Full-Time
September
£6,700
Visits and field trips
Rochdale Road
Face to face workshops, lectures, seminars and tutorials.
HNC Esports
Pearson
Our HNC Esports course empowers students to thrive in one of the UK’s fastest-growing technology sectors and join the next generation of professionals in this billion-pound industry. Whether aspiring to become Esports managers, content creators, event organisers or industry analysts, students are equipped with the expertise needed to thrive in this rapidly evolving world.
Our exclusive partnership with Manchester City in the Community allows us to have access to a world leading brand and provide opportunities that no other college could offer. Working closely with Manchester City Esports, students will have access to professionals within the industry in addition to once-in-a-lifetime experiences.
This is a career-focused qualification with industry endorsement that enables learners to gain underpinning knowledge and develop technical and transferable skills that are transferable to a range of careers in a global marketplace.
Esports Ecosystem
As we move deeper into the digital age, the transferable skills required to work in the esports industry reflect those predicted to play a major role in the employment of future generations across a wide range of job roles. This unit will introduce students to the network of organisations and key stakeholders such as publishers, teams, leagues, tournaments and governing bodies that form the esports ecosystem which - compared with most established industries - is in its infancy and some might say embryonic. While the significant growth of the industry is exciting, rapid expansion comes with difficulties that may need consideration for the sustainability of esports. With an understanding of the industry and potential future developments, students can research existing enterprises and professionals to consider their own preferred career pathways in readiness to formulate a strategic career plan.
Skills and Tactics Analysis
In the fast-paced world of esports, where split-second decision making and strategic thinking can determine the outcome of a game, the ability to analyse skills and tactics is of utmost importance. This unit aims to provide students with the knowledge and skills required to assess and enhance the skill and tactical performance of esports performers. By analysing their own gameplay, participants can identify areas for improvement and focus on developing specific skills. On successful completion of this unit, students will be able to apply the principles of evidence-informed performance analysis, giving those who aspire to become athletes, coaches or team managers the ability to provide valuable guidance to players, enhance team performance and facilitate the overall growth and success of their esports organisations.
Event Planning and Delivery
Esports events are one of the most exciting and enjoyable aspects of the industry. From large-scale international tournaments to smaller-scale training camps and conferences, esports events allow enthusiasts to share a unique experience. The aim of this unit is for students to gain first-hand experience of the planning requirements for an esports event to ensure it will engage the target audience. Students will also learn about the financial aspects of esports events and how to produce a budget based on realistic financial forecasts. Students will then deliver and review their own esports event.
Planning an Esports Project
The aim of this unit is to give students an opportunity to demonstrate the research skills required for developing a deeper understanding of esports and the ability to use data and evidence to inform decisions. Students will undertake independent research and investigation of a theme set by Pearson. Based on these findings, students will use the outcomes to provide solutions to a brief that will then be presented with justifications. On successful completion of this unit, students will have the confidence to engage in decision making, problem solving, research activities and project-planning tasks. They will have the fundamental knowledge and skills that will enable them to investigate and examine esports concepts in a work-related, professional context to determine appropriate outcomes and solutions.
Branding and Sponsorship
This unit is directly relevant to job roles in esports marketing, brand strategy, sponsorship coordination and event management. By exploring the subject area of esports branding and sponsorship, students will gain a comprehensive understanding of the key factors that drive success in this dynamic industry. Students will explore the fundamental components of branding, including brand identity, messaging and positioning, and analyse existing esports brands to identify their strengths and weaknesses. This unit not only prepares students for challenges and opportunities in the esports industry but establishes a foundation for further study and progression in the field of esports branding, marketing and sponsorship.
Audio-Visual Production
Audio-visual production plays a paramount role in the success and remarkable growth of esports. Its impact goes far beyond the live event experience, significantly shaping the industry's image, attracting valuable sponsors, engaging viewers and fostering the development of talented individuals. Throughout this unit, students will acquire a comprehensive understanding of the fundamental principles underlying light, sound and visual output. By grasping these principles, students will have the opportunity to develop strategies tailored specifically to the dynamic esports environment. On successful completion of this unit, students will have the opportunity to understand the intricacies of job roles and comprehend technical equipment and leverage this knowledge to fulfil the demands of a predefined brief. This hands-on experience equips students with practical expertise and an awareness of the evolving needs within the audio-visual production industry.
Wellbeing, Lifestyle and Health
Where the digital universe collides with competitive gaming, prioritising the wellbeing, lifestyle and health of esports athletes is crucial. This unit explores the theoretical foundations and practical applications of promoting wellbeing within the esports ecosystem, providing students with the knowledge and skills needed to pursue careers as wellness coaches, health educators and fitness instructors in the esports industry. Students will delve into various aspects of physical and mental health, lifestyle management and overall wellbeing strategies tailored to the unique challenges and demands faced by esports athletes, teams and organisations, and will get familiar with roles such as wellness coach, health educator or fitness instructor. Students will develop critical skills such as communication, critical thinking, analysis, reasoning and interpretation, which are essential for supporting the wellbeing of esports athletes and contributing to the overall success of esports teams and organisations.
Governance and Legislation
Effective governance and legislation are crucial to ensuring the sustainability, integrity and success of the esports industry. This unit is designed to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of the key governance structures, ethical considerations and legal frameworks that shape the esports industry. Students will explore sustainability principles, examine the roles and responsibilities of various stakeholders, evaluate governance models and propose improvements to existing structures. The unit explores challenges associated with governing competitive esports, along with proposals for improving existing governance structures. Students will delve into the legal and regulatory frameworks governing esports at national and international levels, focusing on licensing requirements, contractual elements, intellectual property laws, integrity measures and data protection and privacy laws.
Reports and Presentations
Industry professionals are regularly invited into the studios as guest practitioners to deliver lectures and workshops. There are also opportunities for external visits to locations relevant to your future employment aspirations.
You are encouraged to seek out placements and work experience and are supported with this as part of your studies. Live briefs and competition briefs are a key element of course content.
Esports students will develop a range of highly transferable skills, and you could expect to find employment in a wide range of sectors.
Whether aspiring to become Esports managers, content creators, event organisers or industry analysts, students are equipped with the basics to build upon to gain a career within the industry.
You may choose to further your education and progress onto HND Esports or a related degree programme.
Students who have recently been in education are likely to need:
a BTEC Level 3 qualification in Esports
a related Level 3 qualification
an Access to Higher Education Diploma from an approved further education institution
a GCE Advanced Level (A Level) profile that demonstrates strong performance in a relevant subject or adequate performance in more than one GCE subject
an international equivalent to the above qualifications.
It is strongly recommended that this profile is supported by GCSE grades at A*/9 to C/4 in subjects such as Maths and English.
Mature students with extensive construction industry experience (paid and/or unpaid) and/or achievement of a range of professional qualifications in their work sector will be considered.
Applicants may be invited to an interview to discuss their qualifications and experience.