The esports industry is a global phenomenon, valued at over £1.5 billion and projected to exceed £2.5 billion by 2025. With an audience of more than 540 million people worldwide, esports is now worth more than the music and film industries combined. Major events like the League of Legends World Championship can attract more than 100 million viewers, surpassing the Super Bowl, and online platforms such as Twitch, YouTube Gaming, and Facebook Gaming collectively attract over 1 billion hours of watch time each month.
High-profile investors include Drake, Post Malone, and Michael Jordan, while top content creators such as Ninja, Ludwig, Disguised Toast, and Moist Critical actively compete in, own or co-own their own esports organisations.
Activate Learning offers comprehensive Level 2 and Level 3 Esports & Digital Media courses designed to prepare students for a thriving career in the esports industry. Our programs are delivered using the UAL Level 2 Diploma in Creative Media Production & Technology and the UAL Level 3 Extended Diploma in Creative Media Production & Technology. These courses cover a wide range of topics, from foundational skills in live stream broadcasting, content creation, and basic game design, to advanced studies in esports coaching and psychology, social media marketing, graphic design, and event management.
Both levels emphasise project-based learning, real-world experience, and networking opportunities. Students engage in practical projects and hands-on activities, gaining a thorough understanding of the technical and creative aspects of the esports ecosystem. The curriculum is constantly updated to reflect industry trends, ensuring that students acquire the most relevant and up-to-date knowledge and skills, preparing them for immediate entry into the industry or further education.
What you'll learn
This qualification is the UAL Level 3 Diploma and Extended Diploma in Creative Media Production and Technology.
Students will cover a wide range of subjects, including:
- Esports Journalism
- Live Stream Broadcasting
- Content Creation
- Esports Professional Practice
- Unreal Engine Skills
- Esports Events
- Esports Coaching & Psychology
- Game Design & Production
- Social Media Marketing
- Graphic Design & Branding
- Health, Wellbeing & Fitness
- Audio Production
- Video Production & Editing
- Shoutcasting & Hosting
- VOD Review & Analysis
Skills developed include: creativity, critical thinking, research, planning, time management, teamwork, leadership, communication, networking, strategic thinking, problem-solving, decision-making, analytical skills, processing ability, reaction times, and Adobe Suite dexterity.
Students will use industry-standard tools such as Unreal Engine 5, UEFN, Adobe Suite, VMIX, Insights, OBS Studio, Blender, and Microsoft Suite, and have access to professional equipment.
How you'll learn and be assessed
Teaching methods include project-based learning, workshops, tutor-led sessions, in-person and remote asynchronous learning, and weekly student reflection journals.
Coursework is structured into three formative projects and one summative final major project per year. Assessments are varied, including written work, presentations, recorded audio files, and videos, all collected into a portfolio hosted on One Drive. Students are encouraged to engage in public speaking, recorded discussions, and both individual and group work.
Practical experience is emphasised through collaborations with organisations like Fnatic, Giant X, and End Point, and participation in the British Esports Student National Championship. Guest lectures from industry professionals further enrich the learning.
UAL Awarding Body believes in transformative education. They design and award creative qualifications that empower and inspire educators to help students reach their potential.
UAL Awarding Body is regulated by Ofqual, Qualifications Wales and CCEA Regulation and currently offers qualifications in Art and Design, Fashion Business and Retail, Creative Media Production and Technology, Music Performance and Production and Performing and Production Arts. They are also the UK’s leading Foundation Diploma in Art and Design provider. Their qualifications have high retention and achievement rates because they are flexible, responsive, and relevant to industry needs and facilitate student progression.
Progression
This course prepares students for the professional world with a constantly evolving curriculum guided by industry trends and technology enhancements.
Graduates can pursue careers in:
- Events Management
- Journalism
- Games Design & Programming
- Audio & Visual Design
- Business & Entrepreneurship
- Marketing & Social Media
- Content Creation
- Videography
- Sports & Esports Coaching
- Nutrition
- Psychology
- Data Analysis
- Broadcast Operations
Previous graduates have secured roles in university placements, shoutcasting & broadcasting, content creation, esports organisation management, coaching, professional playing, journalism, and data analysis.
Entry requirements
Level 3: 4 GCSEs at grade 4 including maths and English, with the other two ideally in related subjects or progression from the Level 2 course.
Applicants should demonstrate a passion for esports, previous engagement with esports content, a good understanding of industry trends, and a positive attitude towards healthy gaming habits. While not required, a portfolio of previous experience with the esports or gaming industry is ideal. Applications can be submitted on the website.
