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British Esports are the leading authority on esports education, developing new career pathways for young people.
Adam McGowan
News
8 min read
5 Dec 2024
Revolutionising Academic Studies.
In an era defined by rapid technological advancement and shifting career landscapes, the traditional boundaries of education have been redrawn. Esports is a dynamic and innovative sector that has redefined the way we think about learning.
Imagine classrooms where complex mathematical concepts are applied through calculating in game strategies, where storytelling skills are honed through interactive game narratives and where leadership and collaboration thrive as students strategise and execute complex team plays.
Through the lens of esports, education takes on a new dimension, one that seamlessly blends passion led learning with skills development. Engaging in a range of disciplines from strategic thinking to teamwork, problem solving and communication, esports helps to develop essential skills for the future.
As students discover real world applications for academic subjects within the context of esports, their motivation to learn and engage with a wider range of disciplines is heightened.
Empowering Education through Esports Innovation.
With a history of fostering digital skills, teamwork and strategic thinking, British Esports has harnessed the power of esports as an educational tool.
A collaboration that not only elevates grassroots esports throughout the UK, but also establishes a platform for learners to excel through passion led learning.
From early learning in Leaderships Skills Qualifications to further education and higher education with the suite of Pearson BTECs in Esports and our exclusive university level partnership with College of Esports, the world’s first institution offering Foundation and Bachelor Degrees in a range of International esports business areas, we’ve pioneered the gamification of academic studies and classroom dynamics.
Cultivating Tomorrow’s Leaders through Academic Excellence.
At the core of our education mission lies a desire to inspire a generation to reach beyond the boundaries of ordinary.
We seek to ignite the spark of curiosity and fuel the flames of determination and envision a future where inspiration creates a pathway for the leaders, innovators and trailblazers of tomorrow.
ESPORTS IS MORE THAN JUST A GAME
Esports continues to emerge as a dynamic industry with numerous career opportunities.
In today’s landscape, esports is a fertile ground for diverse professions.
Careers such as professional players, coaches, team managers and analysts have become sought after positions and beyond these traditional esports roles, the industry has also given rise to a range of career pathways in creative, digital, and STEM-related sectors.
Turn your passion into a career. Discover a range of qualifications in esports.
We work with the UK’s leading educational authorities, partners and wider stakeholders to develop cutting edge esports curriculum, modern, transferable skills and progression pathways in esports, creative, digital and STEM industries.
Building Skills. Shaping Futures.
Esports isn’t just passive entertainment, it’s a catalyst for passion led learning.
Either through extra curricular, after school activities or via leadership skills based qualifications, esports can offer a dynamic approach to education that resonates deeply with students and learners who may not find traditional academia a perfect fit.
Introducing students to valuable skills like teamwork, critical thinking and strategic planning, esports can transform learning into a captivating experience, leveraging gamification techniques and play based learning to make complex concepts more accessible and enjoyable.
From the BTEC in Esports to Undergraduate Degree qualifications, we’re pioneers in producing industry recognised qualifications that meet the needs of the creative, digital and STEM sectors.
We develop cutting edge curriculum that fosters the future ready skills of tomorrow.Â
STUDENT CHAMPS TEAMS
STUDENTS COMPETING
ESPORTS BTEC STUDENTS
Academic Value in College Esports Communities.
As the journey from esports in schools transitions seamlessly into college life, it brings a unique blend of competition and academia to the forefront of further education.
Offering students a vibrant community to hone their skills in competitive play and connect with like minded peers through cross curricular learning, college institutions recognise the value and educational potential of esports to engage the minds of generation.
“Significant learning experiences are happening outside the classroom and one of those areas is gaming, which contrary to popular perception is not a passive form of entertainment like watching TV but is a proactive engagement.”
DR. ELIZA FILBY
GENERATIONS EXPERT & HISTORIAN OF CONTEMPORARY VALUES
Esports at University: Fostering Career Versatility.
From College of Esports, the world’s first university dedicated to the business of esports to the availability of undergraduate degree qualifications in fields like Event Management, Sports Media, Coaching and Health and Well being.
The diversity of coursework and degrees available in higher education showcase how esports is not just a hobby or a pastime but a multidimensional field with abundant opportunity.
