STUDY

Undergraduate

BA (Hons) Esports*

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Course options: Professional Placement
Institution code: S82
UCAS code: I602
Start date: September 2025
Duration: Three years full-time, four and a half to nine years part-time
Location: Ipswich
Typical Offer: 112 UCAS tariff points (or above) BBC (A-Level) DMM (BTEC), Merit (T Level)
Course options: Professional Placement
Institution code: S82
UCAS code: I602
Start date: September 2025
Duration: Three years full-time, four and a half to nine years part-time
Location: Ipswich
Typical Offer: 112 UCAS tariff points (or above) BBC (A-Level) DMM (BTEC), Merit (T Level)
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* Subject to validation

Overview

Taught in our brand new esports facility, our BA (Hons) Esports degree provides you with an immersive journey into the fascinating realm of competitive gaming, focusing on the art and science behind esports success. Through a combination of theoretical knowledge, hands-on experiences, and practical skills, you will explore the history, development and future of the growing esports industry, while gaining practical skills in event management, content creation, marketing, and digital broadcasting and livestreaming.

The course begins by exploring the esports industry, tracing its evolution from niche communities to the global phenomenon, and multi-million-pound industry it is today. You will learn about the complex ecosystem of stakeholders that surround the industry such as professional teams, leagues, organisations, event organisers, and sponsors.

This dynamic and exciting degree will give you valuable insights into the business side of esports by exploring topics such as team management, sponsorship deals, marketing strategies, and audience engagement. You will also acquire hands-on experience with digital broadcasting workflows, content creation techniques, and online engagement strategies to grow and develop your brand. During your time on the course, you will learn how to run an esports event from start to finish and have opportunities to apply your learning to a range of unique challenges and projects.

 

Register your interest

If you'd like to know more about this course, including updates on our new facilities, taster sessions and interactive webinars please register your interest below.

Register now
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The University of Suffolk is world-class and committed to our region. We are proudly modern and innovative and we believe in transformative education. We are on the rise with a focus on student satisfaction, graduate prospects, spending on academic services and student facilities.

10th

in the UK for feedback satisfaction in Computer Science and Information Systems

(The Guardian University Guide 2023)

2nd

in the East of England for graduate prospects

(The Complete University Guide 2024)

11th

in the UK for social inclusion

(The Good University Guide 2023)

Course Modules

Our undergraduate programmes are delivered as 'block and blend', more information can be found on Why Suffolk? You can also watch our Block and Blend video 

Downloadable information regarding all University of Suffolk courses, including Key Facts, Course Aims, Course Structure and Assessment, is available in the Definitive Course Record

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This module lays much of the foundation for the rest of the course. You will study the rise of competitive gaming, from pinball and arcade tournaments to modern league and tournament structures. You will also cover the ethics of esports and some of the issues that have arisen such as gambling and fraud.

Digital Media plays an important role in modern creative industries like esports and broadcasting, you will develop creative artefacts including edited videos and graphics and explore their applications in esports and beyond.

This module introduces the core principles of digital marketing and e-commerce to prepare you for the challenges of launching a business or driving growth in an existing one.

With esports streamed live on the global stage, this module exposes you to the tools and platforms used
by streamers and casters, allowing you to develop the skills necessary to set up and run a stream of your
own. Additionally, you will get hands-on experience with a professional digital broadcasting suite and production workflows in esports.

This module explores the current business and financial challenges within the esports industry. From predatory player contracts to content monetisation and fundraising, you will learn how to run an esports business and what opportunities are available for growth.

In this module, you will start with the fundamental components of what makes a successful esports event before combining those elements and learning how to lead and manage large-scale, global esports tournaments and the many challenges involved.

Building off the skills and understanding developed in your Introduction to Streaming and Online Broadcasts module, you will deepen your understanding of digital broadcasting workflows and practice. You will utilise the full professional broadcast suite for esports broadcasts and how to construct narratives within the spectators’ experience.

Balancing the many demands of an Esports team leader can be challenging. In this module, you'll experience what it means to be an effective team leader capable of managing a dynamic and successful esports team.

In this module, you will have the opportunity to undertake a significant piece of research on a topic of your choosing, deepen your understanding, and present cutting-edge knowledge for industry and/or academic audiences.

In this module, you'll plan, produce and run a significant esports event. This module is your opportunity to bring together everything you have learned throughout your degree and presents the most significant assessment on the course.

Throughout this module you will develop an advanced understanding of building and managing brands, designing communication strategies, and implementing integrated marketing communications.

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WHY SUFFOLK

2nd in the UK for Career Prospects

WUSCA 2024

3rd in the UK for spend on academic services

Complete University Guide 2025

4th in the UK for Teaching Satisfaction

Guardian University Guide 2024
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Student at Games Development Lab
Three students gaming in classroom
Computer Games and Creative Technologies
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Gaming Students
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Inside the Atrium Building

Entry Requirements

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Career Opportunities

Students that complete this BA (Hons) Esports degree have the potential to progress into a successful career as a:

  • Esports Event Manager, Esports Team Manager
  • Esports Player
  • Esports Data Analyst, Business Analyst
  • Event Manager / Coordinator
  • Digital Marketing Expert
  • Live Streaming / Broadcasting Engineer
  • Event Live Stream Producer
  • Project Manager

Your Course Team

Chris Janes

Chris was formerly a gameplay programmer who worked on various games, most notably Hidden: Source. His teaching includes software design and AI for games.

Chris Janes staff profile photo

Nick Thomas

Nick is a Lecturer in Computing and since joining the University of Suffolk, Nick has researched and worked on projects utilising VR technology.

Nick Thomas staff profile photo

Heather Bishop

Heather has pursued a career in Academia to support her research in game design having graduated from the University of Suffolk in 2018.

Heather Bishop staff profile photo

Fees and Funding

UK Full-time Tuition Fee

£9,535

per year
UK Part-time Tuition Fees

£1,589*

per 20 credit module
International Full-time Tuition Fee

£15,690

per year

*Please contact Student Centre for further information on part-time fees

The decision to study a degree is an investment into your future, there are various means of support available to you in order to help fund your tuition fees and living costs. You can apply for funding from the Spring before your course starts.

UK Fees and Finance UK Bursaries and Scholarships International Fees and Scholarships

Ipswich Award

The University of Suffolk is offering a £1,000 Award for students joining the University of Suffolk’s Ipswich campus. The Award is based on specific eligibility criteria based on your year of entry.

More information
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How to Apply

To study this course on a full-time basis, you can apply through UCAS. As well as providing your academic qualifications, you’ll be able to showcase your skills, qualities and passion for the subject.

Apply Now Further Information on Applying
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