Quick facts
| Qualification type | Pearson BTEC Level 3 Extended Diploma |
| Duration | 2 years |
| Study times | You will be expected to be in college for a minimum of 3 days per week, from 9:00 to 4:00. Your timetable will be confirmed at induction. |
| Entry requirements | 5 x GCSEs at Grade 4 or above including maths and English at Grade 4 or above or current West Suffolk College students with an appropriate Level 2 qualification at Merit grade and one of either GCSE maths or English at grade 4 or above. |
| Campus | West Suffolk College Sixth Form Campus, Bury St Edmunds |
| Work placements | Yes |
Is it for me?
If you are looking to join a modern, fast-growing industry with technology and gaming at its heart, where you can also learn extensive transferable skills, this could be the course for you.
Esports is a fast-growing global industry, which not only requires Esports players, but also the professionals to manage and develop Esports events. This qualification has been developed to meet this upcoming demand for skills in managing and developing Esports.
The personal development and range of transferable professional skills you learn on this Esports course, such as teamwork, communication, strategic thinking and multi-tasking will enable you to progress to employment across a range of roles within Esports and many other related industries.
Esports is a fast-growing global industry, which not only requires Esports players, but also the professionals to manage and develop Esports events. This qualification has been developed to meet this upcoming demand for skills in managing and developing Esports.
The personal development and range of transferable professional skills you learn on this Esports course, such as teamwork, communication, strategic thinking and multi-tasking will enable you to progress to employment across a range of roles within Esports and many other related industries.
Our Esports course at West Suffolk College offers an exciting and immersive entry into one of the world's fastest-growing industries. You will join a vibrant community of like-minded individuals and take part in real-world experiences from day one – including live events, competitive tournaments, and cutting-edge content creation. Recently, our current students hosted a successful Mario Kart tournament complete with custom 3D-printed trophies designed in-house, and our Apex Legends team secured a podium finish in the British Esports Student Championships. With a new season ahead, you can also compete in the F1 Williams Student Racing League using the sim rigs in our specialist Esports Lab.
Based within the Digital and Creative Technologies department, you will benefit from close links with complementary courses such as Social Media & Journalism, Film & Media, and Cyber Security. Supported by a team of passionate and experienced staff, you will develop the skills and confidence to thrive in the digital world. From guest speakers to industry trips, we've got an action-packed year ahead – and we can't wait to welcome you.
What you'll learn
- Introduction to Esports
- Esports Skills, Strategies and Analysis
- Enterprise and Entrepreneurship in the Esports Industry
- Health, Wellbeing and Fitness for Esports Players
- Esports Events
- Livestream Broadcasting
- Video Production
- Computer Networking
- Games Design
- Producing an Esports Brand
- Business use of social media
Equipment required for the course
Students joining the Esports course will have access to our dedicated Esports Lab, fully equipped with high-spec gaming PCs, sim racing rigs, and all the industry-standard software required to complete their coursework and projects. Most practical work will be completed on campus using these resources.
There will be occasions where students need to work on assignments at home, but a basic PC or laptop capable of running Microsoft Office or Google Workspace is all that's required.
If students are considering upgrading or purchasing equipment for the course, our team is happy to offer guidance and recommendations to help you choose the right setup for your needs and budget. We'll also show you how to access a range of student discounts on hardware, software, and peripherals to make your investment go further.
We're here to support you every step of the way – both in college and at home.
Work experience placements
As part of the Esports course, all students are required to complete 40 hours of work placement. These placements are an essential part of the programme, giving you the opportunity to apply your skills in real-world settings and gain valuable experience that can boost your future career prospects.
We have a dedicated Work Placement Officer who will support you in finding a placement that suits your interests and career goals. Whether it's working with local gaming communities, supporting live events, or gaining experience in digital content creation, we'll help you make the most of every opportunity.
Throughout the year, there are also college-led projects, events, and trips that can contribute to your required hours. However, we strongly believe that stepping into a real workplace environment provides invaluable experience and helps you build confidence, professionalism, and transferable skills that employers in the esports and digital industries are looking for.
Assessment
You will be assessed using a diverse range of assessment methods including written reports, online tests, software applications, practical demonstrations, and professional discussions.
Further study
After completing the Esports course, students have the opportunity to take their skills and knowledge to the next level by progressing onto our brand-new Esports Broadcast Production HND.
This exciting higher education course is designed for those who want to explore the creative and technical side of esports production, including live broadcasting, content creation, streaming technologies, and event management. Students will gain hands-on experience using professional-grade equipment and have the chance to work on official broadcasts in partnership with British Esports.
Whether you're looking to specialise in behind-the-scenes production, media management, or digital storytelling, the HND provides a clear and practical pathway into careers across the esports, media, and creative industries.
Our team will guide you through your next steps and support your application into higher education or employment.
Example careers
- Professional Player
- Coach
- Shoutcaster/Host
- Esports Analyst
- Esports Journalist
- Esports Content Creator
- Administrator
- Esports Broadcast/Production
- Community Manager
- Team/Player Management and Operations
- Events Management
Discover more
If you'd like to explore the world of esports in more detail, we highly recommend visiting the British Esports Federation website:
This site is packed with valuable information for both students and parents, including:
An introduction to the esports industry and how it's evolving
Detailed guides on the wide range of career pathways in and around esports – from professional gaming to event production, coaching, content creation, and marketing
Insights into the transferable skills students develop through esports, such as teamwork, leadership, communication, problem-solving, and digital literacy
A dedicated Parents' Hub that answers common questions about esports, education, and future prospects
Whether you're just starting to explore esports or looking to understand how it connects to broader digital and creative industries, the British Esports site is a great place to start.
Days & times
Starting September 2025