Students can explore the intricacies of event planning for esports tournaments, learn the ropes of sports media production within the esports context and even delve into the realm of player health and well being.
High Performance Gaming and Luxurious Living.
Experience esports education firsthand at our exclusive Esports and Gaming accommodation situated in the heart of Sunderland City Centre.
Stay in one of 3 Grade II listed townhouses, with sleeping for up to 27 guests and dedicated air conditioned, esports performance rooms, featuring the very latest Alienware Aurora R15 gaming desktops powered by NVIDIA® GeForce RTX® 4080 and Intel® Core™ i7 processors.
Live and learn esports at the National Esports Performance Campus, the home of British Esports.
Developing Amateur Esports Talent in Academia.
Featuring the biggest esports games, hundreds of institutions and thousands of amateur esports athletes, the British Esports Student Champs is the definitive competitive gaming platform for aspiring esports athletes in early education.
Open to all secondary schools, further education colleges and alternative provision schools across the United Kingdom, the Student Champs is largest amateur grassroots esports tournament for students aged 12+.
Explore the schools and colleges and educational institutions throughout the United Kingdom currently delivering the Esports BTEC.
Explore our range of resources from articles and guides to interviews and case studies.
FOR STUDENTS
Interested in studying esports at college or university? Check out a range of courses, qualifications and resources to help your journey.
FOR PARENTS
Discover the transformative nature of esports. Explore a range of resources to unlock the potential of your child’s future.
FOR TEACHERS
Explore resources that help deliver esports education in the classroom and develop the future ready employees of tomorrow.
FOR SCHOOL
Discover resources for schools. Empower educators and students to embark on an exciting educational adventure through esports.
FOR COLLEGE
Discover how esports is transforming higher education throughout the UK with the BTEC in Esports.
FOR UNIVERSITY
Interested in studying esports through higher education? Explore a range of tools and resources for university.
In a world where the lines between gaming and business are blurring, the skills developed through esports are increasingly sought after in professional contexts.
These skills, including strategic thinking, teamwork, adaptability and communication, provide a holistic foundation for success, making esports not just a recreational activity but a training ground for tomorrow’s business leaders.
Esports can lead to the development of cross-curricular skills and even improved attendance, as found in our work in Alternative Provision Schools.
Gaming competitively often involves intricate strategies, which can require mathematics for calculating probabilities, language skills for effective communication, and critical thinking for devising winning tactics.
As students find real-world applications for academic subjects within the context of esports, their motivation to learn and engage in various disciplines is heightened. Additionally, the sense of community and purpose that comes with being part of an esports team can contribute to increased attendance, as students are eager to participate in both their academic studies and extracurricular activities.
From navigating intricate virtual worlds, to mastering complex in-game interfaces, and utilising a variety of digital tools to communicate and strategise with teammates, this nurtures a deep understanding of digital technologies and platforms.
Esports enthusiasts engage in rapid information processing, analysing game dynamics, anticipating opponents’ moves, and adapting strategies on the fly. These cognitive demands enhance critical thinking, problem-solving, and decision-making skills.
Players may be required to make split-second choices that can greatly influence the outcome of a match. The ability to assess complex situations rapidly, weigh pros and cons, and execute well-calculated decisions under pressure becomes second nature to esports enthusiasts.
Moreover, the demand for precision and quick reflexes hones players’ dexterity, as they navigate intricate in-game movements, aiming, and strategic positioning, creating a combination of rapid decision-making, dexterity and fine-tuned motor skills.
Participation in esports can cultivate creativity and originality, as competing often presents esports players with complex challenges and scenarios that demand innovative solutions. Gamers may need to think outside the box, devise creative strategies and unexpected maneuvers to gain an edge over their opponents.
Whether it’s crafting unconventional tactics, leveraging in-game mechanics in novel ways, or adapting to changing circumstances, esports enthusiasts can be pushed to explore new avenues and test their limits.
Additionally, many esports titles provide players with tools for customisation and personalisation, encouraging them to express their individuality through unique gameplay styles and appearances.
Esports can nurture invaluable skills in multitasking and concentration.
Competitive gaming environments often require players to juggle multiple tasks simultaneously, such as monitoring the game state, communicating with teammates, and executing precise maneuvers. This cultivates a heightened ability to manage various streams of information and tasks effectively.
