It’s career game on with new Esports courses

This September, Walsall College is launching new qualifications for school leavers about the business of competitive video gaming.

The BTEC Level 2 Certificate in Esports and Level 3 Extended Diploma in Esports will develop students’ knowledge in a number of Esports areas.  These include competitive gaming, coaching, event management, sports marketing, design and technology.

The new courses are in response to a massive increase in esports job opportunities in the UK, (118% year-on-year according to esports jobs website, Hitmarker).

Head of Curriculum for Business and Computing, Jeremy Bridgman said: “Jobs in Esports are emerging, growing and diversifying at speed.  Our new courses deliver the business, creative, digital and technical skills to capitalise on this phenomenon.

“We’re paving the way for students to progress into Esports-related careers.  With Esports university courses on the rise, they can also pursue further specialist training.”

The one-year Level 2 course includes four mandatory units:

• Esports Games, Teams and Tournaments
• Establishing an Esports Organisation
• Streaming for Esports
• Plan an Esports Event

Meanwhile, the two-year Level 3 course includes five mandatory units:

• Introduction to Esports
• Esports Skills, Strategies and Analysis
• Enterprise and Entrepreneurship in the Esports Industry
• Health, Wellbeing and Fitness for Esports Players
• Esports Events

Jeremy Bridgman continued: “As we ease out of lockdown, the entertainment and leisure industry will look very different.  Esports will be at the forefront of how organisations, outlets and brands deliver game-based events and social experiences.

“We’re confident our courses will help individuals embrace these exciting opportunities.”

*Hitmaker Esports Jobs Report