Higher National Certificate in Esports

GCSE Maths and English Grade 4+

For students who have recently been in education, the entry profile is likely to include one of the following:

- A BTEC Level 3 or T Level qualification in a related subject such as Esports, Sports, IT & Computing, Games, Business, Media, Events (or other related Level 3 qualifications)
- A GCSE advanced level profile that demonstrates strong performance in a relevant subject or adequate performance in more than one GCSE subject. This profile is likely to be supported by GCSE grades at 9-4 (A* to C) or equivalent

- An Access to Higher Education diploma awarded by an approved further education institution
- Related work experience
- An international equivalent of the above
We also consider applicants prior learning when considering their acceptance on a Pearson BTEC Higher Nationals, through recognition of prior learning.

The teaching and assessment of the Pearson BTEC Higher National qualifications in Esports are designed to be comprehensive and interactive, focusing on practical skills development and theoretical understanding. The program employs a variety of teaching methods, including lectures, seminars, workshops, and guest speakers from the Esports industry to enhance learning. Assessment is varied, encompassing coursework, projects, presentations, and practical tasks, allowing students to demonstrate their knowledge and skills in real-world scenarios. This approach ensures that students are well-prepared for careers in the Esports industry, with a strong emphasis on employability skills and industry-specific knowledge.

GCSE Maths and English Grade 4+ are crucial for the Pearson BTEC Higher National qualifications in Esports as they lay the foundational skills necessary for effective communication and analytical reasoning within the Esports industry. A strong grasp of English is essential for understanding complex game strategies, communicating effectively with team members and clients, and for creating compelling content and presentations. Similarly, GCSE Maths proficiency is important for analyzing game statistics, managing budgets, and understanding the mathematical aspects of game design and strategy. These qualifications embed the development of maths and English within their curriculum, emphasizing their importance not just as academic subjects but as essential skills for professional success in the Esports sector.

Typically, courses like this aim to provide students with practical experience through industry placements, internships, or projects in collaboration with Esports companies, event organizers, and related businesses. These opportunities could involve working in Esports team management, event production, content creation, or game development, offering students real-world experience and networking opportunities to kickstart their careers in the Esports industry.

The Pearson BTEC Higher National qualifications in Esports have established strong industry links to ensure that the curriculum is relevant, current, and aligned with the needs of the Esports sector. Collaborative development has been a cornerstone of these qualifications, with contributions from various educational institutions, professional bodies, and Esports organizations. Notable collaborations include:

• British Esports Federation: A key partner that plays a pivotal role in the Esports industry, focusing on growth, education, talent development, and creating a thriving Esports ecosystem. The collaboration with the British Esports Federation ensures that the qualifications are aligned with industry standards and prepare students for entry-level jobs in the sector.

• Esports and Education Organizations: Contributions from organizations like Activate Learning, EPIC.LAN, and Guild Esports demonstrate the qualifications' connection to the practical aspects of the Esports industry, from event management to team operations.

These collaborations ensure that students are exposed to a wide range of perspectives within the Esports industry and have access to potential placement opportunities, industry insights, and networking possibilities. The partnership with the British Esports Federation, in particular, highlights a commitment to aligning the qualifications with the specific needs of the Esports sector, enhancing students' employability and readiness for the professional world.

The Pearson BTEC Higher National qualifications in Esports require a substantial time commitment from students, reflecting the depth and breadth of learning and skills development. For the Higher National Certificate (HNC), which is a Level 4 qualification consisting of 120 credits, students typically study full-time over one year or part-time over two years. For the Higher National Diploma (HND), a Level 4 and Level 5 qualification with 240 credits, the usual study duration is two years full-time or four years part-time. The Total Qualification Time (TQT) for the HNC is 1200 hours, and for the HND, it is 2400 hours. This includes both guided learning hours (GLH) and independent learning hours (ILH), with each 15-credit unit comprising 60 GLH and 90 ILH, highlighting the program's intensive nature and the commitment required to succeed.

Full-time
HNC students spend 12 hours per week in class delivery.
Monday to Friday 9am -5.30pm

The aim of the Pearson BTEC Higher National qualifications in Esports is to equip students with a blend of practical skills and theoretical knowledge necessary for a successful career in the Esports industry. By collaborating with industry experts and institutions, the course provides current and relevant content, ensuring students are prepared for various professional roles in Esports operations, production, athlete support, or development. It focuses on developing employability skills alongside specialized Esports knowledge, enabling students to pursue career opportunities, further education, or entrepreneurship within the Esports sector.

The Pearson BTEC Higher National qualifications in Esports encompass a range of core and specialist modules designed to provide a comprehensive understanding of the Esports industry. The course structure includes:

Core Mandatory Units:
• Esports Ecosystem: Understanding the structure and dynamics of the global Esports market.
• Skills and Tactics Analysis: Analytical skills for game strategies and performance improvement.
• Event Planning and Delivery: The fundamentals of organizing and managing Esports events.
• Planning an Esports Project: Project management skills tailored to the Esports industry.

Specialist Units:
• Entrepreneurial Ventures: Insights into starting and managing entrepreneurial ventures in Esports.
• Branding and Sponsorship: Strategies for branding and securing sponsorships in the Esports domain.
• Tournament Operations: Operational aspects of organizing and executing Esports tournaments.

Optional Units:
• Ethics and Fair Play: Ethical considerations and promoting fair play in Esports.
• Game Design Philosophy: Understanding the principles of game design and its impact on Esports.
• Governance and Legislation: Legal frameworks and governance structures within the Esports industry.

Level 4 Specialist Units in Areas Such as:
• Operations Management: Focused on the operational aspects of running Esports ventures.
• Production: Covering the production and broadcasting aspects of Esports events.
• Athlete Support and Development: Focused on coaching, health, and logistical support for Esports athletes.

These modules are designed to equip students with a broad skill set, encompassing both the business and technical aspects of Esports, preparing them for a variety of roles within the industry.