The University of Leicester becomes latest uni to offer an esports course

The University of Leicester has become the latest educational institution in the UK to declare it will be running an esports degree.

Last week the university announced a partnership with tournament organiser ESL.

The Leicester Mercury, Dexerto and Eurogamer were among those who ran the news.

While there are other esports courses and qualifications emerging (see the bottom of this article) Leicester’s degree is unique in that it will focus on the business of esports.

The course will focus on ‘data and intelligence analysis from esports specialists’.

Jeremy Levesley, Professor of Applied Mathematics at the University of Leicester Department of Mathematics, said: “People learn best when at play, so now more than ever, developing the use of games as a medium for learning is of paramount importance. esports is a very important component of this, as it becomes more popular around the world.

“I am hoping that students will gain commercial awareness of the esports business model, which is one of the fastest growing parts of the gaming economy.”

James Dean, MD of ESL UK, added: “As the esports industry grows in the UK, we are keen to establish an ecosystem that is sustainable for the future. A key component to this is training and attracting talent to the number of roles the esports industry provides. The course outlined by the University of Leicester is very exciting for students looking to join the esports industry and we are delighted to support it.”

Leicester is a growing esports hub in the UK. ESL has its state of the art studio there, and Haymarket Theatre is set to host esports tournaments once redevelopment is complete.

The news comes after an official partnership was struck between ESL and the University of York, and Staffordshire University announced it was also offering an esports degree.

Education and esports: Which colleges and universities are offering courses?