Furthermore, esports enthusiasts must maintain intense focus and concentration throughout extended gaming sessions, as a single moment of distraction can tip the balance of a match.
Engaging in esports fosters the development of crucial skills in leadership and communication. This is because competing or working in a team involves teamwork and collaboration, requiring players to coordinate their efforts and communicate effectively to achieve victory. Gamers often assume different roles within a team, honing their leadership abilities as they guide their squad towards a common goal.
Clear and concise communication becomes vital to strategise in real-time, convey information, and synchronise the collective actions of the team. Also, esports players often engage with online communities, enhancing their digital communication skills and learning how to navigate diverse audiences.
Being involved with esports comes with its challenges, from facing formidable opponents to enduring defeat, setbacks and tackling internal differences. Esports enthusiasts must learn to embrace failure as a stepping stone toward improvement, rather than a roadblock.
This experience builds a resilient mindset, teaching them to bounce back from disappointments and continue striving for success. The pursuit of mastery in esports demands consistent practice, patience, a healthy body and mindset, and the ability to learn from mistakes.
Esports cultivates valuable skills in strategic thinking and problem solving. They must analyse game scenarios, adapt to situations, and make decisions to change strategies or outmaneuver opponents.
This helps to identify patterns, anticipate opponents’ moves, and devise effective countermeasures, which can be transferable skills to real-world challenges.
Esports can nurture the development of essential skills in social awareness and empathy, with players meeting others from diverse backgrounds, cultures, and perspectives. This exposure encourages heightened social awareness, as gamers learn to appreciate and respect their teammates and opponents alike.
Understanding the emotions, motivations, and behaviours of others becomes integral to forming effective strategies and fostering positive team dynamics. The collaborative nature of esports can also breed empathy, as players learn to support each other during victories and setbacks. Moreover, engaging in online communities and forums exposes gamers to a wide range of opinions and experiences, enhancing their ability to empathise with various viewpoints or exchange differing opinions.
Participation in esports promotes the development of healthy gaming habits and enhances social-emotional learning (SEL).
Through structured practice schedules and competition, players learn the importance of managing their time effectively and maintaining a balance between their own health and wellbeing, gaming and other responsibilities.
Moreover, esports encourages collaboration, communication, and empathy, fostering strong social bonds and improving emotional intelligence. Facing both victories and defeats in the competitive landscape cultivates resilience and emotional regulation, vital components of SEL.
British Esports collaborate with some of the worlds leading education authorities and awarding organisations to supercharge academic studies.
LeadershipSkills
Developing Leadership Skills in esports for young students in school, with the Leadership Skills Foundation. More coming soon.
Pearson BTEC
Developing the world’s first esports BTEC qualification of its kind, British Esports partner with global education publisher Pearson.
College of Esports
Innovative and practice focused Foundation and Bachelor Degrees in a range of international esports business areas.
Sunderland College
We work with Sunderland College to help deliver the BTEC in Esports programme from the National Esports Performance Campus.
BETT SHOW
We partner with the British Educational Training and Technology (BETT) Show to deliver Esports at Bett.
EMPLOYER DIRECTORY
A member of the Institute for Apprenticeships and Technical Education, British Esports are responsible for developing the occupational standards within esports.
Education Summit
Join teachers, parents, students and educators at the UK’s leading Esports in Education summit. More information coming soon.
DUKE OF EDINBURGH
Explore the Duke of Edinburgh Award, a youth award programme widely recognised by employers throughout the UK
ExCeL London
Mark your calendar because Bett UK 2025 is back on 22-24 January 2025 at ExCeL London…
Events
Esports Education
22 – 24 January
Still have further questions? We’re here to help. Explore the questions we’re asked most often.
There are currently a number of qualifications available at schools, colleges and universities throughout the UK and internationally. Â
For school and college students interested in esports, they can choose to study a Level 1 or Level 2 Esports Leadership Qualification from the age of 11+ or a Level 2 or Level 3 BTEC in Esports, from a Certificate to an Extended Diploma from the age of 14+.
