STUDY

Undergraduate

BA (Hons) Esports*

Close-up of gaming chair
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

This BA (Hons) Esports course 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 esports while gaining practical skills in event management, content creation, and live streaming.

The course begins by delving into the roots of esports, tracing its evolution from niche communities to a global phenomenon that rivals traditional sports in terms of viewership and excitement. You will analyse different esports genres and major titles, understanding the unique characteristics and strategies employed by professional players in various games, including MOBAs, first-person shooters, battle royales, and fighting games. Following this, you will learn about the complex ecosystem of stakeholders that surround the industry, such as professional teams, leagues, organisations, event organisers, and sponsors. You will gain valuable insights into the business side of esports, exploring topics such as team management, sponsorship deals, marketing strategies, and audience engagement. You will also acquire hands-on experience with live-streaming platforms, content creation techniques, and online engagement strategies to develop a loyal following. 

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

A student sitting with a laptop

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.

In this module you will be exposed to a range of different esports genres through the examination and
analysis of gameplay, learning to highlight important moments and the elements that lead up to those
moments. Elements of data analysis and statistics are also introduced through this module.

Digital Marketing is now a fundamental part of any esports business. In this module, you'll learn how digital marketing contributes to modern-day marketing methods.

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.

This is not just a module about quantitative methods and data, you will be encouraged to consider multiple
types of data and the role that they can play in decision-making. The module acts as a context-led introduction to research methods and the design of data collection and research projects, vital to you as you enter Level 6.

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 begin to look at these in the scope of an esports event. You will learn about the interplay between game casters, hosts and players by streaming a simulated event.

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'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.

A single esports game has the potential to generate a significant amount of quantitative data. In this module, you'll how esports managers, players and event organisers can use this data to improve both player and viewer experiences.

Throughout this module, you will engage with brands considering how brands are formed and established,
examining the development of their cultural meaning, their ability to transform consumer experience, build identity and develop equity from both a financial and stakeholder perspective. This module also looks at
your own personal brand as you come to the end of your degree and go out into the world of esports.

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

A student sitting with a laptop

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.

In this module you will be exposed to a range of different esports genres through the examination and
analysis of gameplay, learning to highlight important moments and the elements that lead up to those
moments. Elements of data analysis and statistics are also introduced through this module.

Digital Marketing is now a fundamental part of any esports business. In this module, you'll learn how digital marketing contributes to modern-day marketing methods.

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.

This is not just a module about quantitative methods and data, you will be encouraged to consider multiple
types of data and the role that they can play in decision-making. The module acts as a context-led introduction to research methods and the design of data collection and research projects, vital to you as you enter Level 6.

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 begin to look at these in the scope of an esports event. You will learn about the interplay between game casters, hosts and players by streaming a simulated event.

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'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.

A single esports game has the potential to generate a significant amount of quantitative data. In this module, you'll how esports managers, players and event organisers can use this data to improve both player and viewer experiences.

Throughout this module, you will engage with brands considering how brands are formed and established,
examining the development of their cultural meaning, their ability to transform consumer experience, build identity and develop equity from both a financial and stakeholder perspective. This module also looks at
your own personal brand as you come to the end of your degree and go out into the world of esports.

Waterfront Building reflecting in the marina

WHY SUFFOLK

16th place in the Whatuni Student Choice Awards for Best Facilities 2023

WUSCA 2023

5th place in the Whatuni Student Choice Awards for Career Prospects 2023

WUSCA 2023

14th place in the Whatuni Student Choice Awards for Student Support 2023

WUSCA 2023
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Student at Games Development Lab
Three students gaming in classroom
Computer Games and Creative Technologies
Front view of a blurred computer screen and part of a student head. Main background view of a Games Development Student looking at a PC screen.
Gaming Students
Students inside the Atrium Building
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*

£9,250

per year
UK Part-time Tuition Fee*

£1,454*

per 20 credit module

* Maximum tuition fees chargeable to Home-fee students are set by the UK Government normally in the autumn or early winter in the year prior to the year of entry (e.g. autumn 2024 for entry in 2025/26). The University of Suffolk reserves the right to increase tuition fees for 2025/26 if the UK Government increases the maximum annual fee. International tuition fees for 2025/26 will be confirmed and updated here in May 2024.

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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