Day has a packed programme of subjects talks, advice sessions and activities designed to give you all the information you need about studying with us.

    To find out more about the day, please feel free to have a look at our Open Day Guide.

    
• Requirements

  Standard entry requirements apply. A typical offer would be CCC at A Level or DMM at BTEC. If you have non-traditional qualifications or have experience working within sport development, PE and/or youth sport then we will consider your application.

  For more more information on how to make an application, please visit our How to Apply page.

  If you are an International student and would like information on making an application, please see our How to Apply page.

   

  Foundation Study Framework Entry Requirements

  Admission to this foundation course is normally DEE at A Level or MPP at BTEC. However, we would also like to hear from you if you have professional or industry experience instead, a range of other qualifications or self-developed subject knowledge that relates to the course you wish to study.

  English Language Requirements

  All International and EU students applying for a course with us must meet the following minimum English language requirements:

  • IELTS 6.0 (or equivalent) with a minimum of 5.5 in all bands
    for study at undergraduate level.

  For information regarding English language requirements at the University, please see our IELTS page.

  Contacts

  Course enquiries
  study@northampton.ac.uk

  Application status enquiries
  admissions2020@northampton.ac.uk

  Online enquiry form

  Current student enquiries
  SID@northampton.ac.uk

  International student enquiries
  international@northampton.ac.uk

  Applying for 2020
  Facebook Applicant Group

  Office hours:
  Mon – Thu: 9am – 5pm
  Fri: 9am – 4.30pm

  Phone Call

  0300 303 2772

  +44 (0)1604 892134

  +44 (0)1604 892546

• Course Content
  • Foundation

  • Investigations into your Subject Area 1: Business, Education and Social Sciences (40 Credits)
    Module code: FDN011

    Core Module Y
  • Investigations into your Subject Area 2: Business, Education and Social Sciences (40 Credits)
    Module code: FDN014

    Core Module Y
  • Investigation into your Subject Area 3: Changemaking (40 Credits)
    Module code: FDN016

    Core Module Y

  Course subject to validation – modules to be uploaded in due course.

  Facilities &

  Special Features

  • Bespoke Esports facilities are being developed at our £330 million at Waterside University of Northampton Campus.
  • 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.
• Further Studies
  • Careers

    Employability

    Whether you want to become a professional gamer, event producer, host, marketer or journalist you will gain a whole host of skills and industry experience and insight to enhance your career prospects and help you work in this flourishing global industry.

    Typical graduate roles include:

    • Esports league and tournament management and operations
    • Esports business development
    • Social media and content creation
    • Marketing campaign and sales
    • Esports journalism and editorial operations
    • On-line and live Esports event management

    
• Fees & Funding
  • UK & EU
  • International

  2021/22 Tuition Fees

  Fees quoted relate to study in the Academic Year 21/22 only and may be subject to inflationary increases in future years.

  Full Time: £9,250
  Part Time: £1,450 per 20 credit module
  Foundation Framework: £6,750 as part of a four year programme (subsequent years will be charged at standard BSc rate).

  Additional costs

  Additional costs will be incurred if you decide to participate in optional field trips/visits as part of your course. The exact cost will depend upon the location chosen for the trip.

  2020/21 Tuition Fees

  Fees quoted relate to study in the Academic Year 20/21 only and may be subject to inflationary increases in future years.

  Full Time: £12,900
  Foundation Framework: £9,800

  Additional costs

  Additional costs will be incurred if you decide to participate in optional field trips/visits as part of your course. The exact cost will depend upon the location chosen for the trip.

  Scholarships

  EU and International Scholarships

  We’re committed to offering the opportunity to study in the UK to the best and brightest students from around the world.

  Sir Thomas White Scholarship

  The Sir Thomas White scholarship will support and acknowledge an academically gifted student, with the proviso that the selection panel is confident that there is…

  TD Lewis Scholarship

  The T D Lewis Scholarship provides both undergraduate and postgraduate students with financial awards of up to £1,000.  This scholarship is awarded on educational excellence…

  The Chancellor's Fund

  The Chancellor’s Fund is a bi-annual fund providing students with awards of between £100 and £1,000. You must be a current student to apply.  The…

  Wilson Endowment Scholarship

  The Wilson Endowment Scholarship provides a £1,500 scholarship to undergraduate students from the Northamptonshire area. The endowed scholarship was donated in memory of Mr Lynn Wilson,…

• Foundation

  Course information

  The Foundation Study Framework 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 for Esports we can offer you a fantastic opportunity to study a four year International Business programme which includes a Foundation Study Framework Year. The Foundation Study Framework will help you develop the theoretical/practical and academic skills you need, in order to successfully progress to the full award.

  Featuring a reduced tuition fee in the first year, 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.

  Course Structure

  In your first year of study on the four year Esports you will study three 40 credit modules that form the Foundation Study Framework. These are:

  • Investigations into your subject 1 – Academic & Investigation skills. Introduces the concept of research and provides the tools of how to do it, with short assessment tasks involving identifying resources and describing how they would be used.
  • Investigations into your Subject 2 – Employability and Professional Context. Provides a framework and opportunity to start relating research to own practice and employability – making connections.
  • Investigations into your Subject 3 – Changemaking, Introduction to Social Innovation. Focuses specifically on the generation and development of ideas around our social development aspirations.
    Upon successful completion of these modules, you will progress to Stage two International Business.

  Typical timetabled week of study

  Foundation Study Framework teaching will be a combination of lectures, seminars and/or workshop based sessions. Each module involves a teaching contact time of 12 hours per week and you are also expected to engage in approximately 12 hours of independent study, to support your learning experience.

  Foundation study will help you to build a solid understanding of the study skills and general theoretical and practical aspects that will underpin Esports. Throughout all stages of your programme you will also be supported by a Personal Academic Tutor, to guide you through the learning experience and help you make informed study choices.

  Foundation study will enable you to acquire the necessary study skills to succeed in higher education, as well as developing your understanding of key subject concepts delivered through taught sessions, tutorials and online support.

  Visit our Foundation Framework page to learn more.

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*Course data provided by Unistats