For higher education and university students interested in studying esports, they can choose to study a HNC (L4) or HND (L5) in Esports or an esports undergraduate degree (L6) or postgraduate degree (L7). There are now over 40 different esports degrees available from 14 different universities. Our recommended university for esports degrees is the College of Esports, with whom we have an exclusive university level partnership.
Explore the full range of qualifications available in higher education and university by visiting UCAS.
We work with some of the world’s leading educational authorities, partners and wider stakeholders to develop cutting edge esports curriculum, modern, transferable skills and progression pathways in esports, creative, digital, business, sport and STEM industries.
There are a number of esports qualifications available at academic institutions throughout the UK including Pearson BTEC National, Higher National and International Qualifications in Esports, from Level 2 to Level 5 and short courses developed with the Leadership Skills Foundation in Level 1 and Level 2 Esports Leadership.Â
As of 2023, close to 10,000 student learners aged 11+ have studied our qualifications.
For more information and to further understand the benefits that esports has in education, please visit our Education Hub or find your nearest provider on our approved Esports Centres Map.
The Student Champs is the UK’s largest amateur grassroots esports tournament, designed by British Esports for students aged 12+ and open to all Secondary Schools, Further Education (FE) Colleges and Alternative Provision (AP) Schools throughout the UK. Â
Engaging a wide demographic of young people, this extracurricular team-based activity helps students develop key transferable skills such as critical thinking and analysis, resilience, tolerance, flexibility, complex problem solving, digital literacy, social emotional learning (SEL) and much more!
Competing in the Student Champ provides students with the opportunity to master their aptitude for competitive play or get hands-on in a variety of creative roles broadcast, production, marketing, shoutcasting, coaching and more.
First established in 2016, The Student Champs continues to help provide an avenue to motivate and inspire students and has featured in excess of 5,000 players and 700 teams throughout its history.
For more information on the Student Champs, visit the Student Champs.
100% internally assessed, this course is progression focused and allows for practical and professional skills development.
The qualification also benefits from a compensatory grading model at Pass, Merit and Distinction, 16-18 and 19+ adult loan funding and UCAS points supporting direct progression to Higher Education and University.
The qualifications are truly cross-curricular in nature covering esports, business, sport, the creatives and STEM through a variety of units and modules such as:
For more information on the various BTEC qualifications available in esports, take a look at our Education Hub.
The Student Champs is open to all students aged 12+ at secondary schools, Further Education (FE) colleges and Alternative Provision (AP) schools throughout the UK.Â
Entry criteria for the Student Champs requires schools and colleges to be registered with the Department for Education or Education Scotland, or Colleges Scotland. A school or college must be able to provide a unique reference number if requested and accredited to deliver RQF Level 2 and/or Level 3 (SCQF Level 5 and/or Level 6) qualifications.
To participate in the Student Champs, players must be aged 12+ and registered to a school or college that is eligible to play in the Student Champs. Players must be registered full-time, or part-time at their school or college and study a minimum of 4 hours a week. Players studying online are also eligible to participate.Â
More universities are recognising the value of esports and offering relevant courses, programmes, and facilities to support students interested in this field.Â
The UK now boasts in excess of 40 university courses offered by 15 providers at the higher education level.Â
As the only university provider dedicated to esports, College of Esports boasts an impressive array of 16 diverse esports course.
Furthermore, university students interested in competitive esports have the opportunity to participate in competitions and tournaments in such renowned leagues such as the National Esports University League (NUEL) or National Student Esports (NSE).
When applying for university is it is important to consider the following:
For more information on the various courses and qualifications available in esports, take a look at our Education Hub.
When considering a UCAS application, it’s important to highlight the valuable experiences gained through participation in the British Esports Student Champs.
This presents an excellent opportunity to showcase personal development and relevant skills applicable to university progression, university life, and future careers. Universities highly value examples of student engagement in societies, effective time management, social skills, leadership abilities, teamwork, strategic thinking, dedication to improvement, digital proficiency, independence, and positive representation of the university and course as an ambassador.Â
Additionally, the fact that you have represented your college in a national competition is noteworthy and demonstrates your ability to present yourself well both in-person and online.Â
These achievements are certainly worth mentioning in your application. However, it is advisable to remain concise and prioritise discussing the aforementioned qualities rather than solely focusing on your in-game abilities, unless you are specifically applying for an esports scholarship and they specifically request information about this aspect.
