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Key details

Course area
Computing, IT and Esports
Student types
16 - 18 coursesCourses for 19+ students
Course type
Full-time Further Education course
Course level
Level 2
Start date
Tuesday 1st September 2026
Location
City Hub 111 Canal Street, Nottingham, NG1 7HB
Course code
Parent course code:C049431 Child course code: Q049432
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Course introduction

This qualification is for you if you are looking to progress to employment in the esports industry, possibly via an apprenticeship in a related industry, or if your aspirations may be to progress to further education.

The qualification is endorsed by The British Esports Association as being suitable for people wanting to work in this industry.

This is a career-focused qualification with industry endorsement enabling you to develop underpinning knowledge and technical and transferable skills that gain experience in a variety of different sections of the esports industry.

You will study four mandatory units:

  • Unit 1: Esports Games, Teams and Tournaments
  • Unit 2: Establishing an Esports Organisation
  • Unit 3: Streaming for Esports
  • Unit 4: Plan an Esports Event.

The mandatory content will allow you to develop your technical skills across the different unit areas, supported by underpinning knowledge. All assessment relates to the esports industry.

Communication skills are developed throughout the units, and you can also enhance your broader skills in ICT, while literacy and numeracy skills are also developed throughout.

You can expect:

Esports-specific topics:

You'll delve into the world of esports, learning about its history, culture, different games and genres, competitive formats, and even the skills needed to play at a high level.

Broader industry skills:

The course will also equip you with transferable skills relevant to the wider game and media industry.

This helps you apply your knowledge and gain real-world experience.

Career preparation: By learning esports-specific skills and broader industry knowledge, you'll be prepared for various career paths within the growing esports industry, such as event management, broadcasting, marketing, content creation, and even professional gaming.

Transferable skills: Even if you don't end up working directly in esports, the transferable skills you gain, like communication, teamwork, problem-solving, and digital literacy, are valuable in any career.

Passion-driven learning: If you're passionate about esports, this course can be a fun and engaging way to learn and deepen your knowledge while developing valuable skills.

A group of people standing around a banner stating 'Nottingham College - you're in good hands'.

You will be encouraged to participate in a 30-hour work placement while you are studying.

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Course information

1 year

Pearson BTEC Level 2 Certificate in Esports

You’ll need 4 GCSEs at Grade 9-3 (A*-D), including English Language and Maths – one of English Language or Maths must be grade 9-4 (A*-C). Functional Skills Level 1 can be used as equivalent to GCSE Grade 3 and Functional Skills Level 2 can be used as equivalent to GCSE Grade 4.

The BTEC Level 2 Certificate in Esports is assessed using internal assessments, which are set and marked by tutors.

Students taking this qualification may want to progress to further study such as Pearson BTEC Level 3 Nationals in Esports, Information Technology, Creative Media, Sport, Enterprise and Entrepreneurship or Business.

The qualification is endorsed by The British Esports Association as being suitable for students wanting to work in this industry. This means that it will be recognised by employers in a range of roles.

Successful completion of this qualification could also lead to being fully prepared to progress to an apprenticeship in the related sector, for example, in events, digital marketing or creative media, for example.

Students aged 16-18 don't have to pay tuition fees.

If you are aged 19 or over you may still be eligible for funding. Check out our Financial Help pages to find out more!

If you are an EU/EEA or Swiss National, please visit our EU Settled Status scheme page for more information.

Careers related to this course

Events Managers and Organisers

Potential Earnings

£52,406.08

Average Earnings

£25,064.09

Source: Office for National Statistics' Annual Survey of Hours and Earnings (ASHE).

Pathways

Marketing and Sales

People in these occupations conduct market research, create advertising content, sell goods, services, or property, and provide customer support.

Accommodation, Travel and Food Services

People in these occupations provide lodging, travel, and tourism support services and prepare and serve food and beverages.

Art, Performance and Design

People in these occupations create art and fine craftwork, produce and perform plays and motion pictures, and design graphics and other products.

Media, Publishing and Information Services

People in these occupations produce, publish, and release media and provide library, archive, curation, and information services.

Skills

Active Listening

Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.

Speaking

Talking to others to convey information effectively.

Critical Thinking

Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.

Monitoring

Monitoring/Assessing performance of yourself, other individuals, or organizations to make improvements or take corrective action.

Reading Comprehension

Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work related documents.
View more about this career

Economic data for careers is provided by Lightcast and also available through our Career Coach app. Job postings, employment and earnings information is represented at the regional level for the East Midlands.

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