Discover more about the leading amateur grassroots esports tournament for students in early education by visiting the British Esports Student Champs.
Progression pathways from esports education programmes include careers in Esports as well as other associated industries such as Business, Law, Entrepreneurship, Finance, STEM careers, Sports Science, Sports Coaching, Nutrition, Psychology, Production, Events Management, Journalism, Games Development, Marketing, Social Media, Content Creation and even the Military and the Public Services.
Esports students represent a group of tech agile individuals with a reservoir, armoury, and repertoire of skills that will support our economy to grow and thrive.
Many schools and employers are still unaware of nature of skills developed through gaming and esports.
Explore the range of career pathways in esports by visiting our Education Hub.
Esports develops a huge range of transferable skills, which employers want, including; communication, teamwork, leadership, strategic thinking, resilience, creativity, and the ability to use initiative and react in pressurised situations.
In 2020, British Esports partnered with Global Awarding Organisation, Pearson, as we launched a suite of BTEC National and International Qualifications in Esports, which at the highest level are equivalent to 3 A-levels and 168 UCAS points. These qualifications have been studied by over 10,000 student learners, with continued growth expected.
With over 40 University Esports Degrees available from September 2023 and alumni progression into a variety of careers or Higher Education pathways , esports continues to support engagement, re-engagement, progression, recruitment, retention, and the success of students.
We recommend that all schools, colleges and universities consider the benefits of introducing an esports provision into their institution and the impact this can have on developing student communities, fostering 21st century learning, skills development and creating tangible career opportunities for learners.Â
There are a number of ways of integrating esports education into your curriculum, this could be through recreational competition, gamification and digitalisation of learning or through delivering our range of government approved esports qualifications.Â
Speak to our Education team or take a look at our range of esports education case studies featuring different schools, colleges and universities who have implemented an esports provision.
Numerous institutions within British Esports’ expansive network of schools and colleges have taken proactive steps to establish esports academies that seamlessly integrate academic and sporting achievements.Â
As the competitive landscape of teams participating in the British Esports Student Champs continues to evolve, so too does the level of support extended to students, bridging the gap between academic excellence and performance enhancement.Â
This comprehensive approach includes training, competitive engagements, personalised one-on-one guidance, expert nutritional advice, coaching, psychological support, and thorough performance analysis – mirroring the operational model of conventional sports academies.Â
This integrated structure is designed to not only foster the discovery and cultivation of talent but also ensure holistic player development over the long term.
British Esports Federation host our annual Esports in Education Summit every February. It is at this time that we would advise any new schools or colleges to begin the implementation of their esports programmes ahead of the new academic year starting in September. During this time we have a track record of supporting centres to develop their curriculum intent and implementation of facilities and infrastructure.Â
Once established, centres have demonstrated impact through improved engagement, attendance, recruitment, retention, success, achievement and progression to positive destinations.Â
Each February, the British Esports Federation hosts the annual Esports in Education Summit, which serves as a pivotal juncture for advising new schools and colleges on the initiation of their esports programs in anticipation of the upcoming academic year commencing in September.Â
During this period, we have a proven history of assisting institutions in crafting their curriculum intent and executing the setup of facilities and infrastructure.Â
Once established, these centres have showcased tangible benefits, including heightened student engagement, enhanced attendance rates, elevated recruitment figures, improved student retention, greater academic success, notable achievements, and successful pathways towards positive future endeavours.
The British Esports Federation have partnered with the Department for Education and the Duke of Edinburgh Award to create a provision that allows for students to leverage their studies and (or) participation in esports qualifications towards a DofE Award in Esports.
The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award, famous for its Bronze, Silver and Gold Awards, offers esports as an official activity for its Skills section.Â
To count as a Skills section activity, participants will need to play as part of a structured tournament, such as the British Esports Student Champs.Â
Organisations that offer DofE programmes may also accept the playing of additional games (outside of the British Esports Student Champs). Â
The DofE licences thousands of organisations that work with young people, including schools, colleges and youth groups, to run the DofE across the UK.
For more information on the Duke of Edinburgh Award in Esports, please visit Duke of Edinburgh.
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